Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, New York City
It’s that time of the year to join us, our supporters, partners, staff, participants, and their families for the 2025 CFS Awards Dinner Celebration: Inspiring Lives Through Connection!
Each year, the Center for Family Support (CFS) comes together with our participants, families, staff, partners, and supporters to celebrate the extraordinary people who make our mission possible. On October 23, 2025, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening honoring those who inspire, advocate, and lead with compassion and courage.
Our Annual Awards Dinner is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the community we are building together.
Inspiring Lives through Connection
This year’s theme, Inspiring Lives Through Connection, reflects the heart of our work.
Every individual we support, every staff member, every family, every partner and supporter plays a vital role in inspiring the lives of our participants at CFS. With the connections we make, we work together to empower the 1000+ participants CFS supports in their journey towards empowerment, self-advocacy, and achieving their dream of living more inclusively in their communities and more independently in their lives.
Our strength is in how we connect, innovate, and collaborate—across services, across programs, across communities, and across generations.
Whether it’s helping someone live more independently, find meaningful employment, or speak up for their rights, we do it together.
This evening honors those connections and the remarkable lives they help shape.
Awards Dinner Celebration: Location and Program
We are thrilled to host this year’s celebration at the stunning Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House at Bowling Green.
Guests will enjoy food, drinks, music, and powerful stories from CFS self-advocates and honorees in a setting that speaks to heritage, dignity, and resilience.
Come dressed to celebrate—and to be inspired.
Honoring Those Who Make Our Mission Possible
Like every year, CFS honors partners who have worked especially hard to make sure we can continue to inspire lives through our mission.
CFS Advocate Award: Honoring USI
This year, CFS is proud to present the CFS Advocate Award to USI for their unwavering support in ensuring our staff have the comprehensive benefits they need to provide the highest quality support to those we serve. USI’s dedication extends beyond CFS—they work with dozens of other nonprofits across New York City, representing tens of thousands of nonprofit staff. Their partnership has strengthened our ability to care for our employees, so they can care for our community.
“Advocating for nonprofits means more than ensuring staff have comprehensive benefits – I want to give them every incentive to be proactive about their health and wellbeing. When employees are empowered to care for themselves, they can bring their best to caring for others – and that’s how we build stronger communities together,” says Andrew Clarke, Vice President of Employee Benefits at USI, who will also be accepting the award on behalf of the organization.
Your Support Matters Now More Than Ever
As federal and state funding for critical services faces continued cuts, the programs that CFS participants and families rely on—residential support, community programs, advocacy, innovation, and individualized supports—are all at risk. Your attendance, sponsorship, and donations help us bridge the gap, ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to have access to the supports they need to thrive…. and inspire!
Together, we can protect and expand programs that promote dignity, choice, and opportunity.
Reserve Your Seat. Support Our Mission. Celebrate Our People. Inspire Lives.
Thank you to the CFS Awards Celebration Committee
Carmen Alvarez – CFS Executive Assistant
Matthew Becker – Principal at BDO USA, P.C.
Carol Dillon – Parent of CFS Participant
Jennifer Lazarus – CFS NY & NJ Board Member
Alicia McGrath – CFS CEO
Marcio Oliveira – CFS Foundation Board Member
Rochelle Powell – CFS Foundation Board Member
Jason Rahlan – CFS Foundation Board Vice President
Regina Samuel – CFS Development Administrative Professional
Elisabeth Seep – CFS Foundation Board Secretary & Treasurer
Cynthia Selover – CFS Foundation Board Member
Adrienne Sime – CFS Foundation Board Member
Lloyd Stabiner – CFS NY Board President
Ted Traver – CFS SVP of Development
Thank you to our partners and sponsors!
