The Italian Welfare League is 105 years old and continues to be one of the reference points for the Italian and Italian community of New York. Born in Ellis Island as the first support for newly landed migrants, today the association focuses its commitment on children with special needs, funding therapies and supports that are often not covered by insurance. We talked about it with President Anna Malafronte, who has been leading the organization for two years after a long experience between diplomacy, academy and Italian-American associative world.
Can you tell me your personal and professional path, from Italy to the United States, to your current role as president of the Italian Welfare League?
I was born in the United States, where I started my studies until 14 years. Then I moved to Italy, where I attended scientific high school. I then decided to return to the United States for the university: at Fordham University I obtained a degree in Political Science and Italian Language and Literature, followed by a master in Development Economics. I then won a scholarship from Rotary International, the Ambassador Scholarship, which brought me back to Italy, to the University of Padua, to study international development and the European Union.
Back in the United States, I taught for a few years at Fordham University, before winning a competition to work at the General Consulate of Italy, where I stayed for about 24 and a half years. I later accepted a position at the National Italian American Foundation, an organization that represents over 17 million Italians and promotes Italian culture in the United States. For two years I have been President of the Italian Welfare League, which this year is 105 years old and continues to support the Italian and Italian American community in New York.
Anna Malafronte della Italian Welfare League
In over a century of activity, how has the mission of the association changed? What is today compared to that of the origins?
Today our mission is mainly dedicated to children with special needs, so-called special needs. We take care of families who cannot bear the costs for therapies considered “alternative” and often not covered by insurance. We also help them with tools and means necessary in everyday life: wheelchairs, mobility supports, school materials.
In the early 1920s, our task was very different: the Italian Welfare League was founded as the Italian Committee of the American Red Cross on Ellis Island and offered support to newly arrived migrants, helping them find a home, a school, the first bases of English. Today we address ourselves above all to the descendants of Italian families, but the spirit has remained identical: to help “our” when they need.
What are the main events or initiatives you organize to support your activities?
We do not receive funds from the government: all we do is possible thanks to our supporters. Our main fundraiser is the New York in Autumn Luncheon, held every October, during the month dedicated to Italian culture in the United States. On that occasion we reward supporters, doctors, pediatricians and all those who contribute to our mission.
During the year we organize many other events related to the Italian tradition — Carnival, St. Joseph, Easter, Christmas — which allow us to raise funds to guarantee children access to the therapies and materials they need.
Can you share some data on your work, such as how many children you have supported and how many funds have you managed to collect?
Since 2001, with the start of the campaign “Our children” after September 11, we have collected over three and a half million dollars and helped more than 2,800 children. Aids range from therapies to medical devices to special beds or equipment. These are important numbers, which show how much the community believes in our work.
Is there a recent milestone you’re particularly proud of?
In recent years we have managed to expand our network thanks to new people who have known the organization by participating in our events. One of the most touching moments was the intervention in favor of a child to whom doctors had given six months of life: thanks to the therapies financed by the Italian Welfare League, today she is seven years old and continues to improve. It’s a story that moved all of us and that pushes us to do even more.
What goals have you set for the future?
One of our main objectives is to involve young people, young professionals between 21 and 35, who will be the next leaders of the Italian-American community. We want to create a bridge between generations and ensure continuity to our mission. At the same time we aim to exceed the four million dollars collected, so that we can reach an even greater number of families.
Is there anything you want to add?
Only a thank you to those who support us and an invitation to those who still do not know us to dedicate even a little of their time to this organization, which for 105 years has helped Italian and Italian American families in New York.
L’articolo The association that helps Italian American children with special needs comes from IlNewyorkese.
