Each day, thousands of New Yorkers “strike a match to light up the darkness.” For the past 16 years, the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic has helped these selfless individuals make our city a better place to live.
“One of the goals of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic is to strengthen the work of nonprofits in New York City,” said the Rev. Dr. Valerie-Oliver Durrah, founder of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic.
Last month, the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic held its seventh annual “Salute to New York City’s Nonprofits and the Neighborhoods They Serve.” The event was held at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn.
Former Grand Dame Helen B. Lucas received the Lifetime Achievement Award. On hand to assist with tributes to Dame Lucas were Oliver-Durrah; the Revs. Sylvia Gail Kinard and Kanyere Eaton, Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic board members; Justice Sylvia G. Ash; Sandra Chapman, former deputy borough president of Brooklyn; Omyma David, chair of New York Caricom Consuls General; Consul General Derrick James, ambassador for Diaspora Affairs of Grenada; Dr. Joseph L. Radix, DDS; and Priest Iverston Walrond.
Lucas also received letters and citations presented by representatives from the office of New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the office of City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and City Council Members Stephen Levin, Laurie Cumbo and Jumaane Williams. In addition, U.S. President Barack Obama; Prime Minister of Grenada Keith Mitchell; New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio; Rep. Yvette D. Clarke; Stephen A. Briganti, president and CEO of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation; Deborah Schwartz, president of the Brooklyn Historical Society; and the board and staff of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic all wrote congratulatory letters saluting Lucas.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams provided final remarks, congratulating Lucas as well as the other honorees with inspirational words. He commented, “Everyone is needed to make this world a better place. Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic is a great example of this motto.”
Bishop Dr. Ebony Kirkland offered an invocation to the diverse audience. Multicultural entertainment and musical performances were provided by Sesame Flyers International, Jonny Gomes and Tropicalfete. For more information on Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic, call 718-455-3784, email volivere@aol.com or visit www.neighborhoodclinic.org.
