Donations Provide Life-Changing Services for At-Risk Youth

Arbor Realty Trust recently wrapped up its 18^th Annual Holiday Drive, which raised nearly $22,000 for Long Island-based Family & Children’s Association (FCA). As in past years, Arbor extended the impact of the drive by matching all contributions dollar-for-dollar.

As part of Arbor’s commitment to social responsibility, our holiday drive brings colleagues and the community together with a common goal: to help our neighbors in need by getting them food, clothing, and other essentials. Our 2025 drive exceeded its goal and was one of the company’s most successful philanthropic campaigns.

Arbor Leads By Example

Founded and headquartered on Long Island, Arbor is proud to have partnered with FCA on our long-standing holiday drive for the second consecutive year.

“Arbor’s support goes far beyond dollars — it helps us welcome youth and residents into spaces that feel safe, warm, and affirming,” said Paige O’Brien, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at FCA. “It communicates care before a single word is spoken. Arbor led by example this holiday season, generously giving time, talent, and resources, and we hope it inspires others to show up in meaningful ways.”

This year’s donations will make a meaningful impact on a critical FCA program, Nassau Haven shelter, which provides emergency short-term housing for youth ages 10 to 20, case management, and crisis intervention to runaway and homeless youth in Nassau County, Long Island. Our staff and community members donated hundreds of items, including cleansing wipes, socks, grooming kits, and moisturizers for “anti-anxiety bags” that will be given to youth upon arrival at the shelter.

“I feel so grateful that Arbor has meaningfully grown its partnership with FCA over the years,” said Leah Fisher, Managing Director, Special Projects, Governance, and Risk at Arbor, who helped organize the Holiday Drive. “Our experience at Nassau Haven was particularly special for Arbor employees, as we got to see first-hand the beautiful work that Nassau Haven is doing in providing youth with the support they need to move towards the bright future they so richly deserve. Nassau Haven is not just a housing program, a cause near and dear to Arbor, but a space that is dedicated to building stronger communities and nurturing future generations.”

Putting Youth on a Path to a Brighter Future

For more than 140 years, FCA, one of Long Island’s largest human services agencies, has provided services like children’s mental health and wellness and residential care. The organization currently serves more than 30,000 individuals every year.

FCA runs two youth residential programs; Nassau Haven and Walkabout, which provides longer-term housing and support services for youth who cannot safely return home. Most of the youth who enter both programs face severe challenges, including abuse, rejection, and financial insecurity. Through FCA, youth gain access to educational and vocational assistance, medical and mental health resources, and assistance with securing safe, long-term housing or resolving family conflict, so they may return home.

“As a board member of a local charity on Long Island, I see the struggle communities go through with children, seniors, and less fortunate individuals,” said Stephen Liotta, Senior Vice President, Controller at Arbor. “FCA events like the holiday and back-to-school drives are essential for these communities, and I’m honored to be a part of this cause and do my part in helping the FCA mission as best as I can.”

Buffalo Office Partners with FeedMore WNY for its Holiday Food Drive

Arbor’s Buffalo office also continued its holiday tradition in December by supporting FeedMore WNY, a non-profit organization that serves individuals experiencing food insecurity across four counties in Western New York. Our Buffalo-based staff donated hundreds of food items, including oatmeal, peanut butter, and pasta, to help Western New York families get the nutrition they need in the new year.

Thank you to our employees who supported this year’s holiday drives, and to members of the community who generously contributed. Together, our efforts will help to improve the lives of our neighbors in need.