The Brooklyn-based CABS Health Network honored 12 individuals, including breast cancer survivors, during its 7th Annual Circle of Care Awards (COCA) ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Giando on the Water, overlooking the East River in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
The Consumer Action Program of Bedford Stuyvesant was formed in 1979 with a mission “to improve health and well-being through access to health and social care,” Sherly Demosthenes-Atkinson, CABS’ Haitian-born CEO, told Caribbean Life.
“Today, we service clients with home care, care coordination, nutrition, home access and safety, health education, and access to wraparound services,” she said. “CABS remains committed to advancing community health. “Its slogan, ‘Where innovative healing, teaching, and discovery come together,’ reflects its focus on wellness, innovation, and transformative care.”
CABS is at 630 Flushing Ave., Mailbox #26, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The honorees were Marie Lafontant, Ana Vale, Evadney Turner, Bianca O. Grosvenor, Judith Blackman, Melrose Lake, Jostha Lubin, Nancie Pierre, Yvonne M. Brathwaite, Dr. Divinah Bailey, and Herbert Fair.
Bob Kelly, CABs’ associate director of care management, was honored posthumously. He died in January 2024. Dominican Republic native Ximora Inga received the award on his behalf.
Demosthenes-Atkinson, renowned as a “home care advocate,” said Lafontant, Vale, Turner, Grosvenor and Blackman were honored in the “Breast Cancer Survivor that Rejoined the Workforce” category; Lake, Lubin and Pierre were honored in the “Silver Workforce with CABS since 1983 – 42 Years” category; Brathwaite was honored as an “Innovation Partner”; and Dr. Bailey and Fair received the “Community Partner” award.
Council Member Chris Banks, representative for the 42nd Council District in Brooklyn, presented the awardees with citations and told the ceremony that their “commitment goes beyond service.”
“This is exactly what boots on the ground looks like,” said Banks, the son of an immigrant mother from Trinidad and Tobago and a father from Houston, TX. “We want to thank you for your dedication. Let’s continue to build a brighter New York City.”
Vale, a Dominican Republic native and Brooklyn resident, who has been a breast cancer survivor for 13 years, said she felt “happy” receiving the award.
“I feel excited; I feel happy surviving breast cancer,” she told Caribbean Life. “That’s my second opportunity at life.”
William Andrews, co-founder and chairman of the CABS board of Directors, said the network needs “resources to unify our community.
“As a result, we’re here tonight to continue our mission,” he said.
Demosthenes-Atkinson also told Caribbean Life after the ceremony that the event was “more than a celebration; it was a testament to what happens when compassion meets innovation.
“The Circle of Care Awards remind us that true progress in community health begins with partnerships rooted in purpose,” she said. “Together, we are reimagining care, building stronger neighborhoods, and ensuring that every New Yorker, no matter their age, income, or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.”
In her welcome remarks, Demosthenes-Atkinson said the theme “’ Innovating TOGETHER’ means that we cannot do this alone,” stating that the future of community health depends on its partnerships.
“CABS partnerships with all of you,” she said, expressing gratitude to sponsors such as LAMB, Anthem, MetroPlus, Morgan Stanley, NY Best Medical, AT&T, and Alfadila.
Timothy Tapia, director of external Affairs, State Legislative, and regulatory Affairs at AT&T, presented Demosthenes-Atkinson with a $20,000 check on Gala Night.
She said she was also grateful for CABS’ legacy home care advocates, such as Dr. Oakley, academic partners, such as Hofstra University, and COCA Committee members who curated “this special night for all of us.”
Demosthenes-Atkinson holds a master’s degree in health administration from Hofstra University.
She said that COCA has donated turkeys, food, money, and time to help feed over 100 families.
Demosthenes-Atkinson said Congressmembers Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette D. Clarke will, in time for this Thanksgiving, sponsor the turkey giveaway to 500 families in public housing in Bedford-Stuyvesant and other Brooklyn neighborhoods.
“This year, the only way we can sustain our community innovation hubs and footprint within the community is with your support,” Demosthenes-Atkinson told the ceremony.
“With so much industry uncertainty, we have a few areas that keep us hopeful about the future of community health, such as our participation in the Hofstra University Health Works Co-op program,” she added, disclosing that CABS is “employing or fostering two Hofstra students to support its workplace development and readiness.
“We welcome the responsibility to partner with Hofstra in shaping our future health care leaders,” Demosthenes-Atkinson continued.
With its participation in the Social Care network, under the 1115 waiver, she said CABS has been able to “successfully screen and serve over 2,000 Medicaid members and counting across all five boroughs of New York City.”
Demosthenes-Atkinson said CABS, a health, social services, and community care organization, has over 45 years of experience serving underserved and vulnerable populations—mainly the Medicaid population, which is roughly 30 % of the total population—including seniors, disabled individual adults, children, and youth—across the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau County.
“We service individuals often living with multiple chronic conditions, substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and many who have been formerly incarcerated,” she said.
Demosthenes-Atkinson said CABS continues to deepen its relationships within communities, such as Brownsville and East New York, working closely with faith-based organizations, community-based groups, and local leaders.
“We are actively expanding our services to better support the needs of our community,” she said. “Today, our work plays a vital role in ensuring safe, stable housing for Medicaid members.”
Demosthenes-Atkinson said CABS provides eligible individuals with free rental assistance and home remediation services through the Social Care Network program.
She said these supports can cover up to six months of back or future rent and utilities, and, in some cases, up to $10,000 in services— “addressing critical needs such as mold removal, pest management, and home safety modifications.”
