The Adelphi University School of Social Work (SSW) and The New York Community Trust teamed up to expand access to graduate education for professionals from underrepresented groups already working in the field of social work—and the results are beginning to come in.
In 2022, Adelphi University was awarded a $1.125 million grant from The New York Community Trust. The funds support tuition assistance and professional development, giving practicing social workers the opportunity to deepen self-awareness and strengthen their leadership skills.
For many who dedicate their lives to others, pursuing advanced education often takes a backseat to long hours, other financial obligations and everyday responsibilities. But thanks to this landmark partnership, the dream of going back to school for a degree has become a reality for a select group of social service professionals across New York City.
Three Grants Empower Students to Create Change
Three grants were awarded to the School of Social Work, including $200,000 for the Dowling Adelphi Reimagined Education (DARE) program. This initiative supports Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) staff in their workforce development goals at Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services, a nonprofit child welfare agency dedicated to helping children become responsible, self-sufficient adults.
The second grant, totaling $425,000, was awarded in partnership with Herstory Writers Workshop and ERASE Racism. It addresses racial inequities in the Wyandanch School District by giving Adelphi students joint field experiences focused on advocacy and education.
The third, a $500,000 stipend, funds opportunities for employees of CAMBA Inc., a nonprofit agency that provides direct support to unhoused individuals and families to enhance their quality of life.
Christine Moore, MSW ’25, in her office at CAMBA.
Christine Moore, MSW ’25, is just one of many professional social workers to benefit from these grants. Currently vice president at CAMBA’s Flagstone Family Center, Moore began her academic journey at CUNY New York City College of Technology, majoring in human services. But as work and family responsibilities grew, she paused her studies in 2004. Over the next two decades, she built a career—beginning as a per-diem shift supervisor and rising through the ranks, now overseeing services for 158 families with children. Her responsibilities include ensuring compliance with the New York City Department of Homeless Services and funder regulations, monitoring program performance, developing quality assurance initiatives and leading a multidisciplinary team.
“Earning a Master of Social Work degree was always part of my long-term plan,” Moore said. “After years of direct service and leadership, I knew formal education would help me deepen my understanding of trauma-informed care and expand my ability to influence policy and program design. But for years, it felt out of reach.”
That all changed when one of her former supervisors emailed her about the program at Adelphi University, which was open to CAMBA employees. “When I learned about the partnership, it felt like it was a destined opportunity,” Moore said. Recovering from major surgery, she found herself reflecting on what was next. “I knew that this was my opportunity to do more,” she explained.
For Anthony Salazar, MSW ’25, it was a similar experience. He had worked his way up at Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services first as a case planner and then as a conference facilitator. One day, the executive director approached him with the opportunity at Adelphi. “I had wanted to go back and get my master’s but thought financially it wasn’t an option,” Salazar said. “But with the grant, it was now possible.”
An Unparalleled Educational Experience
Heading back to school after so many years might seem daunting. “I was nervous at first just because it had been such a long time since undergrad,” Salazar admitted. “But I made a conscious effort to seek out support from the faculty and used the vast resources available to Adelphi students, especially the Writing Center at the Center for Academic Support and Enrichment.”
For Moore, returning to school after two decades in the workforce was both demanding and transformative. “The curriculum challenges you to think critically, practice self-reflection and connect theory with practice,” she said. “It’s helped me grow in empathy and emotional intelligence while strengthening my ability to guide staff and families.”
Adelphi’s flexible structure and supportive faculty helped both Moore and Salazar balance their full-time leadership roles, coursework and family responsibilities. “The mentorship, advising and academic resources made it possible to succeed without stepping away from the work I love,” Moore said.
Turning Theory Into Practice
Moore says the impact of her Master of Social Work studies is already evident in her leadership at CAMBA. “My graduate studies have enhanced my ability to lead with empathy and intentionality. I now approach supervision and program design with a more trauma-informed and evidence-based perspective, ensuring that our services meet both the emotional and structural needs of the families we serve,” she explained.
She incorporates principles from her coursework into her daily leadership: “I foster reflective supervision with my staff, encouraging open dialogue and self-awareness about how personal biases and emotional responses can affect client engagement and decision-making.” This has helped create a culture rooted in empathy, professional growth and accountability.
The Power of Opportunity
Grants like those provided by The New York Community Trust have a ripple effect, benefiting not only the individual student but also the organizations and communities they serve.
After earning his MSW, Salazar was promoted to supervisor—a role that allows him to serve his community more intentionally and support his colleagues. “There were three of us at Harlem-Dowling who graduated from Adelphi and we all look out for each other as a cohort,” Salazar said. “We push each other to do better and keep striving for career growth.”
Moore agrees. “These investments strengthen organizations like CAMBA by developing leaders who are both academically trained and deeply rooted in community practice,” she said. “They make education accessible to people who might otherwise have to choose between serving their communities and advancing their education.”
For Moore, completing her MSW was more than a professional milestone—it was a fulfillment of purpose. “The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing families regain their footing—seeing a parent secure permanent housing or a child adjust to stability after trauma. Being part of someone’s journey from crisis to confidence is truly a privilege,” she said.
Education Opens Doors to Opportunity
The Adelphi University School of Social Work is redefining what’s possible for working professionals. By combining access, education and community engagement, the SSW is helping dedicated individuals like Christine Moore and Anthony Salazar transform their careers—and the lives of those they serve.
As Moore put it, “This partnership restored my vision and allowed CAMBA to support a dream that I put on hold 20 years ago. Now, I get to lead, learn and give back at a deeper level—and that’s the true impact of education.”