Sister Mary Ann’s College Wide Helping Hands Hardship FunD
Unexpected challenges shouldn’t prevent students from completing their education
Evolution of the Fund
Fifty years ago, in 1974, Sister Mary Ann Borrello, a professor at Suffolk County Community College, established the college’s first campus-based food pantry in Brentwood. Throughout the years, the college’s Foundation has sought donations for the Sister Mary Ann Helping Hands Fund to support the food pantries. Annual response has been generous, enabling the fund to provide food to students and their families during the holiday season.
Fast-forward to today, where a growing number of students on all three campuses are seeking additional resources in order to address an immediate financial need or personal crisis. In 2024, Sister Mary Ann made the determination to expanded the fund’s priorities to also include financial resources for students, college-wide, who are facing various hardships.
Impact of the Hardship Fund
Perhaps it’s an aging car that finally gives out. Or the need to add extra work shifts to help provide for an ailing family member. While an unexpected crisis is something that we can all relate to, it often affects Suffolk students in challenging ways. For many, the demands associated with these kinds of obstacles can derail even the best laid plans—up to an including the inability to continue their education. However, by contributing to the Sister Mary Ann College-Wide Hardship Fund, you can insure that students have the resources to complete their academic goals, even during unforeseen circumstances.
How You Can Help Make an Impact!
The fund is supported by donations from alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and friends who are dedicated to helping every Suffolk Shark successfully reach the end of their educational journey regardless of sudden, unexpected events that cause a financial hardship.
Your gift will support the food pantries on all three campuses, as well as provide financial support for students experiencing unforeseen financial challenges that might prohibit them from completing their education.
Donations can be made with cash, check or credit card.
Suffolk Community College Foundation
Memo: Sister Mary Ann’s College Wide Helping Hands Hardship Fund
The Cottage - 533 College Road, Selden, NY 11784
Create your own fundraiser in support of Sister Mary Ann’s College Wide Helping Hands Hardship Fund
Sister Mary Ann Borrello at the food pantry she started in the 1970s. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
December 23, 2020 Newsday "Community college's 'Sister Mary Ann' leaving legacy of philanthropy, kindness" By Catherine Carrera