The honor marks the first time that an MSW student from Touro College, which launched its graduate program in social work just three years ago, has received this prestigious award.

Ms. Edwards received the award at the organization’s annual meeting titled, “A Community Organizer in the White House: Discerning the Opportunities for Social Work in NYC During a Time of Crisis,” recently held at the headquarters of the United Federation of Teachers in Manhattan.

“Joan Edwards, a formerly homeless person, has made a difference as s strong advocate for the most vulnerable populations in New York City,” said Dr. Steven Huberman, dean of the Graduate School of Social Work. “She is a brilliant student, has overcome many obstacles in her life, and stands as example for others to do the same.”

The organization honored Ms. Edwards for her outstanding dedication to social work values and her remarkable leadership in organizing social work students around an important issue for the social work profession.

During the past year, she has worked as a counselor at the Lehman Brothers Residence, a women’s shelter in the Fordham section of the South Bronx, run by Women in Need, Inc., while studying for her MSW. She also works as an addictions counselor at The Women’s Center for Substance Abuse and Wellness at Casa Rita in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, a clinic that is also run by Women In Need, Inc.

This past January, Ms. Edwards was part of a team of students and professors from the graduate school that assisted the New York City Department of Homeless Services with its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE). Vital information was collected as volunteers canvassed parks, subways, and other public spaces to count the number of people living unsheltered in the city.

Established in 2006, the Touro College Graduate School of Social Work provides coursework in clinical social work leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The primary goal of the program is to prepare social work clinicians who are dedicated to the goals, values and ethical standards of the social work profession; inspired to deliver clinical services for the benefit of individuals, families, groups and communities; committed to lifelong professional development; and are ready to advocate for effective services for the most underserved in our society.

With 153,000 members, the NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the country. NASW-NYC represents the collective expertise and experience of more than 10,000 members in New York City. The organization promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers, and also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities through its policy work and advocacy.

Media Contact

Barbara Franklin 
Director of Communications 
212-463-0400 x5530 
Barbara.franklin@touro.edu