JOIN OUR FAMILY
BY BECOMING A PARTNER OF "FAMILY TO THE RESCUE" YOU WILL HELP FULFILL ITS MISSION.
JOIN OUR FAMILY
BY BECOMING A PARTNER OF "FAMILY TO THE RESCUE" YOU WILL HELP FULFILL ITS MISSION.
JOIN OUR FAMILY
BY BECOMING A PARTNER OF "FAMILY TO THE RESCUE" YOU WILL HELP FULFILL ITS MISSION.
ABOUT US
THE FAMILY

There are over 50 million disabled individuals in the United States who need access to unique home construction and specialized design. This docuseries follows Rescuing Families Inc., a growing Long Island charity, on its quest to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Through a completely new approach to home design they transform the lives of families who feel forgotten, and raise awareness of solutions that are available for them.


Rescuing Families was founded by contractors who spent their lives caring for families with disabilities. This series follows master carpenter and matriarch Gina Cantone-Centauro, her husband Vinny Centauro, her brother Michael Cantone and co-founder and longtime family friend, Roger Grand-Pierre as they use their contracting skills to make homes safe, livable and handicapped-accessible for the underprivileged and people with disabilities. Along the way they will overcome construction setbacks, endure personal loss and health issues, and strive to empower change across their community and the nation. 

MEET THE TEAM • GINA, VINNY, MICHAEL & ROGER

  • Gina Centauro

    Gina Cantone-Centauro is co-founder of Rescuing Families with her husband Vinny. She comes from a line of advocates for change, and her parents were instrumental in exposing the alarming conditions in New York state’s treatment of developmentally disabled and deaf children. Gina continues this legacy, striving to revitalize her clients’ lives and empowering them to take control over their living situations on their own terms. She uses her artistic background to design innovative homes that are safe and functional while also being elegant and modern.

  • Vinny Centauro

    Vinny Centauro, Gina’s husband, grew up around construction.Trained by his grandfather from a young age, he used his knowledge to make improvements in his disabled father’s house. Now, Vinny devotes himself to helping struggling families get back in their homes and enjoy a healthy, comforting environment

  • Michael Cantone

    Michael Cantone, Gina’s younger brother, is an artist by trade and a volunteer by heart. He splits his time between teaching painting and renovating homes with Rescuing Families. Along with Gina, Michael cares for Dina, their disabled sister.

  • Roger Grand-Pierre

    Roger is a co-founder, board member & longtime family friend. He serves as an apprentice to the Master Carpenters Gina & Vincent. He has spent many years working with adults & children that have various developmental disabilities including Gina’s & Michael’s sister Dina. He too shares the same passion as the other members of Rescuing Families, Inc. being that he too, experienced financial hardships growing up in his home and in an underserved community. In addition to his work with Rescuing Families, Inc. Roger is also a Pre-Med Student, EMT and a Business-Savvy Entrepreneur. Roger understands hardships and wants to help others to let them know that they are not alone.

If you or a family you know is looking for our help, please contact us through our charity, Rescuing Families

ABOUT US
THE FAMILY

There are over 50 million disabled individuals in the United States who need access to unique home construction and specialized design. This docuseries follows Rescuing Families Inc., a growing Long Island charity, on its quest to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Through a completely new approach to home design they transform the lives of families who feel forgotten,

and raise awareness of solutions that are available for them.


Rescuing Families was founded by contractors who spent their lives caring for families with disabilities. This series follows master carpenter and matriarch Gina Cantone-Centauro, her husband Vinny Centauro, her brother Michael Cantone and co-founder and longtime family friend, Roger Grand-Pierre as they use their contracting skills to make homes safe, livable and handicapped-accessible for the underprivileged and people with disabilities. Along the way they will overcome construction setbacks, endure personal loss and health issues, and strive to empower change across their community and

the nation. 

MEET THE TEAM GINA, VINNY, MICHAEL & ROGER

  • Gina Centauro

    Gina Cantone-Centauro is co-founder of Rescuing Families with her husband Vinny. She comes from a line of advocates for change, and her parents were instrumental in exposing the alarming conditions in New York state’s treatment of developmentally disabled and deaf children. Gina continues this legacy, striving to revitalize her clients’ lives and empowering them to take control over their living situations on their own terms. She uses her artistic background to design innovative homes that are safe and functional while also being elegant and modern.

