Every March, CAMBA holds a special event to recognize the incredible work of its social workers—those who are at the very heart of CAMBA’s mission. These compassionate professionals provide direct support, helping clients navigate life’s challenges, access essential resources, and build brighter futures.
This event is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the tireless dedication, empathy, and expertise that CAMBA’s social workers bring to their roles. It’s a moment to honor their unwavering commitment to the people CAMBA serves, as well as the invaluable role they play in fostering positive change within our communities.
In addition to food, refreshments, and group activities intended to nourish CAMBA social workers’ minds, bodies, and souls, CAMBA honored its social workers (pictured above) with the following awards during the event:
The Compassionate Advocate: This award recognizes social workers who demonstrate exceptional empathy and advocacy skills in supporting clients and empowering them to overcome challenges. They are a voice for the voiceless and go above and beyond to ensure their clients’ needs are met.
The following CAMBA staff members received Compassionate Advocate Awards:
- Marcos Gonzalez, Client Care Coordinator, The Park Residence
- Christy Mondesir, Case Manager, Bronx Grove 203rd
- Leonne Heurtelou, Program Director, School Based Early Support-ACS
The Action-Oriented Innovator: This award honors social workers who are catalysts for positive change, developing and implementing innovative programs or initiatives that address social issues and improve community well-being. They are not afraid to think outside the box and take risks to make a difference.
The following CAMBA staff members received Action-Oriented Innovator Awards:
- Darylennys German-Aponte, Client Care Coordinator, The Park Residence
- Christina Johnson, Program Manager, Family with Children
- Tonja Myles, Assistant Program Manager, Rising Up Men’s Shelter
- Kerry Flanagan, Senior Vice President, Family Shelter Services
- Claire Harding- Keefe, CAMBA’s Chief Administrative Officer
The Community Builder: This award celebrates social workers who actively foster collaboration and partnerships within the community, building bridges between individuals, organizations, and resources. They are skilled at bringing people together and creating a sense of collective action to address local needs.
The following CAMBA staff members received Community Builder Awards:
- Janet Miller; Executive Vice President, Eviction Prevention, CAMBA Legal Services, Food & Nutrition Program and Economic Development
- Erica Mitchell, Vice President, Family and Victim Support Services
- David Zelamsky, Staff Development Coordinator, Shelter Services
- Chelita Redmond, Vice President of Evergreen Family Residence
The Resiliency Champion: This award acknowledges social workers who inspire hope and resilience in clients and colleagues alike. They demonstrate unwavering support for those facing adversity, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
The following CAMBA staff members received Resiliency Champion Awards:
- Carol Rubinstein, Social Work Education Initiatives
- Rohel Watson, Client Care Coordinator, Evergreen Family Residence
The Compassionate Leader: This award recognizes social workers who embody compassionate leadership, inspiring and motivating others through their vision, integrity, and dedication to service. They create a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
The following CAMBA staff members received Compassionate Leader Awards:
- Karen Ford, Executive Vice President, Homeless and Family Support Services
- Akira Powell, Senior Vice President, Single Adult Shelter Services
Emerging Compassion (BSW): This award recognizes a BSW student who demonstrates a strong commitment to social work values, exhibits exceptional empathy and compassion in their fieldwork, and shows promise as a future social work leader.
The following CAMBA staff member received an Emerging Compassion Award:
- Victoria Castillo Suero, Case manager, Evergreen Family Residence
Action in Progress (MSW): This award honors an MSW student who is actively engaged in creating positive change within their community, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and a commitment to social justice through their field placement or research activities.
The following CAMBA staff members received Action in Progress Awards:
- Talisha St. Cyr-Cummings, Program Supervisor, SafeCare
- Claudemir Seneus, Case Planner, School Based Early Support
- Lisa Daliberiste, Senior Case Manager, CAMBA Gardens II
- Antea Phoenix, Case Planner, School Based Early Support Program
- Christine Moore, Vice President, Flagstone
- Stephanie Purnell, Vice President, Evergreen
The event was also an opportunity for CAMBA to recognize its ongoing partnership with the Adelphi University School of Social Work, without whom this program would not be possible.
Pictured from left to right: Claire Harding-Keefe, CAMBA’s Chief Administrative Officer; Livia Polise, LCSW, Director of Practicum Education, Adelphi University School of Social Work; CarolAnn L. Daniel, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Social Policy, Adelphi University School of Social Work; Dr. Joanne Corbin, Dean, Adelphi University School of Social Work; Jennifer Budhan, LCSW, Program Coordinator; and CAMBA/CHV President & CEO Valerie Barton-Richardson.
With your support, we are able to continue to invest in the well-being of our staff and the people they serve. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and helping us create an even stronger, more compassionate future for all.
If you would like to learn more about how CAMBA’s social workers support and uplift those we serve, ask us. We welcome the opportunity to connect with you and share information about our programs that reach more than 73,000 New Yorkers each year.