Women of Character and Fortitude



Russell Carson gives Kay Howard the Russell L. Carson
Visionary Award for her exemplary work with students at MS 72.


It’s been a wonderful spring: Two of our employees were honored recently for their exceptional service on behalf of the children and families in our programs.

Kay Howard

At our Spring Gala on April 28, staff member Kay Howard was awarded the Russell L. Carson Visionary Award, given to a staff member for outstanding dedication and performance.


As one of her students noted, “Kay is someone who will believe in you when you have lost all hope.”

Howard, who coordinates tutoring in the after-school program at the Community School at MS 72 Basie Beacon, deflected praise, saying,

“If I were just one little old lady sitting alone in a room, no matter how determined, I would just be a bandaid for kids. Instead, at The Child Center, I am one part of a whole network that is functioning strategically and effectively to make a holistic difference for kids who are struggling. That’s the game changer. So thanks for this award – I really do love it – but I’ll accept it on behalf of the whole Child Center network. That’s what’s making the difference.”

Nathalie Louis

Nathalie Louis, Cornerstone director at The Child Center’s Beach 41st Cornerstone Community Center, was honored recently at a luncheon given by Council Member Donovan Richards of District 31.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 4

Louis with Council Member Donovan Richards at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Beach 41st Community Center.

Richards, who held the luncheon to honor “complex women who persevered when the answer was ‘no,'” called Louis and her fellow honorees women “of character and fortitude.” Louis spearheaded the renovations at the Beach 41st Community Center after it was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.

“I had the pleasure of working with Nathalie during the renovation of the Beach 41st community center and other projects in the Rockaways, where her dedication and enthusiasm helped usher the project to completion,” said Council Member Richards. “Today, Nathalie continues to follow her lifelong passion of service to young people and meeting their needs in her current capacity at the Child Center for NY. Nathalie Louis is an extraordinary woman, and it has been a honor working with her.”

Proclamation Day 8

Nathalie Louis (third from left) with her family, including her daughter Saniya (in front of her), and Deep Ghosh (second from left), Associate Executive Director of Youth Development & Community Engagement for The Child Center


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