  • Vinny Centauro

    Vinny Centauro, Gina’s husband, grew up around construction.Trained by his grandfather from a young age, he used his knowledge to make improvements in his disabled father’s house. Now, Vinny devotes himself to helping struggling families get back in their homes and enjoy a healthy, comforting environment.

  • Michael Cantone

    Michael Cantone, Gina’s younger brother, is an artist by trade and a volunteer by heart. He splits his time between teaching painting and renovating homes with Rescuing Families. Along with Gina, Michael cares for Dina, their disabled sister.

  • Roger Grand-Pierre

    Roger is a co-founder, board member & longtime family friend. He serves as an apprentice to the Master Carpenters Gina & Vincent. He has spent many years working with adults & children that have various developmental disabilities including Gina’s & Michael’s sister Dina. He too shares the same passion as the other members of Rescuing Families, Inc. being that he too, experienced financial hardships growing up in his home and in an underserved community. In addition to his work with Rescuing Families, Inc. Roger is also a Pre-Med Student, EMT and a Business-Savvy Entrepreneur. Roger understands hardships and wants to help others to let them know that they are not alone.

If you or a family you know is looking for our help, please contact our charity, Rescuing Families.

ABOUT US
THE FAMILY

There are over 50 million disabled individuals in the United States who need access to unique home construction and specialized design. This docuseries follows Rescuing Families Inc., a growing Long Island charity, on its quest to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Through a completely new approach to home design they transform the lives of families who feel forgotten, and raise awareness of solutions that are available for them.


Rescuing Families was founded by contractors who spent their lives caring for families with disabilities. This series follows master carpenter and matriarch Gina Cantone-Centauro, her husband Vinny Centauro, her brother Michael Cantone and co-founder and longtime family friend, Roger Grand-Pierre as they use their contracting skills to make homes safe, livable and handicapped-accessible for the underprivileged and people with disabilities. Along the way they will overcome construction setbacks, endure personal loss and health issues, and strive to empower change across their community and the nation. 

MEET THE TEAM • GINA, VINNY, MICHAEL & ROGER

  • Gina Centauro

    Gina Cantone-Centauro is co-founder of Rescuing Families with her husband Vinny. She comes from a line of advocates for change, and her parents were instrumental in exposing the alarming conditions in New York state’s treatment of developmentally disabled and deaf children. Gina continues this legacy, striving to revitalize her clients’ lives and empowering them to take control over their living situations on their own terms. She uses her artistic background to design innovative homes that are safe and functional while also being elegant and modern.

  • Vinny Centauro

    Vinny Centauro, Gina’s husband, grew up around construction.Trained by his grandfather from a young age, he used his knowledge to make improvements in his disabled father’s house. Now, Vinny devotes himself to helping struggling families get back in their homes and enjoy a healthy, comforting environment

  • Michael Cantone

    Michael Cantone, Gina’s younger brother, is an artist by trade and a volunteer by heart. He splits his time between teaching painting and renovating homes with Rescuing Families. Along with Gina, Michael cares for Dina, their disabled sister.

  • Roger Grand-Pierre

    Roger is a co-founder, board member & longtime family friend. He serves as an apprentice to the Master Carpenters Gina & Vincent. He has spent many years working with adults & children that have various developmental disabilities including Gina’s & Michael’s sister Dina. He too shares the same passion as the other members of Rescuing Families, Inc. being that he too, experienced financial hardships growing up in his home and in an underserved community. In addition to his work with Rescuing Families, Inc. Roger is also a Pre-Med Student, EMT and a Business-Savvy Entrepreneur. Roger understands hardships and wants to help others to let them know that they are not alone.

