Futures Essentials provides navigation, education, referrals, and essential-needs support designed to help individuals and families overcome barriers and move toward greater stability.
Our services generally fall into two major areas:
Health Insurance Navigation and Social Care & Essential Needs Support
Not every person qualifies for every program. Eligibility requirements depend on the specific service, insurance coverage, program rules, household circumstances, and other factors.
Our team can help you understand what options may be available.
to your door
Understanding Your Coverage Shouldn’t Be Overwhelming.
Health insurance can be complicated.
Plans may have different provider networks, prescription coverage, premiums, deductibles, benefits, eligibility requirements, and enrollment periods.
Futures Essentials helps individuals and families better understand their insurance options and navigate the enrollment process.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances and applicable licensing requirements, assistance may include:
Help understanding Medicaid eligibility, coverage, renewal requirements, and available managed-care options.
Education and navigation regarding Medicare coverage and available plan options.
Information and application navigation for programs that may help eligible individuals with certain Medicare-related costs.
Help understanding available plans, provider networks, benefits, and enrollment options.
Guidance for individuals who may require long-term services and supports and want to understand available MLTC options and eligibility.
Assistance understanding individual and family health-insurance options available through applicable insurance marketplaces.
Help reviewing available coverage and understanding benefits, networks, and plan differences.
Access to licensed insurance professionals who can provide education regarding available life-insurance products and coverage options.
We begin by understanding your current insurance situation, healthcare needs, providers, medications, and concerns.
We help explain programs or coverage options that may be available to you.
When appropriate, available options can be reviewed based on factors such as doctors, medications, benefits, premiums, networks, and individual needs.
Our goal is education and informed decision-making. The choice of whether to enroll or change coverage remains yours.
When permitted and appropriate, our team or participating licensed professionals can assist with the application or enrollment process.
IMPORTANT
Insurance eligibility and enrollment are never guaranteed.
Coverage, benefits, premiums, provider networks, formularies, eligibility rules, and plan availability vary.
Insurance products requiring licensure are discussed or enrolled through appropriately licensed professionals.
Connecting Healthcare With the Needs.That Affect Everyday Life
Health is affected by much more than what happens inside a doctor’s office.
Having enough nutritious food, safe housing, reliable transportation, and essential household resources can have a major impact on a person’s overall health.
New York State’s Medicaid Social Care Network initiative was created to help connect eligible Medicaid members with services addressing certain *Health-Related Social Needs*, sometimes called HRSNs.
Futures Essentials participates in the Social Care Network system to help eligible individuals identify social-care needs, navigate available resources, and connect with approved services when applicable.
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility depends on Medicaid status, program requirements, an individual’s assessed needs, and the specific service requested.
Generally, the process begins by determining whether someone is enrolled in an eligible Medicaid program and completing a social-care screening or assessment.
Certain services may also have additional eligibility requirements.
Because eligibility can be complicated, we encourage individuals to contact our team rather than trying to determine eligibility alone.
We speak with you about areas of your life that may be affecting your health or stability.
This may include questions about:
If additional needs are identified, we review available program pathways and determine whether additional assessment or documentation is required.
When eligible, we help connect members with approved providers, resources, or services.
Our team helps explain what happens next and assists members with understanding the process.
Futures Essentials provides food, clothing, and home essentials to families in crisis, building stability, dignity, and long-term resilience.
© Copyright 2025 Future Essentials Inc. All rights reserved.
Yael Zola is the founder and Executive Director of Future Essentials, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering individuals by connecting them with essential resources in healthcare, employment, and financial literacy. With a strong background in human resources, operations, and mental health advocacy, Yael brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work, striving to bridge the gap between individuals in need and the resources available to them.
Yael’s journey toward launching Future Essentials was driven by both professional expertise and personal experience. Her extensive career in human resources and workforce development, spanning over eight years, provided her with firsthand insight into the barriers individuals face in securing stable employment, accessing benefits, and navigating financial literacy. Throughout her tenure in HR leadership roles across healthcare and corporate sectors, she witnessed the systemic challenges that many individuals—particularly those from marginalized communities—face in securing stability and growth in their professional and personal lives.
In addition to her professional background, Yael’s personal struggles with postpartum depression played a pivotal role in shaping her mission. Through her own mental health journey, she recognized the critical need for accessible support systems and resources for individuals facing similar challenges. This realization became a driving force behind Future Essentials, a nonprofit that ensures individuals—especially those in financial distress, employment uncertainty, and mental health crises—can access the tools, education, and advocacy they need to thrive.
Yael’s strategic vision and empathetic leadership continue to drive Future Essentials as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy. Through her work, she remains committed to helping individuals regain control of their futures, fostering independence, and building a more informed and supported community.
Jarret Serate is a dynamic leader and advocate for minority communities, bringing a wealth of lived experience and professional expertise to his role as Chairman of the Board at Future Essential. As an African American and Hispanic man who grew up in the Bronx, Jarret has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities. His upbringing in a household dedicated to service—his father a devoted pastor and his mother a dedicated police officer—instilled in him a strong sense of duty, integrity, and the importance of giving back.
Before stepping into leadership roles in advocacy and community development, Jarret worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), where he gained a deep appreciation for the essential services that keep New York running. His work allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, further strengthening his commitment to equity and accessibility.
Jarret’s deep-rooted connections across various communities make him a pivotal member of the Future Essential board. His ability to bridge gaps between policymakers, grassroots organizations, and everyday citizens ensures that the board remains focused on actionable solutions for economic empowerment, social justice, and sustainable development. With a passion for fostering opportunity and a vision for a more inclusive future, Jarret Serate continues to champion initiatives that uplift and empower those who need it most.
Udel has devoted her life to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, disabilities, and intellectual differences. From an early age, she engaged with various organizations to uplift those in need, later working in special education and coaching individuals with diverse abilities. As a board member of Supportive Futures Foundation, Udel continues to champion inclusivity and empowerment, driven by a deep passion for making the world a brighter, more compassionate place.
With over a decade of experience in the sector, Emilia Tavarez is a prominent professional in insurance and personal finance. Her training as a Certified Personal Finance Coach enables her to approach each case from a comprehensive perspective, merging technical knowledge with personal development strategies. Through coaching, mentoring, and workshops designed to empower individuals and families, she strives to facilitate effective economic resource management and future financial planning.
As a businesswoman and founder of Inclusive Insurance Agency Inc., Emilia promotes inclusion and financial education within her community. In her role as an Insurance Advisor, she offers personalized solutions meticulously tailored to the specific needs of each client, ensuring high-quality service.
Her mission is to provide effective tools that enhance access to quality financial services, contributing to the well-being and economic security of her clients.
Throughout her career, she has helped over 2,000 satisfied clients, establishing herself as a trusted figure in the sector. Additionally, she is the founder of Emilia Tavarez LLC, Power of Transformation LLC, and Embrace Hosting Experiences, reflecting her commitment to personal and professional growth in multiple areas.
