Celebrating the recognition of outstanding social service advocates
Celebrating New York's Social Services Pioneers: The Above & Beyond Awards
The "Above & Beyond Social Services: Recognizing New York's Leaders in the Social Services Sector" awards ceremony took place at the 3 West Club in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, honoring individuals who have made significant impacts in New York through their dedication to social services.
The recipients of these prestigious awards are leaders from various sectors, including nonprofits, public officials, and innovators. They have demonstrated exceptional character and commitment, championing innovative professional practices and technological advancements in social service delivery. These honorees have steered their organizations through complex political and social challenges, providing critical support services to communities facing homelessness, poverty, developmental disabilities, chronic diseases, substance use disorders, and more.
One honoree, for instance, led two HUD-funded HousingPlus programs to top rankings in NYC’s Continuum of Care evaluation, including projects that created housing opportunities for women veterans in Brooklyn.
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park of the New York City Department of Social Services delivered the second keynote speech at the awards ceremony. She called on the honorees to find strength and comfort in the fact that they're not alone in the struggle, encouraging them to find opportunity during hard times to create an even more equitable system for the future.
The event was associated with City & State's "Above & Beyond: Social Services" power list. Phenix Kim, City & State and New York Nonprofit Media correspondent, served as emcee for the ceremony. New York State Office of Children & Family Services Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden delivered the keynote remarks, sharing that serving others is a calling that all the honorees share and fulfill with "open hearts."
Harris-Madden noted the challenges faced by the social services field, including federal budget cuts and a growing feeling that people lack empathy for others. She shared a quote from the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm during her speech: "Service is the rent you pay for the privilege of living on this earth."
The honorees left the ceremony feeling even more inspired and empowered to continue uplifting their communities and clients. If you want to learn more or connect with these leaders, City & State encourages contact via [email protected].
- Recipients of the Above & Beyond Social Services awards, such as those who led housing programs for women veterans, are not only innovators in science and health-and-wellness but also champions for mental-health initiatives, providing critical support services to various communities.
- In her keynote speech, Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden of the New York State Office of Children & Family Services emphasized the importance of public servants' dedication to mental-health services, stating that the work they do is akin to a calling and reflects the philosophy of the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm, "Service is the rent you pay for the privilege of living on this earth."
