East End Beacon
As Need for Services Grows, CAST To Celebrate 60th Anniversary | East End Beacon
The Center for Advocacy, Support & Transformation (CAST) in Southold will celebrate 60 years of service to the North Fork and Shelter Island communities with a special 60th Anniversary Celebration & Appreciation Event on Friday, Aug. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at CAST headquarters at 53930 Main Road, Southold.
CAST is North Fork’s leading provider of essential programs and services for low-income and vulnerable individuals and families.
“Southold is a far better place because CAST has been operating in our town for the last 60 years,” said Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski in an announcement of the anniversary celebration. “We are grateful for the work that they do, and congratulate the board, staff and volunteers as they celebrate this milestone.”
The celebration comes at a time when CAST’s services are needed more than ever. The organization continues to respond to rising needs due to the high cost of living, seasonal employment challenges, and recent federal funding cuts that threaten many safety net programs.
In 2025, CAST is on track to provide over 480,000 healthy meals, emergency financial support, client advocacy, and educational programming to more than 1,500 households on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
This event will bring together community members, supporters, volunteers and partners to honor six decades of impact and to thank the individuals and organizations that make CAST’s work possible.
Guests will enjoy lite bites, beer, wine, and live music by the Hoodoo Loungers, in an evening filled with gratitude and celebration. Donations of $19.65 are requested, in honor of the year of CAST’s founding, 1965.
“From food relief and emergency assistance to educational enrichment, workforce training and the arts, CAST has remained steadfast in its mission to meet essential needs, provide opportunities, and build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community,” said CAST Executive Director Erica Steindl.
CAST offers a wide range of services to the North Fork community, helping to address food, housing, employment, and healthcare insecurity with dignity and compassion. The non-profit serves a diverse population, which includes children, older residents, people living with disabilities, single parents, veterans, the working poor, and people seeking employment. CAST also works to help people achieve economic security through education and workforce training.
Programs and services include food relief and nutrition programs, benefit application and emergency assistance, a sharing room, advocacy and referrals, early literacy programs, ENL and citizenship classes, summer and afterschool youth programs, a culinary training program, and cultural and community program.
“On behalf of the CAST Board of Directors, staff and people we serve, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported CAST over the past 60 years,” said Marc Sokol, CAST Board President. “Their generous and varied contributions have enabled CAST to expand and effectively meet the ever-present and ever-growing need with dignity and compassion.”
“My time as Executive Director of CAST remains one of the most humbling and rewarding chapters of my life,’ reflected Bessie Swann, who was one of the co-founders of the organization. “I was blessed to serve alongside extraordinary staff and dedicated volunteer board members—many of whom became lifelong friends—as we worked to uplift those in our community facing hardship. Together, we witnessed lives transformed, hope restored, and futures rebuilt. The lessons I learned at CAST shaped the way I’ve continued to advocate for those in need, even beyond my years with the organization. As I celebrate CAST’s 60th Anniversary, I offer my prayers for its continued success and unwavering mission to serve the poor and disenfranchised with compassion, dignity, and love.”
Tickets to the event may be reserved at bit.ly/cast60th. A donation of $19.65 (the year CAST was founded!) is suggested. All proceeds will go to supporting CAST’s ongoing programs and services. We truly hope to celebrate with you.
Learn more at castnorthfork.org and follow @castnorthfork on Facebook and Instagram.
