Huntington Sisters Launch Nonprofit to Serve Community

Two Huntington sisters are providing hundreds of families across Long Island with free eyeglasses through the nonprofit Eye Partners Inspire.

Epiphany and Gabrielle Ramirez, who are students at Walt Whitman High School, launched the nonprofit in July 2014.

Epiphany and Gabrielle Ramirez distributed E.P.I. frames to over 50 families at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church in Huntington Station in March. Their work helped save the families over $5,000.

The sisters will be distributing more than 400 eyeglass frames to St. Luke’s Parishioners in Brentwood on July 26.

Patch recently spoke to the Ramirez sisters about their nonprofit ventures. Check out what they had to say:

Patch: What is your name? Tell us about E.P.I.

Epiphany and Gabrielle: Our names are Epiphany and Gabrielle Ramirez. We are the co-founders of the nonprofit organization Eye Partners Inspire. E.P.I. aims to offset the cost of purchasing eyewear by collecting used eyewear (glasses, sunglasses, and sports goggles) and distributing them to Long Island neighbors at no cost.

Patch: How did you get your first start in nonprofit work?

Epiphany and Gabrielle: Since we had no experience with nonprofits, we spent a lot of time reading books and articles to help us start our organization.

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Patch: What’s the best business/ nonprofit advice you’ve ever received?

Gabrielle: Always be professional. Talk professionally. Write professionally. Dress professionally.

Epiphany: Do what you love to do because if you love it, you’ll do it well.

Patch: What’s your favorite part about having a nonprofit in the area? What makes the area special?

Epiphany and Gabrielle: People of Long Island are very willing to give. We have collected over 450 pairs of eyeglasses from neighbors in Albertson, Northport, Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor, just to name a few places.

Patch: Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

Epiphany and Gabrielle: We were considering partnering with another organization. Even after sitting down with other interested nonprofits, we chose to stay independent. Best decision we ever made.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

Gabrielle: Last October, I was honored as the Young Woman Leader of Long Island by Women’s Fund of LI.

Epiphany: At three years old, I was diagnosed with ocular albinism. As a result, I was legally blind. However, after surgery and several pairs of glasses, I am no longer legally blind. Since all members of my family wear eyeglasses, we understand that they are expensive. That is why my sister and I chose to start this organization.

Patch: What advice would you give to someone who just started a non-profit?

Gabrielle: Starting an organization requires a lot of patience. Never lose sight of the goal.

Epiphany: Let your creativity flow because one of your ideas will get you far.

Images provided by Epiphany and Gabrielle Ramirez

• If you would like for your business or nonprofit to be featured on Patch, email paige.mcatee@patch.com with the name of your organization.