Family of Four Charity Inc. was not founded in a boardroom. It was founded on a parade ground. Our organization grew out of firsthand experience with maritime cadets and the challenges they face while preparing for their professional careers.
Barnabas Ochogwu Ali serves as a Battalion Officer and Regimental Affairs Officer at SUNY Maritime College in Throggs Neck, New York. Part of his responsibility is ensuring that cadets maintain the uniform standards expected within their regimental program. Over time, he began noticing a pattern; Some cadets arrived for inspection with worn shoes, torn uniform trousers, or missing insignia or pins.
But these cadets were not necessarily careless. They were struggling financially. Many were working weekend jobs to pay for basic necessities such as rent and groceries. That work came at a cost: valuable study time. And maritime cadets already carry an extraordinary academic burden. They are completing a four-year degree while also navigating mandatory U.S. Coast Guard licensing coursework. When a cadet loses study time, the consequences can accumulate. Less preparation can mean difficulty passing licensing examinations. Failure to pass licensing requirements can affect graduation. And without the necessary credential, a graduate may be unable to enter the profession they trained for.
Family of Four Charity was created to address one specific and immediate financial barrier:
Required uniform items.
We provide direct financial assistance to cadets who need help meeting these requirements. The goal is simple.
- Help a cadet obtain what they need.
- Help reduce the financial pressure.
- Help protect valuable study time.
- Help keep a qualified cadet moving toward their professional credential.
Family of Four Charity Inc. removes the financial barriers that keep maritime cadets from earning their U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential—so that hardship never costs a cadet their career.
OUR PURPOSE
We believe that a cadet’s financial circumstances should not determine whether they have the opportunity to complete the professional journey they have worked so hard to begin. Our mission focuses on a practical problem with a practical response. When required uniform items become financially out of reach, we step in to help.
01. EDUCATION
Maritime cadets are balancing a full degree program with mandatory licensing coursework.
02. PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALING
Their U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential is a critical part of entering their chosen profession.
03.WORKFORCE
The cadets being trained today are part of the future U.S. maritime workforce.
04.NATIONAL INTEREST
The merchant marine also has strategic importance as a designated naval auxiliary during times of war or national emergency.
That’s why we are committed to help remove the obstacles that can prevent qualified cadets from staying on track.
Dedicated to honoring individuals found worthy of recognition. Dedicated to honoring individuals found worthy of recognition. Dedicated to honoring individuals found worthy of recognition.
Oscar Stephens
Rodney Daniels
