Mayor Eric Adams and city officials hosted the first-ever Excellence in Human Service Delivery Awards (EHSDAs) at Gracie Mansion on Tuesday, recognizing nonprofit organizations and public servants who go above and beyond to serve New Yorkers.
Launched this year by the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services (MONS), the awards celebrate innovation, operational excellence and dedication in human services, acknowledging the critical partnership between city agencies and nonprofits.
“ACS is committed to keeping children safe and families supported and we could not carry out that mission without our vital partnerships with nonprofit providers," ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser said in a statement. "Our nonprofit partners provide the support in communities across NYC that children, youth and families need to thrive. We are so grateful for all that they do.”
MONS received more than 100 nominations from both city employees and nonprofit providers. Winners were chosen by a review committee of nonprofit leaders and city staff. Honored city employees each received a $1,000 cash award funded by the Partnership for New York City, while nonprofit winners received commemorative trophies.
This year’s honorees include:
- Action & Innovation Award: Nonprofit winner: Mount Sinai REACH Program. City staff winner: Shakina Shaw, Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor and COMPASS Director at the Department of Youth and Community Development.
- Excellence in Customer Service Award: Nonprofit winner: Elder Law Unit at Brooklyn Legal Services. City staff winner: Markida Murrell-Owens, Department of Youth and Community Development.
- Operational Excellence Award: Nonprofit winner: Center for Family Life in Sunset Park. City staff winner: Administration for Children’s Services.
- Emerging Nonprofit Award: REM Center Inc.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Rosa Gil, Founder and CEO of Comunilife, Inc.
"We are deeply grateful to Mayor Adams and to the many New York City agencies that we partner with for the opportunity to serve New York City's incredible families and their precious children,” said Julia Jean-Francois, Ph.D., LCSW, Co-Executive Director, Center for Family Life In Sunset Park.
