Transforming Lives 2024
Transforming Lives 2024
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Transforming Lives Gala possible. We welcomed 193 guests to celebrate everyone supporting our mission to transform lives, from long-time supporters to those joining us for the first time. This year’s new venue, Tribeca Rooftop, provided the perfect backdrop for a night of inspiring speeches, heartfelt stories, and meaningful connections.
Thanks to all of your efforts, we raised $371,610.
Meet Our 2024 Circle of Mercy Honorees
Kathryne Lyons and Jonathan Teplitz
Kathryne Lyons’ dedication to advocating for education and supporting immigrants has made her a pillar of the Mercy Center community throughout the years. Serving as an ESOL teacher and a member of our Board of Directors’ Development Committee, she embodies the spirit of giving back to her community. Throughout his career, Jonathan Teplitz has prioritized continuous learning and corporate social responsibility, including pitching and founding Technology for Social Good at JP Morgan Chase and his active involvement in the Alzheimer’s Association annual gala.
Justin and MacKenzie Forgberg
Justin and MacKenzie Forgberg’s commitment and generosity to Mercy Center has known no bounds since becoming involved six years ago. Between expanding the annual turkey drive to supply a full-sized delivery truck of donations each year to starting an annual women’s hygiene supplies drive that brings in over 200 toiletry bags, the Forgberg’s efforts have helped grow Mercy Center programs and made a tangible difference in the lives of our community members.
Sean Adcroft
Sean Adcroft’s contributions to Mercy Center have taken many forms since becoming involved in 1995, including teaching Job Readiness Program computer classes, redesigning our computer lab, and serving on our Board of Directors. His technological talents and deep connections have helped shape his exemplary dedication to Mercy Center.
Transformation Award Recipient
We also honored Hanty Almánzar Hernández as this year’s Mercy Center Transformation Award recipient. Her journey began in 2014 when she arrived in New York with her infant son, facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture and city. Through Mercy Center, she improved her English, found support, and embraced opportunities to give back. Today, Hanty is a published author and active volunteer, helping children in her community and exemplifying the transformation Mercy Center fosters every day.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!
Gala Committee
Daria Pizzetta
Linda Camardo
Nancy Gallin
Barry J. Gilman
Kathryne Lyons
Jackie Ostick
Emcee
Frank DiLella
Auctioneer
Jim Miller
Host Committee
Roseann Bonadia
Mary and Sean Davey
Barry J. Gilman
Ann Harris-Jacobs
Honorary Chairs
Maria Brinkmann
Blanca Cofino
Tim O’Connor and Peggy Rafferty
Daria Pizzetta and Charles Brown
MaryAnn Rich
Michael Termini
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Today and every day, we honor the veterans who served our country. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and everything you continue to give to our communities. #VeteransDay
Today and every day, we honor the veterans who served our country. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and everything you continue to give to our communities. #VeteransDay
¡Tome el control de su salud! Mercy Center y Hispanic Federation le invitan a Juntos por una vida saludable, un programa de 26 semanas para prevenir la diabetes tipo 2. Las clases comienzan el 13 de noviembre a las 10:00 AM, y quienes asistan a las primeras 8 semanas recibirán un Fitbit Inspire 3 gratis. Para inscribirse, escanee el código QR o llame a Richard al 929-413-3561.
¡Tome el control de su salud! Mercy Center y Hispanic Federation le invitan a Juntos por una vida saludable, un programa de 26 semanas para prevenir la diabetes tipo 2. Las clases comienzan el 13 de noviembre a las 10:00 AM, y quienes asistan a las primeras 8 semanas recibirán un Fitbit Inspire 3 gratis. Para inscribirse, escanee el código QR o llame a Richard al 929-413-3561.
Spend Valentine’s Day at the Big Game! We’re raffling off 2 tickets to Super Bowl LXI, plus $1,000 for expenses and a $300 gift card for dinner for two. Tickets are $150, and if you buy 2 you get 1 free. Scan the QR code or get yours here: https://bit.ly/4ziwQ3P
Spend Valentine’s Day at the Big Game! We’re raffling off 2 tickets to Super Bowl LXI, plus $1,000 for expenses and a $300 gift card for dinner for two. Tickets are $150, and if you buy 2 you get 1 free. Scan the QR code or get yours here: https://bit.ly/4ziwQ3P
Happy National Immigrants Day! Immigrants have always shaped this city, and they keep building it every single day. We’re proud to work alongside you, and we’ll keep standing with you, today and always.
Happy National Immigrants Day! Immigrants have always shaped this city, and they keep building it every single day. We’re proud to work alongside you, and we’ll keep standing with you, today and always.
¡Celebra el Día de los Muertos con nosotros!
