Community Leader Tapped For County Post

A woman known for dedicating her life to helping others has been asked to serve Suffolk County.

Riverhead resident Shirley E. Coverdale was named recently to represent the 1st District on the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; she was sworn in to the Commission by Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupksi on Tuesday.

“Shirley’s experience, energy, dedication and compassion make her an ideal choice for this position," Krupski said. "I am honored that she has agreed to serve on the Commission.”

Coverdale, who serves as the Executive Director of the Family Community Life Center in Riverhead, is pitching the project, which she and her husband Rev. Charles Coverdale of the First Baptist Church of Riverhead say will provide workforce housing, sports and recreation space for community residents, an early childhood development center and an adult day health program, among other services. 

Over the years, Coverdale has served the community through Project C.A.R.E., Community Access to E-Health, and by organizing volunteers groups of seniors to help administer free health screenings to other seniors.

Working with the Riverhead School District, Mrs. Coverdale directed the after school mentoring program for the First Baptist Church of Riverhead and Long Island Youth Guidance. 

After the devastating Horton Avenue flood in 2010, Coverdale advocated for victims and helped to secure both a federal disaster designation for the area and funding to help mitigate losses.

“Empowering others to speak up and get involved” and to “become the change they wish to see” are words that capture the essence of Coverdale's mission.

Coverdale has also worn a number of hats, with positions with the Long Island Organizing Network, the Long Island Housing Partnership, the Riverside Economic Development Committee, the SUNY Stony Brook School of Social Welfare Healing Arts Health Committee and the Suffolk County Workforce Investment Board.