Our Legacy of Honoring Caregivers

For nearly two decades, Caregivers Outreach has remained committed to one simple message:

Caregivers are not alone.

Each November, during National Family Caregivers Month, Caregivers Outreach hosts its Annual Caregiver Recognition Gala to celebrate those whose extraordinary acts of caregiving often go unseen but should never go unrecognized.

​

The Gala was founded to honor family caregivers and to ensure they know their compassion, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment matter. Since its inception, Caregivers Outreach has proudly recognized more than 300 family caregivers, celebrating remarkable individuals from the Bronx and communities as far as Columbia, South Carolina.

​

In honor of the organization's founder's father, Leon David Simmons, every caregiver nominated for recognition is presented with the Leon David Simmons Caregiver Award. This award symbolizes our deepest appreciation for the selfless service, resilience, and love demonstrated by family caregivers each and every day. It serves as a lasting reminder that every caregiver's journey deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

​

As our recognition program continues to grow, Caregivers Outreach is proud to introduce the Family Caregiver of the Year Award our highest annual honor. Selected from the year's distinguished nominees, this prestigious award recognizes one exceptional family caregiver whose extraordinary dedication, compassion, and impact exemplify the very best of caregiving. 

​

Today, the Annual Caregiver Recognition Gala has expanded beyond its original vision to celebrate caregivers across generations, including family caregivers, youth caregivers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, advocates, and organizations working to create a more caregiver-friendly world.

​

Every nominee, every honoree, and every award recipient reminds us that caregiving is an extraordinary act of love deserving of recognition, appreciation, and support.

​​

This year's award categories:

​​Family Caregiver of the Year – Presented annually to one outstanding family caregiver selected from all nominees. The Caregiver of the Year Award recipient will be selected through a combination of community support through donations/votes (each donation dollar equals a vote) as well as a judge panel, with all proceeds supporting the mission of Caregivers Outreach.

​​

Leon David Simmons Caregiver Award  – Presented to every nominated family caregiver in honor of Leon David Simmons, celebrating their dedication and service.

​​

Leon David Simmons Youth Caregiver Award-Recognizes a young caregiver whose courage, leadership, and dedication inspire others while balancing caregiving responsibilities with school and everyday life.

​​

Caregiver Advocate Award-Recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing caregiver rights, awareness, research, or public policy.

​

Because at Caregivers Outreach, we believe caregivers need caring too.

​​​

Know an extraordinary caregiver?

Nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated.

​