Page 30 - 13th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards Program

Innovation

Ted Cavooris, Director of Youth Outreach Maureen Fagan, Assistant Director, Corporate Communications
Cinema Arts Centre Gurwin Healthcare System
423 Park Ave, Huntington, NY 11743 68 Hauppauge Road, Commack, NY 11725
(631) 423-7610 | www.cinemaartscentre.org 631-715-2000 | www.gurwin.org
For over 50 years, the Cinema Arts Centre has been at the heart of Long Island’s film culture, using Since 1988 Gurwin Healthcare System has been dedicated to the well-being of frail, elderly and
cinema as a tool for education, connection, and social change. In 2024, that legacy grew with medically complex older adults, combining clinical excellence with compassionate, person-
the launch of the Long Island Youth Film Festival (LIYFF)—an innovative, youth-led initiative that centric care through our many services and programs. The Gurwin team is united by a desire
elevates the voices of the next generation of filmmakers. to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults, and is imbued with a commitment
to care for every resident as if they are their very own family members, whether in our skilled
Created and organized by the Cinema Arts Centre’s Youth Advisory Board, LIYFF reimagines nursing and rehabilitation centers, our adult day care and home care programs, or our assisted
what a youth film festival can be. It’s more than a showcase—it’s a collaborative space where living and independent living communities.
young creatives engage with industry professionals through filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions,
and networking events. LIYFF is entirely youth-driven, with programming, branding, and That same Gurwin commitment to quality care extends to a commitment to quality-of-life
outreach designed for young people, by young people. The festival’s debut featured 23 films across initiatives from which sprang the concept of our Gurwin Immersion Room, a cutting-edge
multiple genres, highlighting exceptional talent while providing young filmmakers with the tools, “immersive” virtual reality innovation that provides a multi-sensory, truly immersive experience
opportunities, and confidence to share their unique perspectives. for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Through grant support from the
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, we are now able to provide empowering experiences that
To extend its reach, LIYFF has adopted innovative platforms to streamline digital submissions, place our residents back in the driver’s seat or traveling the world, as well as those that allow
enhance communication, and expand outreach through targeted social media campaigns. The fitness buffs to take part in exercise programs or thrill seekers to relive the excitement of a
overwhelming response to LIYFF reflects a growing demand for spaces where young artists can rollercoaster ride. The Immersion Room is helping our memory care residents regain a sense of
experiment, share ideas, and gain real-world experience. As the festival continues to grow, it will independence, while reducing anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms.
redefine how youth-driven cinema is celebrated, serving as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers
who will shape the future of independent film. We are honored to be a finalist for the Innovation award. Our hope is to extend this technology
to others, and to develop additional applications including dietary interventions to encourage
For more information, visit FilmFreeway.com/LIYouthFilmFestival or follow @liyouthff on Instagram. eating and weight gain, and virtual field trips to life events, such as family weddings. The
possibilities are simply endless!

Suzanne Chimera, Co-Founder Tuqa Youssef, Program Manager
Hair We Share We Connect The Dots, Inc.
350 Jericho Tpk. Suite 3 Jericho, NY 11753 300 Great Oaks Blvd, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12203
(516) 484-8483 | www.hairweshare.org (631) 468-7475 | www.we-connect-the-dots.org
Transforming lives one strand at a time, Hair We Share provides high-quality wigs to those in need, We Connect The Dots, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals,
free of charge. We focus on compassion and creativity, making a difference for individuals facing particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities, by igniting passion and
medical hair loss. knowledge in modern-day skills such as coding, cybersecurity, and business automation. Our
mission focuses on bridging the gap between education and the demands of the 21st-century
Our innovative approach includes an extensive inventory of ready-to-distribute wigs, made from workforce through robust partnerships with community leaders, educational institutions,
donated ponytails and tailored to meet recipients’ unique needs. These custom wigs help restore government agencies, and industry pioneers.
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in the way of someone regaining their sense of normalcy. emerging skill. Unlike traditional programs, it offers industry-recognized certifications that
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Additionally, we empower individuals by involving volunteers with developmental disabilities who world-class instruction regardless of location. Collaborations with tech leaders like Microsoft
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When you support Hair We Share, you’re not just helping us create wigs; you’re joining a movement The program’s success is demonstrated by a 90% training completion rate and 73% of
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By equipping participants with in-demand AI skills, We Connect the Dots continues to foster
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evolving, technology-driven world.

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