If you or a family you know is looking for our help, please contact us through our charity, Rescuing Families

EPISODE 1/PILOT

TRIBBLE FAMILY

Brothers John and Bruce Tribble live alone in their family home. Bruce has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair due to a catastrophic accident. John is solely responsible for taking care of his brother, whose health situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. With no electricity or running water, their home is completely unlivable. John coped with the years of distress and responsibility by hoarding and the house is piled high with memorabilia from their lives. Due to this chaotic state, Social Services recently removed Bruce and temporarily placed him in a group home. Gina and Vinny vow to bring these brothers back together again, in a safe, newly renovated home.

EPISODE 1/PILOT

TRIBBLE FAMILY

Brothers John and Bruce Tribble live alone in their family home. Bruce has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair due to a catastrophic accident. John is solely responsible for taking care of his brother, whose health situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. With no electricity or running water, their home is completely unlivable. John coped with the years of distress and responsibility by hoarding and the house is piled high with memorabilia from their lives. Due to this chaotic state, Social Services recently removed Bruce and temporarily placed him in a group home. Gina and Vinny vow to bring these brothers back together again, in a safe, newly renovated home.

EPISODE 2

MAURO FAMILY

Keith Mauro, a loving husband and father, was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017. Since the initial diagnosis, his disease and disability have progressed rapidly. In addition, Keith’s stepdaughter, Olivia, is deaf and multiply disabled, with cerebral palsy as well. The bathroom, hallways, front and rear decks, and stairways are not equipped to accommodate Keith and Olivia’s disabilities. Charitable foundations that help people with ALS and cerebral palsy have not been forthcoming, leaving the Mauro family to fend for themselves. During this rescue Gina, Vinny and Michael are pulled in many directions. Gina and Michael’s father is hospitalized, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease & subsequently passes away.

EPISODE 1/PILOT

TRIBBLE FAMILY

Brothers John and Bruce Tribble live alone in their family home. Bruce has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair due to a catastrophic accident. John is solely responsible for taking care of his brother, whose health situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. With no electricity or running water, their home is completely unlivable. John coped with the years of distress and responsibility by hoarding and the house is piled high with memorabilia from their lives. Due to this chaotic state, Social Services recently removed Bruce and temporarily placed him in a group home. Gina and Vinny vow to bring these brothers back together again, in a safe, newly renovated home.

EPISODE 2

MAURO FAMILY

Keith Mauro, a loving husband and father, was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017. Since the initial diagnosis, his disease and disability have progressed rapidly. In addition, Keith’s stepdaughter, Olivia, is deaf and multiply disabled, with cerebral palsy as well. The bathroom, hallways, front and rear decks, and stairways are not equipped to accommodate Keith and Olivia’s disabilities. Charitable foundations that help people with ALS and cerebral palsy have not been forthcoming, leaving the Mauro family to fend for themselves. During this rescue Gina, Vinny and Michael are pulled in many directions. Gina and Michael’s father is hospitalized, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease & subsequently passes away.

EPISODE 2

MAURO FAMILY

Keith Mauro, a loving husband and father, was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017. Since the initial diagnosis, his disease and disability have progressed rapidly. In addition, Keith’s stepdaughter, Olivia, is deaf and multiply disabled, with cerebral palsy as well. The bathroom, hallways, front and rear decks, and stairways are not equipped to accommodate Keith and Olivia’s disabilities. Charitable foundations that help people with ALS and cerebral palsy have not been forthcoming, leaving the Mauro family to fend for themselves. During this rescue Gina, Vinny and Michael are pulled in many directions. Gina and Michael’s father is hospitalized, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease & subsequently passes away.

EPISODE 3

HELFENBEIN FAMILY

Claire Helfenbein, a 53 year old widow of two children, and has been in a wheelchair most of her life due to a physical disability. Claire and her children, 20-year-old daughter Maghan and autistic 13-year-old son Jacob, live in a very modest ranch home in Hempstead, NY, that is in need of major repairs. A few years ago the Helfenbeins’ lives took a drastic turn as Claire’s husband passed away, leaving her the sole caretaker of their children. Claire’s only income is Social Security Disability which is barely enough to continue paying the mortgage and leaves nothing to put toward necessary repairs on their deteriorating home. Family to the Rescue is ready to jump in and help the Helfenbein family find stability and have a home that is handicapped-designed to meet Claire and Jacob’s specific needs.

