Thomas Abbate is the CEO/Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The society has been helping our neighbors in need since 1948. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the only organization on Long Island that provides "home visits" as its core service model. This practice is the defining symbol of Vincentian commitment and the ultimate respect for our neighbors in need. By assisting families in their homes, the Society reaches out beyond the scope of social services and into the homes and hearts of those seeking aid, providing a safe place for them to confide their stories of struggle. The Vincentian Spirit is the driving force behind the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the reason why the organization has been in existence for 180 years. The works of our charity of the Society is shepherded by our 1,400 Vincentian volunteers. We also have two houses to help transition men back into communities where they can rebuild their lives. The Central office in Bethpage along with its well-known thrift stores in Garden City Park and Huntington, assist our volunteers with basic essentials and financial support to help our neighbors in need of a helping hand. Tom has been working for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul since 1999, serving as the Director of Stores until assuming the CEO/Executive Director role in 2012. Prior to that, he worked in the retail industry for 25 years. Tom, his wife and their three children and grandchildren all reside on Long Island.