About MADD Long Island<br />The Long Island Affiliate of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded in 1982 by the Strow family of Hicksville who had lost their daughter to a drunk driver crash. The DWI offender served only 2 weeks in jail and was put in a work release program. Through the efforts of the Strow's, MADD, legislators and law enforcement professionals, DWI and alcohol-related injury and death have been elevated to the violent crime they are and, along with continued enforcement of these laws, the number of fatalities and injuries have declined each year. The Affiliate grew from one committed family to a professional staff of 5 and over 130 volunteers including an advisory council and thousands of donors who provide the financial strength to continue the mission here on Long Island.. MADD's Mission:<br />To eliminate Drunk Driving <br />To assist the victims of drunk driving crashes <br />To prevent underage drinking <br />Provides an active victim advocate program serving those whose lives have been impacted by a drunk driver through court accompaniment,support groups,the Annual Candlelight Vigil held at Farmingdale State College and an April memorial service in the Garden of Awareness. <br />Supports legislative initiatives,on the local and state level,designed to curb the number of drunk driving injuries and fatalities,such as the ignition interlock and child endangerment bills which became Leandra's Law in the state legislature. <br />Supports high-visibility law enforcement by attending police check points,encouraging saturation patrols,and recognizing precincts and officers,as well as district attorneys and probation professionals,who focus on drunk driving <br />Works with the probation departments of Nassau,Suffolk and NYC by supplying Victim Impact Panels (VIPs) with volunteers who tell DWI offenders their stories of how a drunk driver affected their lives <br />Creates community awareness through public service announcements,outdoor signage,school outreach and information tables at numerous community events including the use of Fatal Vision Goggle demonstrations. <br />Provides the media with information and opinions related to our mission <br />Provides educational materials for schools; participates in a speakers program through Stop DWI; works with High School SADD chap