Help Steer SI COAD in FY26
We’re inviting Expressions of Interest from coalition members who want to take on a more active role in guiding our work. The Steering Committee brings together partners from across Staten Island to shape strategy, support coordination, and strengthen preparedness.
📝 Submit your interest by May 30, 2025
Click here to access the interest form.
See here for more information about this opportunity:
Questions? Contact Michelle Bascome, Director of Programs & Development, michelle@nonprofitstatenisland.org
Connect with SI COAD!
Join our network to stay informed and engaged with the Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SI COAD). By filling out this form, you’ll be added to our listserv, ensuring you receive our monthly newsletter, coalition meeting reminders, and critical updates. We’ll keep you informed about weather watches, health advisories, and key events, as well as any response activities during incident activation. For urgent communications, including event updates and serious advisories, we may also reach out via phone or text. Whether you’re a new or existing stakeholder, please provide your current contact information to stay connected and informed.
The Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SI COAD) coalition is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of Staten Island organizations to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, emergencies, and community crises. With an explicit focus on serving Staten Island, our mission is better prepare partners for disasters and emergencies, and facilitate efficient and effective collective action and response in the event of such crises, utilizing communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration.
Since our inception in 2012, SI COAD has become a vital space for collaboration and learning, bringing together diverse cross-sector stakeholders to address the unique needs of Staten Island. Coalition leaders and members foster strategic partnerships and provide essential tools and training to enhance readiness and resilience across the borough. By cultivating a culture of collaborative planning and mutual support, we help partners stay ahead of potential risks and respond swiftly when crises arise.
The SI COAD is committed to ensuring that essential voices are represented, vital services are available, and equitable response efforts are achieved in times of need. Through our dedication to communication, cooperation, and collaboration, we strive to serve as a sustainable model for other communities. By delivering education, planning, and situational awareness with a local lens across all phases of emergency management, SI COAD aims to build a safer, stronger, and more connected Staten Island.
Upcoming Activities
We’re down to our final SI COAD meeting of the fiscal year! Join us virtually on Monday, June 2 at 10:30 AM to help wrap up FY25 and gear up for the year ahead. RSVP here.
📢 And don’t miss our Tabletop Exercise the following week! Please plan to join us as we put our collective preparedness to the test! Stay tuned for final details.
Strengthening Communities Through Recovery (SCTR)
In partnership with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), SI COAD conducts ongoing Emergency Response Planning for the borough, including resource mapping, to support a better-prepared Staten Island community.
SI COAD PPE Distribution
PPE remains available to organizations and individuals in need through SI COAD partnerships. For more information, including current inventory and distribution locations, please contact sicoad@nonprofitstatenisland.org.
Other SI COAD Key Projects / Initiatives
Education & Capacity Building
- Webinars and Training Opportunities
- Circulated partner opportunities
- Peer Exchanges on Best Practices
- Planning, response, and resilience content featured at NPSI’s annual Nonprofit Conference
- Call-down Drills & Tabletop exercises
- Organizational resource and referral coordination
Outreach: Resource guide, awareness campaigns, community tabling
Communications: Listserv, Facebook, Nonprofit Staten Island newsletter
Future Planning: Stakeholder surveys, focus groups
Printable brochure available here.
See an Overview of the coalition and learn more about the COAD history.
The Medical Ecosystem(MES)
The Medical Ecosystem (MES), a subcommittee of the SI COAD, comprises the borough’s medical service providers, who will also provide assistance during a large-scale community disaster. Members include local hospitals, physicians, mental health service providers, EMS providers & senior assisted living centers.
JOIN THE COAD!
Learn and exchange resources and ideas for increased readiness and resilience at NPSI’s SI COAD coalition meetings. The coalition prides itself on its cross-sector capacity and collaborations; all stakeholders, regardless of NPSI membership status, are welcome at all meetings and events at no cost. Complete the form at the top of the page to sign up for our listserv.
The SI COAD gratefully acknowledges NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City Emergency Management, New York Community Engagement Alliance, and NYC Councilmember David Carr for their funded support of its efforts and activities.
The SI COAD team also thanks the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York State Office of Mental Health, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2, and U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for their continued partnership.
