Betsy Smith, Director, Vladeck Cares/NORC, Receives Award from the National Association of Social Workers
By Kasia Gladki
Betsy Smith, Director, Vladeck Cares/NORC, received a Mid-Career Leader award by the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter at its Seventh Annual Leadership Awards Dinner. The event – attended by hundreds of social workers – was held on December 5, 2013, at Jin Fong Restaurant in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
Betsy, and the eight other mid-career honorees, were recognized for their exemplary leadership and unique commitment to the improvement of social and human conditions. “It was a lovely event that recognized and validated the important role of social workers,” said Betsy. “I am proud to be part of the Henry Street Settlement team!”
In addition to 13 emerging leaders who received awards, honorees included former Manhattan Borough Presidents C. Virginia Fields and Ruth Messinger. In a keynote address, the Honorable Edolphus Towns, a retired congressman and social worker, spoke about the increased need for social workers citywide and the importance of advocating for social justice. Dr. Martha Adams Sullivan, President of NASW-NYC, applauded the outstanding contributions of social workers who work every day to assure a promising future for the communities they serve.
“We are pleased that Betsy’s accomplishments were honored by the NASW,” said Henry Street Executive Director David Garza. “We place a high value on our social workers at the Settlement; they are the ones on the ground, working with clients to effect change in the community.”