Este viernes 30 de octubre a las 12:30 PM, te invitamos a Mercy Center para honrar y recordar a nuestros seres queridos que ya partieron. Ven a compartir tradiciones, comunidad y mucho cariño en un espacio lleno de color y memoria. 🕯️🧡
¡Trae a tu familia y acompáñanos! Gracias a la Oficina para Nuevos Americanos del Estado de Nueva York por su apoyo.
¡Celebra el Día de los Muertos con nosotros!
Este viernes 30 de octubre a las 12:30 PM, te invitamos a Mercy Center para honrar y recordar a nuestros seres queridos que ya partieron. Ven a compartir tradiciones, comunidad y mucho cariño en un espacio lleno de color y memoria. 🕯️🧡
¡Trae a tu familia y acompáñanos! Gracias a la Oficina para Nuevos Americanos del Estado de Nueva York por su apoyo.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Join the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) for a Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop this Tuesday, October 27 at 12:30 PM here at Mercy Center (377 E 145th St, between Willis and Third Ave).
Together we’ll talk about recognizing the signs of abuse, how to support someone you care about, and where to turn for help. Everyone is welcome.
If you or someone you know needs support, the New York State New Americans Hotline is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages:
📞 1-800-566-7636
Mon–Fri, 8 AM–8 PM | Sat–Sun, 9 AM–5 PM
Octubre es el Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica 💜
Acompáñenos este martes 27 de octubre a las 12:30 PM en Mercy Center (377 E 145th St, entre Willis Ave y Third Ave) para un Taller de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica, presentado por el Violence Intervention Program (VIP).
Hablaremos sobre cómo reconocer las señales de abuso, cómo apoyar a un ser querido y dónde buscar ayuda. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita apoyo, la Línea para Nuevos Americanos del Estado de Nueva York es multilingüe y anónima:
📞 1-800-566-7636
Lunes a viernes, 8 AM–8 PM | Sábado y domingo, 9 AM–5 PM
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Join the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) for a Domestic Violence Awareness Workshop this Tuesday, October 27 at 12:30 PM here at Mercy Center (377 E 145th St, between Willis and Third Ave).
Together we’ll talk about recognizing the signs of abuse, how to support someone you care about, and where to turn for help. Everyone is welcome.
If you or someone you know needs support, the New York State New Americans Hotline is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages:
📞 1-800-566-7636
Mon–Fri, 8 AM–8 PM | Sat–Sun, 9 AM–5 PM
Octubre es el Mes de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica 💜
Acompáñenos este martes 27 de octubre a las 12:30 PM en Mercy Center (377 E 145th St, entre Willis Ave y Third Ave) para un Taller de Concientización sobre la Violencia Doméstica, presentado por el Violence Intervention Program (VIP).
Hablaremos sobre cómo reconocer las señales de abuso, cómo apoyar a un ser querido y dónde buscar ayuda. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita apoyo, la Línea para Nuevos Americanos del Estado de Nueva York es multilingüe y anónima:
📞 1-800-566-7636
Lunes a viernes, 8 AM–8 PM | Sábado y domingo, 9 AM–5 PM
Today, Mercy Center recognizes Indigenous Peoples` Day. Our work is rooted in community, and we know that community includes the Native peoples who have lived on and cared for this land long before us, and who continue to today.
Today, Mercy Center recognizes Indigenous Peoples` Day. Our work is rooted in community, and we know that community includes the Native peoples who have lived on and cared for this land long before us, and who continue to today.
Our Community Resource Fair is coming! 🍂 Games, prizes, kids` crafts, and info from local and city organizations. Bring the whole family!
📅 Sat, Oct 24 | 11 AM–3 PM
📍 377 E 145th St (between 3rd & Willis Ave)
📞 Richard Sanchez, 718-993-2789
¡Viene nuestra Feria de Recursos Comunitarios! 🍂 Juegos, premios, manualidades para niños e información de organizaciones locales y de la ciudad. ¡Traiga a toda la familia!
📅 Sáb, 24 de oct | 11 AM–3 PM
📍 377 E 145th St (entre la 3rd Ave y Willis Ave)
📞 Richard Sanchez, 718-993-2789
Our Community Resource Fair is coming! 🍂 Games, prizes, kids` crafts, and info from local and city organizations. Bring the whole family!
📅 Sat, Oct 24 | 11 AM–3 PM
📍 377 E 145th St (between 3rd & Willis Ave)
📞 Richard Sanchez, 718-993-2789
¡Viene nuestra Feria de Recursos Comunitarios! 🍂 Juegos, premios, manualidades para niños e información de organizaciones locales y de la ciudad. ¡Traiga a toda la familia!
📅 Sáb, 24 de oct | 11 AM–3 PM
📍 377 E 145th St (entre la 3rd Ave y Willis Ave)
📞 Richard Sanchez, 718-993-2789
