June 16, 2026 – CDF-New York’s ‘A Celebration of Joy’ will recognize three New Yorkers for their contributions to advancing the well-being of young people in New York City and New York State.
Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
NEW YORK, NY—On Wednesday, Children’s Defense Fund-New York (CDF-NY), the local arm of the national child advocacy organization—will host “A Celebration of Joy,” honoring New York changemakers, while uplifting community and reflecting the spirit of hope, resilience, and collective action for young people.
The event, themed ‘Begin Again: Rooted in Joy, Rising in Power,’ will take place at The Rooftop at the Manny Cantor Center in New York City’s Lower East Side. At the event, CDF-NY will present its Advocate for Joy and Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service awards to three New York residents who have dedicated their lives to advancing the well-being of young people.
Beth Baltimore, deputy director of The Door’s Legal Services Center, and New York State Assemblymember Karines Reyes will both receive CDF-NY’s Advocate for Joy award.
Baltimore directs the Pro Bono, Runaway and Homeless Youth, and Civil Legal Services programs for CDF-NY’s partner agency The Door. She has litigated multiple habeas corpus petitions challenging the immigration detention of children and youth. This included a high-profile case involving a 16-year-old from the Bronx who was illegally arrested by ICE while attending a mandatory, routine check-in in New York City.
A registered nurse, Assemblymember Reyes has championed public health, workers’ rights, immigrant rights, reproductive freedom, and childcare throughout her service to New Yorkers in Albany. In addition to her work to expand democracy, she has been a staunch advocate for early childhood literacy, notably advocating to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free books to preschoolers, across New York State.
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: The Rooftop at Manny Cantor Center, 6th Floor | 197 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002
The Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award will be presented to New York City native Aaron Arvelo for his exceptional community leadership. Arvelo had displayed leadership through his work at Avenues for Justice’s Leadership Council, a youth-led initiative focused on leadership, development, teamwork, public speaking, and civic engagement. Through this program, Aaron consistently steps up as a role model and mentor to younger participants all the while working to complete his GED and support his young child.
This event will feature formal remarks from two leaders of the organization, CDF President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson and the CDF-NY State Director Khin Mai Aung. In addition to these speeches, the program will include a poetry performance presented by a young artist named Hoshiko Hsu who is a member of the New York State Poet Laureate program.
“We are proud to collaborate with dedicated New Yorkers who have committed their lives to advancing the well-being of all children and youth across our state,” Aung said. “It is essential that we support, amplify, and celebrate the efforts of the young people, families, and advocates who drive this important work, as we remain committed to ensuring every child in New York thrives.”
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.