Future endeavors in social services: Above & Beyond 2025

Future endeavors in social services: Above & Beyond 2025

The 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services honours were bestowed upon 54 hardworking individuals who have made significant impacts across New York by providing essential support to various vulnerable populations. These honourees were recognised for their efforts in helping nonprofits focus on their core missions, from early childhood development to elder care.

The award ceremony took place at the 3 West Club in Midtown Manhattan on August 5, 2025, with keynote remarks from New York State Office of Children & Family Services Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden. The event recognised individuals for exceptional commitment to New York’s social services, addressing poverty, homelessness, and other pressing issues across the state.

The honourees for the 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services are a diverse group, reflecting the wide range of challenges and needs in the social services sector in New York. They cater to a wide range of clients, including those with developmental disabilities, chronic diseases, substance use issues, and other challenges. Hundreds of nonprofit organizations in New York provide essential services such as food and shelter, but these honourees offer unique perspectives and approaches in addressing social issues in New York.

Among the notable honourees mentioned are Maria Lizardo, Executive Director, and Saeeda Dunston, CEO of Elmcor, both recognised for their leadership in the social services sector. The full list celebrates leaders who uplift, advocate, and push for a more equitable future, encompassing nonprofit executives, public officials, and innovators.

It's worth noting that nearly 7 million New York residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and many are at risk of losing coverage due to new federal tax legislation. Homelessness continues to rise in New York, with approximately a quarter of New York City residents currently living in poverty, and the rate of poverty in New York City is nearly double the national average.

The 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services honourees are expected to make a significant impact in the social services sector in the coming year, as they continue to help nonprofits focus on their core missions and provide essential services to those who need them most.

For a comprehensive biography and profiles of the honourees, City & State's official "2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services" power list published on August 4, 2025, provides detailed information on all awardees. The second annual Above & Beyond: Social Services recognises notable figures in the social services sector, including John Celock, Yunior Rivas, Amanda Salazar, and Erica Scalise, who have been introduced as the profiles for the 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services honourees.

The 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services honourees will be honoured for their contributions to the social services sector at a special event, where they will be celebrated for their dedication to improving the lives of millions of New Yorkers.

1. The honourees' work in the social services sector extends to various medical conditions, including chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues.
2. Some honourees specialize in workplace-wellness, advocating for policies that promote mental health, skin care, and nutrition.
3. The awards ceremony recognized individuals who address the needs of those affected by cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and skin conditions.
4. The honourees are instrumental in ensuring access to therapies and treatments, particularly for those suffering from eye-health and hearing problems.
5. Men's health, sexual health, and fitness and exercise are also significant areas of focus for these honourees.
6. The work of the honourees is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and managing weight, especially among the economically disadvantaged.
7. Working with senior citizens, some honourees focus on helping them maintain their health and wellness during the aging process.
8. For expecting and new parents, honourees offer support through parenting programs and resources.
9. In addition to direct services, some honourees engage in policy-and-legislation efforts that aim to address social issues on a broader scale, such as poverty and homelessness.
10. Some honourees work within politics, advocating for policies that improve health care, including Medicare, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
11. The general news media frequently highlights the achievements and contributions of the honourees, showcasing their dedication to New York's social services sector.
12. CBD, a compound found in cannabis, has been utilized by some honourees for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing various health conditions.
13. The honourees' commitment to social services extends to addressing critical issues in the social services sector, such as workforce development and capacity-building.
14. The honourees cater to diverse communities, providing services for women and girls, including reproductive health care and women's health education.
15. The 2025 Above & Beyond: Social Services honourees continue to leverage their expertise to shape the future of social services in New York, setting a example for future generations.

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