What’s Going On With the SI COAD
We are proud to honor Maryellen Donnelly, Director of Operations, at our Community Service Awards. Since joining Snug Harbor in 2020, Maryellen has led operations, facilities, safety, and capital projects with exceptional expertise and care—ensuring our campus thrives for the community it serves. Her decades of experience, dedication to excellence, and commitment to public service make her truly deserving of this recognition. 👏 #CommunityServiceAwards #Leadership #PublicService #SnugHarbor #MakingADifference
Honoring Nicole Doz‑Pillarella, a dedicated environmental advocate whose passion for protecting our planet shines through in every role she takes on. From hands‑on cleanups to raising awareness through media and public service, Nicole has turned commitment into action—helping inspire others to care for New York City’s coastlines and marine life. We’re proud to celebrate her at this year’s Community Service Awards. 🌊💚 #CommunityChampions #EnvironmentalLeadership #ProtectOurOceans #ServiceWithPurpose
We are proud to honor James M. Pistilli at our Community Service Awards for a lifetime of extraordinary service to Staten Island. With over three decades in nonprofit health care and community services—and more than 50 years of volunteer leadership—Jim has helped shape critical programs in home care, hospice, Alzheimer’s care, cancer advocacy, and public health. His vision, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to community have left a lasting legacy that continues to impact countless lives. 👏 #CommunityServiceAwards #LifetimeOfService #StatenIsland #CommunityLeadership #PublicHealth
Join us in proudly celebrating Robert Ortiz, an inspiring honoree at our Community Service Awards! 🌟 Robert is a dedicated leader in the human services field who has spent much of his career supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through years of hands-on experience and progressive leadership, he has championed person-centered practices, community inclusion, and high-quality care. Deeply committed to empowering others, Robert works to ensure individuals with IDD can live meaningful, self-directed lives. His leadership reflects a strong focus on individualized support, team development, and continuous improvement—helping to create programs that are both compassionate and effective. Respected for his integrity and unwavering advocacy, Robert continues to strengthen services that promote independence, dignity, and opportunity for the individuals and families he serves. Robert’s dedication and impact truly embody the spirit of community service. Congratulations, Robert, on this well-deserved honor! 👏💙 #CommunityService #Leadership #Inclusion #MakingADifference #CommunityStrong
Join us in proudly celebrating Claudette Duff, an inspiring honoree at our Community Service Awards! 🌟 As the founder and CEO of Integrity Social Work Services, Claudette has built an organization rooted in compassion—providing vital mental health counseling and supportive services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families across New York State. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Claudette witnessed firsthand the challenges many seniors faced, from housing instability to isolation. Driven to make a difference, she founded Out of the Storm Senior Housing, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe, affordable, and family-like environments where dignity, stability, and community are restored. In 2022, Claudette faced a life-altering challenge when she lost her sight due to glaucoma. Yet even in that moment, her purpose only grew stronger. Transforming her experience into a source of hope, she founded the Staten Island Center of Light for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SICOL), an organization committed to empowering individuals, removing barriers, and promoting a more inclusive and understanding community. Claudette’s resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication have transformed countless lives. Beyond her incredible achievements, it is her warmth, infectious spirit, and unmistakable laughter that leave a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Congratulations, Claudette, on this well-deserved honor! 👏💙 #CommunityService #Leadership #Resilience #MakingADifference #StatenIsland
Join us in proudly celebrating an inspiring honoree at our Community Service Awards! 🌟 With a lifelong passion for education and youth development, our honoree has dedicated their career to creating meaningful opportunities for children and families to thrive. Beginning as a teacher in private and charter schools, they later brought their talents to the nonprofit sector as an Education Coordinator with the New York Public Library. In 2018, they joined the New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) as an Educational Specialist, and through years of commitment and leadership, grew into the roles of Assistant Director and now Director of Afterschool Programs. In this role, they oversee educational programming and strategic initiatives that support student success across multiple school communities—while mentoring staff, strengthening programs, and building partnerships that help each site flourish. A certified New York State teacher for grades 1–6, with a specialization in Math and Science and a master’s degree from Hunter College, their work is rooted in a deep commitment to education, equity, and opportunity. Outside of work, they enjoy hiking, gardening, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with their husband, two children, and two cats. Their dedication, leadership, and passion for empowering young people truly embody the spirit of community service. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 👏💙 #CommunityService #Education #Leadership #MakingADifference #CommunityStrong
For more information:
Michelle Bascome
Nonprofit Staten Island
sicoad@nonprofitstatenisland.org
michelle@nonprofitstatenisland.org
COAD Co-chairs:
Shirley Dunn, MPA
Director of Quality Assurance & Corporate Compliance Officer, Eden II
Joseph Tornello, LCSW
President/CEO, Meals on Wheels of Staten Island
MES Co-chairs:
Trientina Campbell
Director of Environmental Safety/EPC, Richmond University Medical Center
Ginny Mantello, MD
Director, Health and Wellness, Office of the Staten Island Borough President
