Congratulations!
We are thrilled to share that six of Selfhelp's staff members and partners recently received distinguished awards for their achievements and innovation in serving older adults in New York. Read more about the unique awards below. 
Selfhelp's Senior Vice President,
Russell Lusak 
Home Care Association of New York Advocacy Award  
Ellen Ceriale, Koku Badasu, Karen Geller, Russell Lusak, Nancy Kelly Sullivan (l. to r.)
In Russ's role as HCA’s appointee to the State Health Information Technology Infrastructure Committee, he has worked to ensure that home care is part of New York State's planning for technology infrastructure. 

Russ has pursued efforts to integrate data and electronic health information exchange between entities. He has been a strong voice in HCA's legislative, budget and policy advocacy for the home care sector's technology needs and support. We are grateful to Russ's dedication to Selfhelp and to ensuring older adults can age at home. Watch a video of the awards ceremony.  
Queens Holocaust Survivor Program Director, 
Aubrey Jacobs
Queens Impact Award
Vice President Hanan Simhon accepted the award on behalf of Aubrey Jacobs
On May 11th, Aubrey Jacobs was honored with the Queens Impact Award from the Community News Group. Aubrey was recognized for her commitment to utilizing a trauma-informed lens when serving Holocaust survivors and for providing opportunities for socialization to reduce isolation among survivors. The Queens Holocaust Survivor Program serves more than 125 Holocaust survivors each year. 
Witness Theater Drama Therapist,
Sally Shatzkes
36 Under 36
Sally Shatzkes, the drama therapist for Selfhelp's Witness Theater program at the Yeshivah of Flatbush, was named one of The Jewish Week's 36 Under 36. This award honors emerging Jewish leaders who are pushing change through compassion. Sally was key to starting Witness Theater in New York City. 

She shared about her work in Witness Theater, noting "We are gifting the survivors their stories. This is unlike anything in Holocaust oral history…and a life-changing experience for members of both generations.” Survivors get a chance to tell their stories to interested listeners. And the students, in turn, learn empathy, the art of listening. Read more about Sally's award here.
Managing Director, Senior Communities,
Mayer Waxman
LeadingAge IGNITE Leadership Award
Mayer Waxman graduated from the prestigious LeadingAge IGNITE Leadership Academy, which trains social workers and professionals who serve older adults. During the program, Mayer engaged in an "Action Learning Project," encouraging NYC's social work schools to adopt a universal field placement form to ease the process for social service agencies. 
Mayer Waxman (center back) with
LeadingAge IGNITE participants
Holocaust Survivor Program Social Worker,
Gina Goldman
JCRC-LI Service Award
Gina Goldman, the Program Coordinator of the Abraham Scharf Center for Holocaust Survivor Services on Long Island, was honored at the JCRC-LI Celebrate Israel Concert on June 11th for her dedication to enabling Holocaust survivors to age with dignity. We are grateful for Gina's compassionate care and thrilled to share this award.
Stay tuned next month for photographs from the
New York Nonprofit Media 40 Under 40 Celebration.

Sandy Myers, our Director of Government and External Relations, will be honored on July 19th as a Rising Star in the nonprofit sector for her leadership in advocating for the needs of older adults in New York. Read more here.