FAMILIES FOR FUTURE EPISODES

PRAGER FAMILY

Don Prager was diagnosed with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) almost four years ago. It is a degenerative, terminal lung disease with a life expectancy of five years after diagnosis. Don and his wife Renee are unable to do the necessary updates and repairs to their home in order to accommodate Don’s disability. The living conditions (mold, central air ducts, elevated bathtub, etc.) are exacerbating his terminal disease. Don has always donated his time and talents to numerous charitable causes despite his illness. It’s time to give this extraordinary man and his family, the home they deserve.

CEGLIO FAMILY

The Ceglio Family consists of Peter, his wife Cindy and their disabled 13-year-old son Stephen. Peter is a teacher in East Rockaway and is currently the sole supporter of the household. Cindy is unable to work as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. Stephen’s medical conditions stem from a rare GABA receptor genetic mutation. As a result of this mutation, Stephen has global developmental delays (cognitive and physical), cerebral palsy and epilepsy, making him incapable of independent basic functions and requiring 24/7 care. Because of these extreme circumstances, the Ceglio Family is in desperate need of handicap accessible home renovations and the addition of a therapy room for Stephen.

RESCUING FAMILIES, INC.
OUR CHARITY
Rescuing Families, Inc. is a non-profit organization helping to improve the homes of people with disabilities, veterans and financial struggles. The organization improves, if not, eliminates the hurdles that come with up keeping their homes. The founders take it upon themselves, as licensed contractors, to provide free labor for the renovations and remodeling of people's home. Through donations and sponsorships they are able to have the materials and resources they need to fully renovate peoples homes and financially help them to get back on track with their lives. 

At Rescuing Families, Inc. we strive to improve the quality of life for families in need. The founders of this charity are husband and wife who have personally had family members who are veterans and disabled. Seeing this we make a personal connection with each family and put love into each home we renovate and rebuild. We are compassionate and understanding to the day to day struggles that these families face. It is important to let the struggling families know that there are other families out there that want to help; we are one of them.
VISIT OUR CHARITY
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO

OUR PARTNERS

EPISODE 3

HELFENBEIN FAMILY

Claire Helfenbein, a 53 year old widow of two children, and has been in a wheelchair most of her life due to a physical disability. Claire and her children, 20-year-old daughter Maghan and autistic 13-year-old son Jacob, live in a very modest ranch home in Hempstead, NY, that is in need of major repairs. A few years ago the Helfenbeins’ lives took a drastic turn as Claire’s husband passed away, leaving her the sole caretaker of their children. Claire’s only income is Social Security Disability which is barely enough to continue paying the mortgage and leaves nothing to put toward necessary repairs on their deteriorating home. Family to the Rescue is ready to jump in and help the Helfenbein family find stability and have a home that is handicapped-designed to meet Claire and Jacob’s specific needs.

FAMILIES FOR

FUTURE EPISODES

PRAGER FAMILY

Don Prager was diagnosed with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) almost four years ago. It is a degenerative, terminal lung disease with a life expectancy of five years after diagnosis. Don and his wife Renee are unable to do the necessary updates and repairs to their home in order to accommodate Don’s disability. The living conditions (mold, central air ducts, elevated bathtub, etc.) are exacerbating his terminal disease. Don has always donated his time and talents to numerous charitable causes despite his illness. It’s time to give this extraordinary man and his family, the home they deserve.

CEGLIO FAMILY

The Ceglio Family consists of Peter, his wife Cindy and their disabled 13-year-old son Stephen. Peter is a teacher in East Rockaway and is currently the sole supporter of the household. Cindy is unable to work as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. Stephen’s medical conditions stem from a rare GABA receptor genetic mutation. As a result of this mutation, Stephen has global developmental delays (cognitive and physical), cerebral palsy and epilepsy, making him incapable of independent basic functions and requiring 24/7 care. Because of these extreme circumstances, the Ceglio Family is in desperate need of handicap accessible home renovations and the addition of a therapy room for Stephen.

