Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Crain’s New York Business have honored Gregory J. Morris and Roderick Jones, executive directors of the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center and Goddard Riverside, as 2021 Whole Health Heroes.
Morris and Jones were listed as a team in recognition of the strategic partnership between the two organizations. The award highlighted the work both have done to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under Morris’ leadership, the Stanley Isaacs Center more than tripled the average number of meals produced monthly, to 6,100. During the first few weeks of ramping up the campaign, the center reached 92% of the 704 clients reporting acute food insecurity because of the pandemic, and it connected the others to nearby providers,” the award webpage notes.
“During the height of the pandemic, Goddard Riverside provided some 1,000 meals per day to homebound seniors and their supportive housing tenants. Goddard Riverside launched programs to help clients meet emergency needs, including financial and legal counseling,” it continues.
The awards went to 25 individuals and teams from numerous high-profile organizations including Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the New York Army National Guard, City Winery, American Museum of Natural History, the National Tennis Center and Actors’ Equity Association