Voting

Voting for the 2026 New Jersey Social Innovation Awards is now open. Voting closes on April 6th, 2026

Proceeding the voting process we will host the 2026 New Jersey Social Innovations In-Person Awards Ceremony on April 9th, 2026 2pm-5pm EDT

Finalists

INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

1. Community Health and Well-Being - Innovative service models improving behavioral health, social determinants of health, and overall community well-being

  • David's Sensory Gym, Paper Strategies Inc.

  • Janice Campbell, Tri-State Canines

  • Pam Capaci, Hope Shed's Light

  • The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development

  • Durand, Inc. - Community Connections

  • Kristin Prinn, LUCY Outreach

INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH ACCESS

2. Advancing Access to Health - Innovative models and strategies reducing health disparities and ensuring access to care, especially for special populations

  • The Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton

  • Dr. Marguerite Pedley, Princeton House Behavioral Health, Moorestown NJ

  • Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi, Cherry Hill Free Clinic

  • CARE - Community Addiction Recovery Effort

  • Edwin Asuta, The Arc of Union County

  • Steve Setteducati, New Concepts for Living

3. Community Voice and Impact - Novel strategies that amplify community voice, promote belonging, and influence policy or programs

  • Anthony Comerford, New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care

  • Wendy Alexander, Center For Family Services

  • Karly Forman Cohen, Raise the Bar

  • The Salvation Army Kroc Center

  • Pastor Randy Van Osten, First Baptist Church of Pitman

POPULATION HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH

4. Excellence in Population and Public Health – Innovative strategies improving clinical health outcomes, care coordination, and public health policy to create sustainable impact.

  • Tabitha Patel

  • Eat Well Food Farmacy

  • Maxwell Kursh, Cooper University Health Care

  • Jessica Czepiel, Inspira Health

  • Sharsheret, Inc.

INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL MOBILITY

5. Economic, Educational and Workforce Advancement - Innovative workforce development, education, and economic mobility strategies

  • Onna Jones, Hopeworks

  • Camden Dream Center

  • Pamela Brant, Symphony in C

  • GoMo Health's Behavioral Health Division

  • Corey Hoffmann, Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors

6. Housing and Community Development - Innovations in stable, attainable housing models that strengthen communities

  • Thrive Red Bank, Parents With A Plan

  • George Vessels, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services

  • Richard Cotton, Asbury Farms Real Estate

  • Ross Croessman, Project Live

  • NJ Organizing Project

INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL SECTOR SYSTEMS

7. Innovative Philanthropy and Funding Strategies - Funders taking innovative approaches to social sector investment

  • Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and Camden Coalition

  • Kim Bezanis, Zallie Community Foundation

  • Sherie Martin, PNC Charitable Trusts

8. Transformative Partnerships - Cross-sector partnerships solving complex social or environmental challenges.

  • Share My Meals and the Meal Recovery Coalition

  • Dana Redd, Camden Community Partnership

  • Jonathan Cummings, Revive South Jersey and Ranch Hope

  • Durand, Inc. - Community Connections

  • Joseph's House

9. Advocacy, Policy, and Systems Change - Innovative advocacy, policy reform, and legislative strategies advancing rights, justice, and structural change

  • Catherine Chin, The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD)

  • Volunteer UP Legal Clinic Staff

  • Bikers Against Child Abuse - South Jersey Chapter

  • Contact of Burlington County

  • Heather Simms, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey

10. Thought Leadership and Capacity Building - Strengthening the social sector through research, learning, and leadership development

  • Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs Center (RISN)

  • Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs - Rutgers-Camden

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Jersey, Southern Chapter, AFP Global

  • Robert Budsock, Integrity, Inc.

  • Mary Coogan, Advocates for Children of NJ