The 2016 Humanitarian Award

As an employee-owned company, beyond focusing on satisfying our customers, we embrace our ability to create positive change in the communities where we work, live, and play. We thrive on volunteering and contributing resources that, when combined with others, make an enormous impact on the health and well-being of communities worldwide. We’d like to recognize Glenwood Mason Supply Company, Inc. and company president Constance Cincotta, for their dedication to The Interfaith Nutrition Network (The INN) of Long Island, New York. Connie recently established the “Marion & Joseph Cincotta Kitchen” at The INN to honor the memory of her parents. She and Glenwood Mason Supply Company, Inc. were honored with the 2016 Humanitarian of the Year award at The INNkeepers’ Ball earlier this month. About The INN The Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island (New York) by providing food, shelter, long-term housing, and supportive services in a dignified and respectful manner for those who seek help. The INN is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization with a dedicated staff, a broad base of community support, and a commitment to educate the public about these issues. The INN was founded in 1983 as a single soup kitchen run by a small group of concerned volunteers. What began as a tiny seed quickly grew as other communities discovered that hungry people existed in their community, too. As word spread about the success of the Hempstead soup kitchen, The INN became a magnet for individuals who wanted to help those who were hungry in their own communities. By sharing their knowledge, the volunteers began to form an interfaith network of soup kitchens to feed hungry Long Islanders. Soon after the Hempstead soup kitchen began operations, others opened in Long Beach, Freeport and Central Islip. Each of these soup kitchens quickly filled a desperate need that existed in these communities. Now there are a total of 14 soup kitchens in 21 locations, operating as part of The INN’s network across Long Island. More than 5,000 people are fed each week. The INN is the largest private social service agency of its kind on Long Island. The Hempstead soup kitchen grew into a multifaceted effort when the volunteers discovered that dealing with hunger was only one of the problems facing the soup kitchen guests. Many of the children and adults who visited The INN were also homeless. The INN responded to this problem by opening its first emergency shelter in 1984. The INN instituted a series of wide-ranging programs to help people who were plagued by hunger and homelessness. Today, over thirty years later, the story continues with soup kitchens, emergency shelters and a long-term housing program. If you are interested in making a charitable gift, contact Dorian Stern, Director of Fundraising at (516) 486-8506 ext.106 or dstern@the-inn.org.