The keynote speaker at the event was Joe Pantoliano (who played Ralph Cifaretto in The Sopranos). He shared his personal experience of being diagnosed with clinical depression and his subsequent battle with the stigma associated with having a mental illness. He found that in order to film his next project, he was required to sign a waiver accepting fiscal responsibility for any delays if he were to experience a nervous breakdown during filming. He questioned why he could suffer a heart attack – he had long been on cholesterol medication – and not be liable, yet he was liable for a brain disease. Mr. Pantoliano advocates, through his not-for-profit organization “No Kidding, Me Too,” for fair and equitable treatment for individuals with brain disease.
Laraine Hinson-Spearman, director, Stepping Stones Transitional Residence at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, was honored with the Woman of the Year Award. Ira H. Minot, founder and executive director, Mental Health News Education, Inc. and publisher, Mental Health News and Autism Spectrum News, was honored with the Man of the Year Award. The Inspiration Award was given to Jody Silver, director, The City of New York, Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Michael Halper Memorial Award was given to Al and Lee Cahn, of the Concerned Citizens for Creedmoor.
Federation of Organizations provides services in New York City and Long Island. It has long been recognized as a pioneer in developing consumer-driven, community-based services for individuals recovering from mental illness. Federation provides housing, vocational services, an assertive community treatment program, case management, peer advocacy and a consumer-run affirmative business, the Big Nosh Café.

Pictured, left to right: Philip Matcovsky, chief operating officer, Federation of Organizations; Jo Nuzzo, program manager, Federation of Organizations; Jody Silver, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Inspiration Award recipient; Doris Wagner, chief administrative officer, Federation of Organizations; Barbara Faron, chief executive officer, Federation of Organizations.
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