Celebrated social work pioneers awarded
News Article: "New York's Social Services Leaders Honored at City & State's Above & Beyond Awards"
The 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services power list awards ceremony took place at the 3 West Club in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday, recognizing social service workers who have made an impact on the state. The event, organized by City & State, honored individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving social services in New York through leadership, innovation, and tireless community support.
New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park served as emcee for the ceremony, while New York State Office of Children & Family Services Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden delivered the keynote remarks. Wasow Park acknowledged the turbulent times faced by the social services field but expressed faith in the honorees and their organizations to do the hard work together.
The honorees represent a diverse group, from nonprofit innovators and organizational leaders to public officials like commissioners of social service departments. They have driven groundbreaking research adoption, implemented innovative professional practices, and used technology to enhance service delivery in social services.
Several recipients lead or have contributed to programs recognized at the federal level, such as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded HousingPlus programs. These programs have achieved top city rankings for effectiveness and have opened new housing facilities for at-risk groups like women veterans.
The BronxWorks Executive Vice President was honored for leadership in community-based services addressing poverty and housing challenges in the Bronx. Individuals like Charles Madray, Vice President for Health Services and Community-Based Programs, were recognized for significant contributions in health services impacting vulnerable populations.
The awardees' work substantially impacts improving access to food, shelter, healthcare, early childhood development, elder care, and programs for people facing developmental disabilities, chronic diseases, and substance use. They have been instrumental in launching large-scale housing projects and programs for support services that align with city and federal evaluations, reflecting measurable quality and effectiveness.
Wasow Park called on the honorees to find strength and comfort in the fact that they're not alone in the struggle. She encouraged them to find opportunity during hard times to create an even more equitable system for the future. Harris-Madden shared a quote from the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm that emphasizes service as a privilege for living on earth.
The honorees left the awards ceremony feeling even more inspired and empowered to continue uplifting their communities and clients. The Above & Beyond: Social Services power list awards are a testament to the exceptional character and professional standards of these leaders, providing vital support for their communities across social service domains.
- The BronxWorks Executive Vice President, recognized for their leadership in community-based services, is making significant contributions in the realm of health-and-wellness, particularly in addressing poverty and housing challenges, and improving access to healthcare in the Bronx.
- Several recipient organizations have driven groundbreaking initiatives in science, such as adopting innovative professional practices and using technology to enhance service delivery, with their work substantially impacting mental health through early childhood development, elder care, and programs for people facing developmental disabilities, chronic diseases, and substance use.
