Goddard Riverside’s 2025 Good Neighbor Award Winners: Locals Making a Difference

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On Monday, June 16, Goddard Riverside hosted the 2025 Good Neighbor Awards—started in 2001—to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities in New York City, particularly on the Upper West Side, in Harlem, East Harlem, Yorkville, and other neighborhoods served by Goddard Riverside programs.

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There was a glow in the room as tables were filled with proud guests of the six honorees. Wine and cheese, finger foods, and desserts were along the back wall. There’s rich history in this organization; Goddard Riverside was formed in 1959 through the merger of two historic settlement houses: Riverside Community House, founded in 1887, and Goddard Neighborhood Center, founded in 1892. The organization’s roots trace back to the origins of the settlement house movement in the late 19th century.

“I find, time after time, that the vast majority of people would voluntarily come off the street or out of the park if you just gave them a hospitable environment,” said 2025 Good Neighbor awardee Cheri Leon in an interview with ILTUWS after receiving her honor. She was recognized for her vital role in a volunteer group supporting unhoused individuals in Washington Square Park, as well as her year-plus effort helping someone experiencing homelessness in Father Fagan Park—bringing him food and necessities, washing his clothes, and tending to his wounds. Leon also highlighted issues with congregate shelters, “where people can feel threatened by just the proximity of 40 other people. They might not feel safe—worried about getting stopped, getting beat up, or having their things stolen.” Her compassion and persistence have helped her build lasting relationships with those she serves.

“A block association is one of the most grassroots types of non-political, non-exclusionary community entities that can exist,” said Shaen Begleiter, president of the West 68th Street Block Association. While at the podium, Begleiter added that the role of a block association should be to maintain or enhance the common good of the street whenever possible. “Common good takes in all manner of street life—ranging from safety to sanitation, beautification, non-house interventions, construction matters, traffic and transit, noise, and everything else in between. That’s what a block association is there for: to work with the residents, owners, and institutions of that street, and to make the street as good and as endearing as it can be.”

Upper West Side green thumb Roberta Bessey was also on hand, honored for more than twenty years of stewardship as “Tender” in Riverside Park from 74th to 79th Streets. She’s in the park almost every single day—unless it’s too hot, too cold, or too rainy. During the dog days of summer, Bessey told us she visits in the early morning, before the temperature and sun are at full blast.

Bessey was noticeably emotional as she accepted her award, saying it was hard to take in after hearing about the work of others in attendance. Lori Klamner, who nominated her and introduced her at the event, returned to the microphone to highlight Bessey’s beautiful work.

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We asked Bessey if she had any advice for fellow gardeners. “When there’s a problem, address it,” she said. She explained that there’s always something to do—plants overgrow, don’t respond, or blossom too much. We mentioned the Riverside Park goats, who Bessey praised: “They eat all day long,” she said, referring to how effectively they clear weeds. “But I weed so successfully, I practically have no weeds in my area. Unfortunately, the other plants are overgrowing. You have to prune. If you’re not weeding, you’re pruning,” she added.

A little further uptown from the Upper West Side, Sharon Tyson was honored for her unwavering dedication to the Sugar Hill community. From preparing over 400 hot meals for an event when the neighborhood was in mourning to being a comforting and caring presence, Tyson has lived in the area for about 50 years. “I love my neighborhood. I love my people and my neighborhood,” said Tyson. “And we must learn to love one another. We all have to come together.”

Through his urban gardening initiatives, John Mudd—who also leads the Midtown South Community Council—has made significant strides in addressing the city’s interconnected challenges of health, hunger, and housing. Mudd told ILTUWS that the honor helps bring credibility to his team’s work. “We’re not heavily funded, so we get small donations. This helps build momentum, too. It’s nice to be recognized—especially when you work for free and work hard.”

The garden, located on 53rd Street, is impressively diverse. “Tomatoes would grow unending. They’re very resilient. People always love tomatoes. Always love kale. Spinach is hard. Arugula is easy,” Mudd said. “Bugs—there’s lots of bug issues in the city. You have to be really vigilant.” The garden also yields apples, figs, apricots, cucumbers, okra (“okra is pretty resilient,” he noted), and a variety of greens.

The prom dress miracle worker, Altagracia Martinez Valdez, who helps those who cannot afford something special for their big day, also helps people learn English and gain citizenship through Dominican Community Services NYC. We spoke with her and her daughter, who told us their prom dress initiative is so successful that women who’ve gotten a dress from them in the past have come back to donate it in some instances—after graduating college, when they can buy something special for themselves and want to pay it forward. Valdez certainly fosters a sense of confidence, helping people feel their best in the community.

People are welcome to submit nominations for the Goddard Riverside Good Neighbor Awards. Previous honorees vote to determine who will be recognized. See you next year.

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