Non-Profit Staten Island Celebrates Local Charitable Organizations With 14th Annual Community Service Awards
Non Profit Staten Island
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Nonprofit Staten Island Celebrates 14th Annual Community Service Awards, Honoring the Borough’s “Unsung Heroes”
See below for a slideshow of photos from the event:
The event recognized 24 “unsung heroes” across Staten Island’s nonprofit sector—individuals whose work strengthens programs and supports communities across the borough. To see the complete program, including all of the volunteers honored, please click here.(Non-Profit Staten Island complete program) In April, which is Global Volunteer Month, is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Among its organizers is Points of Light, which has this to say about it:
Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has been an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. It takes place every April during Global Volunteer Month.
Each year, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.
STATEN ISLAND, NY — Nonprofit Staten Island (NPSI) proudly hosted its 14th Annual Community Service Awards Breakfast on Sunday, April 19, 2026, bringing together over 250 nonprofit leaders, community partners, and residents at the Richmond County Country Club to recognize the individuals who power Staten Island’s nonprofit sector.
Held during National Volunteer Appreciation Month, the annual event honors staff and volunteers nominated by their organizations for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to service. This year, 24 honorees representing nonprofit organizations across Staten Island were recognized for their extraordinary contributions—many of whom work behind the scenes to strengthen programs, support communities, and improve lives across the borough.
“Looking around the room, you see the people who make Staten Island stronger every day,” said Tatiana Sabatelli, Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island. “Behind every program and every success story, there are individuals showing up with purpose and heart. This event is about taking a moment to recognize that impact and celebrate the collective strength of our nonprofit community.”
The program featured remarks from NPSI leadership and board members, followed by a breakfast and an awards presentation led by event co-chairs Arlene Sorkin of IlluminArt Productions and Linda Dianto of the National Lighthouse Museum, alongside presenters Crystal Montalvo, CUNY College of Staten Island, and Amelia Winter, Staten Island Jewish Community Center (SI JCC). The ceremony highlighted stories of resilience, compassion, and service across sectors including healthcare, education, housing, environmental stewardship, and community development.
“This celebration is one of the most meaningful events of the year because it shines a light on the people who make our community work,” said Arlene Sorkin, Event Co-Chair. “These are individuals who give their time, energy, and care so generously—often without recognition—and it’s an honor to uplift their contributions.”
“As we moved through the program, what stood out was the shared purpose across so many different paths,” added Linda Dianto, Event Co-Chair. “Each honoree reflects a commitment to building a stronger, more connected Staten Island, and it’s a privilege to recognize that work.”
Honorees included leaders, frontline staff, and dedicated volunteers representing organizations such as A Chance in Life, Central Family Life Center, Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI), Natural Resources Protective Association (NRPA), Out of the Storm Senior Housing, Pride Center Staten Island, Soroptimist International of Staten Island, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and many more.
The event also recognized the sponsors and partners who made the celebration possible, including Impact Leaders Bentson & Company and Comserv Connect; Service Partners Staten Island University Hospital and Tekie Geek; and Impact Supporter Empire State Bank. Elected officials provided citations honoring the awardees, and NPSI was recognized with a mayoral citation in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
Nonprofit Staten Island serves as a hub for the borough’s nonprofit sector—bringing organizations together to build connections, strengthen capacity, and advocate for the communities they serve. Through year-round programming and partnerships, NPSI works to ensure organizations across Staten Island have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Several event photos are included below, including several from Staten Island’s JCC, whose Director of Social Services Paloma Wasserstein received the Nonprofit Staten Island Community Service Award:
Executive Director Tatiana Sabatelli welcomes attendees to Nonprofit Staten Island’s 14th Annual Community Service Awards. Image Credit – NPSI
Community Service Award honorees recognized at the 2026 Community Service Awards. Image Credit – NPSI
Community Service Award honorees recognized at the 2026 Community Service Awards. Image Credit – NPSI
Attendees participate in the Community Service Awards celebration. Image Credit – NPSI
Director of Social Services Paloma Wasserstein of JCC Staten Island. Image Credit – JCC
Director of Social Services Paloma Wasserstein of JCC Staten Island. Image Credit – JCC
Director of Social Services Paloma Wasserstein and other honorees. Image Credit – JCC
Banner Image: Director of Social Services Paloma Wasserstein an staff of JCC Staten Island. Image Credit – JCC
This brand represents the 150 non profit organizations that are our members. Since 2005, the Nonprofit Staten Island (formerly known as SINFPA) has provided resources, support, and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit community. Through year-round educational workshops, coalition building, affinity group, networking opportunities and resource sharing, we strive to ensure nonprofits have what they need to continue being service providers, employers, and active members of the Staten Island community. Nonprofit Staten Island membership includes over 150 cultural institutions, faith-based organizations, health care providers, senior & youth service providers, and local community groups that provide critical services and meaningful programs for our diverse Staten Island individuals, families, communities, and neighborhoods.
