THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 Diamond & Hearts for New York’s Children Sponsors

CASA of New York State and CASA programs from across the state come together once a year to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and honor our community members who have done exceptional work in keeping with CASA’s mission: advocacy focused on the best interests of abused and neglected children.

Awards presented at the event:

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD

This award is given to an organization who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and advocacy in improving the lives of individuals, families, and children.

CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN AWARD

This award is presented to an individual who has shown an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of children in foster care. A true Champion for Children exemplifies compassion, dedication, and tireless support for vulnerable youth, ensuring they are given opportunities for a brighter future.

HEART FOR NEW YORK CHILDREN’S AWARD

This award recognizes those who go above and beyond in advocating for children’s rights, providing mentorship, and making a lasting impact on their lives. Recipients of this award embody the values of CASA by giving children a voice, ensuring their safety, and advocating for their well-being.

LOOKING FOR 30 NEW SPONSORS IN CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF ADVOCACY

RSVP for the event

hyatt place albany downtown reservations

2025 Diamond & Hearts for New York’s Children Event
Celebrating 30 Years of Advocacy

Wednesday, May 7th | 677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany, NY, 6-8:30pm
(We are supported by our Sponsors. This event is free to our guests.)

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARDS

Greater Mental Health of New York
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, GMHNY works to expand accessibility to care and provide services that address the complex needs of individuals. Highly trained and compassionate care teams are able to respond to the needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and individuals who are uninsured or under‑insured.

Mental Health America of Dutchess County
MHA of Dutchess County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making sure nobody gets left behind in our community due to lack of mental health services.

Mental Health Advocates of Western New York, Inc.
MHA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN AWARD

Jodi Johnson, Director, Erie County CASA

HEART FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD

Benita Marks, a Celebration of Life

Previous Award Recipients and Featured Guest Speakers

2024

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER

Roger Saillant, CASANYS board member and author of The Power of Being Seen, a memoir covering his years in foster care.

SPECIAL GUEST

The Honorable Fatimat O. Reid, Monroe County Family Court Judge.

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD

The Honorable Richard Rivera, accepting on behalf of The NYS Unified Court System, Office of Court Administration.

MARY RICH AWARDS

Barbara Morgen, Esq., CASA Advocate Supervisor, The Mental Health Association of Westchester, Inc., CASA of Westchester and Putnam Counties Program.

Cheryl Vallee, Executive Director, Center for Community Justice, CASA of the Capital Region.

HEART FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD

Shimoli Shah, 2024 Outstanding Volunteer from CASA-NYC.

2023

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER

Suzanne Miles-Gustave, Esq., Acting Commissioner/Executive Deputy Commissioner, New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD

Northern Rivers Family of Services, a family of human services agencies that work together to provide life-changing care to children, adults, and families. Accepted by William Gettman, Chief Executive Officer.

MARY RICH AWARD

Lee Lounsbury, President of the Board of Directors of CASA of New York State.

HEART FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD

Kathy Davidson, NYS Office of Victim Services.

2022

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER
Andrew Hevesi, New York State Assemblymember. Chair of the Committee on Children and Families.

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK CHILDREN’S AWARD
The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, accepted by Crystal Charles, Policy Analyst and Kate Breslin, President and CEO. The Schuyler Center is a policy analysis and advocacy organization working to shape policies to improve health, welfare and human services for all New Yorkers, especially children and families who are living in poverty.

MARY RICH AWARD
Art Siegel, Esq., Former President of the Board of Directors of CASA of New York State.

2019

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER
Henry M. Greenberg, Esq., Former President of the New York State Bar Association
Co-Editor of Judith S. Kaye In Her Own Words: Reflections of Life and Law.

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD
New York State Kinship Navigator, accepted by Gerard Wallace, Executive Director.
The Navigator seeks to assist caregivers by providing information on financial assistance, legal information and referrals, and other types of issues that caregivers face when raising children in order to provide stability and permanency in the home.

MARY RICH AWARD
Barbara Benedict, Former Executive Director of CASA of New York State.

2018

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER
The Honorable Karen K. Peters, Former Presiding Justice
New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department.

DIAMOND & HEARTS FOR NEW YORK’S CHILDREN AWARD
Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), accepted by Glenn Liebman, Executive Director. MHANYS works to end the stigma against mental illness and promotes mental health wellness in New York State.