GIVING ABILITY TO FAMILIES WITH DISABILITY

RESCUING FAMILIES, INC.
OUR CHARITY
Rescuing Families, Inc. is a non-profit organization helping to improve the homes of people with disabilities, veterans and financial struggles. The organization improves, if not, eliminates the hurdles that come with up keeping their homes. The founders take it upon themselves, as licensed contractors, to provide free labor for the renovations and remodeling of people's home. Through donations and sponsorships they are able to have the materials and resources they need to fully renovate peoples homes and financially help them to get back on track with their lives. 

At Rescuing Families, Inc. we strive to improve the quality of life for families in need. The founders of this charity are husband and wife who have personally had family members who are veterans and disabled. Seeing this we make a personal connection with each family and put love into each home we renovate and rebuild. We are compassionate and understanding to the day to day struggles that these families face. It is important to let the struggling families know that there are other families out there that want to help; we are one of them.
VISIT OUR CHARITY

EPISODE 3

HELFENBEIN FAMILY

Claire Helfenbein, a 53 year old widow of two children, and has been in a wheelchair most of her life due to a physical disability. Claire and her children, 20-year-old daughter Maghan and autistic 13-year-old son Jacob, live in a very modest ranch home in Hempstead, NY, that is in need of major repairs. A few years ago the Helfenbeins’ lives took a drastic turn as Claire’s husband passed away, leaving her the sole caretaker of their children. Claire’s only income is Social Security Disability which is barely enough to continue paying the mortgage and leaves nothing to put toward necessary repairs on their deteriorating home. Family to the Rescue is ready to jump in and help the Helfenbein family find stability and have a home that is handicapped-designed to meet Claire and Jacob’s specific needs.

FAMILIES FOR FUTURE EPISODES

PRAGER FAMILY

Don Prager was diagnosed with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) almost four years ago. It is a degenerative, terminal lung disease with a life expectancy of five years after diagnosis. Don and his wife Renee are unable to do the necessary updates and repairs to their home in order to accommodate Don’s disability. The living conditions (mold, central air ducts, elevated bathtub, etc.) are exacerbating his terminal disease. Don has always donated his time and talents to numerous charitable causes despite his illness. It’s time to give this extraordinary man and his family, the home they deserve.

CEGLIO FAMILY

The Ceglio Family consists of Peter, his wife Cindy and their disabled 13-year-old son Stephen. Peter is a teacher in East Rockaway and is currently the sole supporter of the household. Cindy is unable to work as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. Stephen’s medical conditions stem from a rare GABA receptor genetic mutation. As a result of this mutation, Stephen has global developmental delays (cognitive and physical), cerebral palsy and epilepsy, making him incapable of independent basic functions and requiring 24/7 care. Because of these extreme circumstances, the Ceglio Family is in desperate need of handicap accessible home renovations and the addition of a therapy room for Stephen.

GIVING ABILITY TO FAMILIES WITH DISABILITY

RESCUING FAMILIES, INC.
OUR CHARITY
Rescuing Families, Inc. is a non-profit organization helping to improve the homes of people with disabilities, veterans and financial struggles. The organization improves, if not, eliminates the hurdles that come with up keeping their homes. The founders take it upon themselves, as licensed contractors, to provide free labor for the renovations and remodeling of people's home. Through donations and sponsorships they are able to have the materials and resources they need to fully renovate peoples homes and financially help them to get back on track with their lives. 

At Rescuing Families, Inc. we strive to improve the quality of life for families in need. The founders of this charity are husband and wife who have personally had family members who are veterans and disabled. Seeing this we make a personal connection with each family and put love into each home we renovate and rebuild. We are compassionate and understanding to the day to day struggles that these families face. It is important to let the struggling families know that there are other families out there that want to help; we are one of them.
VISIT OUR CHARITY
FAMILY TO THE RESCUE
CONTACT US

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IN-KIND PARTNERSHIP & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SHOW

Contact Us

FAMILY TO THE RESCUE
CONTACT US

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IN-KIND PARTNERSHIP & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SHOW.

Contact Us

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