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
📢 Don’t miss our Tabletop Exercise coming up on June 9! Please plan to join us as we put our collective preparedness to the test!
This is a hands-on opportunity for Staten Island’s cross-sector network to come together and test our collective emergency response.
Whether you’re deeply involved in the coalition or simply stay in the loop, this is your chance to connect with peers, strengthen communication, and explore how your organization fits into the bigger picture when crisis strikes.
This year’s exercise will be facilitated by NYC DOHMH’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, with thanks to the American Red Cross of Greater NY for once again hosting us at their Staten Island location.
📆 Monday, June 9, 2025
🕘 9:00–11:00 AM (Coffee and networking from 8:30)
📍 IBR, 1050 Forest Hill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314
➡️ Please let us know you’ll be coming!
Current Projects
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
🌨️ First snow of the season is expected tonight into Sunday morning. Even light snow can cause significant travel issues as drivers readjust to winter conditions. Safety reminders: • Slow down and allow extra braking distance • Avoid cruise control • Surfaces may become slick, especially overnight 🫶Please check on vulnerable neighbors and share these tips with your networks. Stay aware and stay safe, Staten Island.
❄️ WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: SAT 10 PM – SUN 1 PM ❄️ The National Weather Service is forecasting 2–3 inches of snow for Staten Island late Saturday into Sunday morning, with a small chance of higher totals. Roads may become slick overnight as temperatures drop. If you must travel: • Slow down and leave extra room • Don’t crowd the plow – give sanitation crews space to work • Consider using mass transit when possible 🫶Check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone who may need support during cold weather. 🔗 More tips: nyc.gov/winterweather 🔗 Weather updates: weather.gov/nyc
❄️ Frigid Weather Is on the Way — Start Planning Now! ❄️ NYC Emergency Management is warning New Yorkers about extreme cold conditions, so now’s the time to get winter-ready. 🌡️ Stay Informed Keep an eye on the forecast using trusted news sources, weather apps, or NOAA radio. Sign up for local alerts through NYCEM to stay updated in real time. 🧣 Stay Safe in the Cold Dress in layers and keep skin covered. Know the signs of frostbite (numb, pale, or waxy skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness). Call 911 if you see these symptoms. 🔥 Heat Your Home Safely Never use stoves, ovens, kerosene heaters, or grills to heat your home. 🏠 No Heat or Hot Water? Report it to your landlord first. If it’s not fixed, call 311. NYC heat requirements (Oct 1–May 31): Day: 68°F+ when below 55°F outside Night: 62°F+ Hot Water: 120°F year-round 📅 Join Us! Winter Weather Preparedness Webinar: Conquer The Cold 🗓️ Wednesday, December 17 ⏰ 12:00 PM Learn more winter weather preparedness information to help you stay safe all winter long. Stay warm, stay safe, NYC! ❄️💙
It was an honor to be a panelist at “Conversations with Community Giants: Celebrating Diverse Abilities” held at the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com newsroom. The event reached thousands, and the conversations were powerful, honest, and deeply needed. Together with John Bilotti (On Your Mark), Cathy Del Priore (GRACE Foundation), and Dr. Joanne Gerenser (Eden II Programs), we explored the realities and triumphs within our community — from early evaluations and person-centered decision-making to the real concerns surrounding potential Medicaid cuts. From the moment the discussion began, you could feel how much people care about this topic — parents, caregivers, professionals, and community members all tuning in because they want a better, more inclusive world for individuals with diverse abilities. The shared message was clear: collaboration matters, advocacy matters, and individuals with diverse abilities deserve visibility, respect, and every opportunity to thrive. Thank you to Advance Local leadership and the Diversity Committee for continuing to elevate this vital work. Proud to stand alongside so many dedicated voices. 💙♿️ #CelebratingDiverseAbilities #InclusionMatters #StatenIsland #Advocacy #CommunityGiants
🎉 Honored and Grateful! 🎉 We are deeply honored to receive this New York State Senate Proclamation recognizing the 20th Anniversary of Nonprofit Staten Island! 🏛️✨ Thank you to Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for celebrating two decades of advocacy, collaboration, and community building with us. 💙 For 20 years, we’ve been proud to empower Staten Island’s nonprofit sector — connecting organizations, strengthening leadership, and advancing equity across our borough. Here’s to the next 20 years of service, partnership, and impact! 🙌 #NonprofitStatenIsland #NPSI20 #CommunityStrong #StatenIsland #Nonprofits #NYSSenate #PublicService #Collaboration #Leadership #Gratitude
🎉 #Confere13 was a complete success! A huge THANK YOU to all our sponsors, workshop presenters, and attendees for making this year’s conference such an incredible day of learning, networking, and celebration. 💙 Here’s a short clip capturing the connections made, ideas shared, and fun had throughout the event — a true reflection of the power of Staten Island’s nonprofit community. Here’s to 20 more years of collaboration, impact, and growth together! 🙌 #NonprofitStatenIsland #Conference13 #20YearsStrong #CommunityImpact #StatenIslandNonprofits #TogetherWeThrive
Past Projects
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
