Federation of Social Workers Honors Local Leaders
The annual ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations for their dedication to service in Rochester.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Awards
The Federation of Social Workers recently held an awards event at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center to recognize contributions to human services. Honorees included local professionals, volunteers, and organizations recognized for their commitment to the community.
Why it matters
These awards provide formal recognition for individuals and organizations performing selfless work to support the public and private sectors in the area. Celebrating these efforts highlights the critical role social services play in local community health and welfare.
Deanna Dewberry was recognized for four years of reporting on issues at Waterview Heights. Other honorees include the nonprofit Alyssa's Angels, founded by Lori and Chris Bruno, and the organization Lifespan.
The players
Deanna Dewberry
She is a journalist honored for her four-year tenure reporting on the specific needs and issues found at Waterview Heights.
Lori Bruno
She co-founded the nonprofit Alyssa's Angels and received a lifetime achievement award for her professional contributions.
Chris Bruno
He co-founded the nonprofit Alyssa's Angels and was recognized alongside his co-founder for their lasting impact on the region.
Rasheda Valleriani
She was named the Human Service Worker of the Year specifically for her contributions within the public sector.
Kimberly Porter-Hutton
She earned the Human Service Worker of the Year award for her dedicated work within the private sector.
The details
The event featured a wide range of accolades, including Human Service Worker of the Year awards divided by sector and a posthumous Human Service Courage Award for Lieutenant John Joseph. Winners represent diverse fields, ranging from grassroots volunteering to corporate social responsibility.
Timeline
The Federation of Social Workers held the awards ceremony on October 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
This ceremony mirrors the broader push to institutionalize recognition for human service contributions, shifting away from viewing such work as purely behind-the-scenes. It highlights how community-focused roles are increasingly central to regional civic health and social stability.
Residents can learn more about these local programs to better understand available community support services or identify opportunities to volunteer with recognized organizations. Highlighting these winners connects the public with active resources and advocacy groups currently operating in the area.
The takeaway
Recognizing the efforts of local service providers and volunteers encourages continued community engagement and sets a standard for future advocacy. Residents looking to get involved can research the winning organizations to see how they might contribute to ongoing local social initiatives.
Further reading
For more information on community honors and events in the region, visit the Awards section.
