South Shore Guidance Center’s Spring Fling Dog Walk Raises Over $10K

The South Shore Guidance Center, an outpatient behavioral health clinic and part of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, welcomed families, elected officials, and their four-legged friends to Cow Meadow Park for the 2025 Spring Fling Dog Walk for Mental Wellness. The event has already raised over $10,000 in support of mental health services for Long Islanders.

“Each year, our Spring Fling Dog Walk proves just how deeply this community values mental health,” said Lisa Burch, MPH, CEO/President of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “There’s real power in showing up for one another, especially in such an inclusive way. These funds directly support services that change lives and we’re grateful for every person who has a shared belief in our mission and attended this year’s walk.”

Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the dog walk continues to be a joyful and impactful way for the community to rally around mental wellness. Attendees enjoyed a scenic walk along the waterfront led by the Grand Marshals, the Escobar Family from Sunday Maintenance Services, along with family-friendly activities like raffles, games, face painting, and live performances by local student groups.

The event featured musical tributes and special appearances by the J.W. Dodd Select Chorale, Freeport High School Modern Music Ensemble, NJROTC and Color Guard, the Giblyn Elementary School Hot Steppers, the Freeport Fire Department, the Freeport Police Department Community Affairs Division, and the Freeport Chamber of Commerce. The Freeport Village Mayor Robert T. Kennedy also addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of local partnerships in building healthier, more resilient communities. Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow shared his support and words of encouragement with attendees and Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé presented citations to sponsors.

“Mental health is not a solo journey and today proves that Long Island shows up for its neighbors,” said Irene Rodgers, Chief Development & Engagement Officer of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “Our Spring Fling Dog Walk is about connection, compassion, and community. We are proud of what we have raised so far, and we are not done yet—we invite anyone who would like to make a donation to do so by visiting our event portal to support before it closes on May 31st.”

Contributions from the event will support South Shore Guidance Center’s mission to expand access to behavioral health care for more than half a million Long Island residents who experience mental health challenges each year. Event sponsors included Matthew G. Deckinger, the Disability Opportunity Fund, Skaggs-Walsh, M&T Bank, Sunday Maintenance Services, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Tom Hopkins & Thérèse Moore, Laba-Daba-Do!, State Farm, and Steven & Mary Greenfield.

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies comprises three organizations that provide advocacy and healthcare resources for families and communities throughout Long Island. EPIC Long Island operates a Day Habilitation program in East Meadow along with 18 group homes located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties and provides clinical services for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. These facilities are led by incredible caregivers who offer support and help facilitate wonderful experiences and programs for those in their care. Each of EPIC Long Island’s residences is unique, and the individuals who live there have various abilities as well as life challenges.

The South Shore Guidance Center in Freeport is an outpatient behavioral health clinic within the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. It provides a wide range of care for Long Islanders of all ages to accommodate the unique needs of children, adolescents, and adults. This includes individual, group, and family psychotherapy, substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, and medication-assisted treatment.

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island helps raise awareness and provides vital advocacy and resources for the more than 35,000 Long Islanders who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and suffer from seizures. This includes providing community education in schools and healthcare venues and offering Seizure First Aid Certification to help train Long Islanders to provide immediate care for someone experiencing a seizure. Surprisingly, 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime.

For more information about the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies and how to support their initiatives, visit https://www.epicli.org/fundraising/donation/.