LIVEON NY PRESENTS ‘HERO AWARD’ TO SIX FRONT-LINE WORKERS MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OLDER NEW YORKERS
At LiveOn NY’s 35th Annual Conference on Aging, six front-line workers who make a positive difference in the lives of New Yorkers every day were presented with Hero Award. The awardees — from caregivers to home delivered meals drivers — are the people who show up each and every day to build a city where our older adults can thrive and age with dignity.
“LiveOn is honored to recognize six incredible individuals with the Hero Award for their dedication to improving the lives of older adults across New York City. Our advocacy work would not be possible without those who are dedicated to providing daily, frontline support and services so that older New Yorkers can age and thrive in their own communities. Just like the award says — they are all heroes,” said Allison Nickerson, LiveOn NY Executive Director.
Our Honorees:
Beth Stern, Older Adult Center Director, Community Agency For Senior Citizens, Inc. (CASC)
Ms. Stern, with over two decades of leadership in aging services, has significantly impacted CASC since 2017, directing Older Adult Centers and leading the Office of Victim Services to support seniors affected by crime and elder abuse. As Program Director of the Cassidy Coles Older Adult Center, her leadership resulted in a 45% increase in active clients and a 23% rise in meal servings, demonstrating her commitment to advocacy, cultural inclusivity, and the well-being of older adults.
Breanna Williams, Case Manager, Heights and Hills
Ms. Williams, a case manager at Heights and Hills, has profoundly impacted older adults' lives through her compassionate advocacy, connecting clients to essential resources and improving their quality of life. Her work this year, including helping a client facing eviction and severe hoarding and supporting a stroke survivor in regaining control over his finances, showcases her dedication to empowering vulnerable older adults and exemplifies LiveOn NY’s mission.
Freddy Garcia, Home Delivered Meals Driver, JASA
Mr. Garcia is a compassionate and dedicated driver for the Home Delivered Meals program, known for his quick thinking and life-saving actions, such as alerting authorities when a client fell and lost consciousness. He goes above and beyond his duties by fostering personal connections, delivering handwritten cards, and serving as a trusted advocate and mentor, earning the admiration of both clients and colleagues.
Guisela Lara, Case Manager, Sunnyside Community Services
For 23 years, Ms. Guisela Lara has been a dedicated case manager at Sunnyside Community Services, advocating for over 1,300 homebound elderly clients in Western Queens with empathy, creativity, and tireless commitment. Known for her problem-solving and mentorship, she has recently focused on supporting undocumented older adults, earning admiration from both clients and colleagues for her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of seniors.
Helen Chen, Older Adult Center Director, Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC)
Ms. Helen Ling Chen has dedicated nearly 15 years to leading CPC Brooklyn’s Older Adult Center, growing its membership from 50 to over 370 active members and providing culturally sensitive services to the diverse Sunset Park community. Her advocacy, health education initiatives, and efforts to address anti-Asian hate, along with empowering older adults to advocate for themselves, make her a standout leader in the field and a deserving recipient of the Woman of Distinction award.
Zamani Berry-Amin, Program Coordinator, Breaking Ground
Ms. Berry-Amin has demonstrated unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of older adults in Breaking Ground’s Brooklyn housing facilities, providing personalized support and advocacy to help clients access essential resources and age in place with dignity and independence. Her interventions during medical crises, such as advocating for in-home care, and her efforts to engage seniors in community events, empower clients to live autonomously and improve their well-being.