Strong communities are built by people who recognize a need, take action, and inspire others to do the same.
What do a young civic leader, a state senator, a dance studio, a community wellness advocate, and an elementary school student have in common? Each represents the power of service to transform lives and strengthen communities.
All Things Are Possible (ATAP) Foundation proudly announces nine outstanding individuals and organizations selected for its 6th Annual Community Service Awards & Kwanzaa Gala, taking place Friday, December 4, 2026, at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
This year’s honorees represent generations of leadership and diverse approaches to creating positive change. Their contributions span education, housing stability, health and wellness, youth empowerment, public service, disability inclusion, and the arts.
“Strong communities are built by people who recognize a need, take action, and inspire others to do the same,” said Dr. Carlos Worthy, ATAP Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. “These honorees demonstrate what is possible when service becomes a way of life. By celebrating their contributions, we hope to encourage more people to become active participants in strengthening our communities.”
ATAP Scholar - Kendall Browne: An elementary school student recognized for her determination, commitment to learning, community involvement, and courage to continue pursuing her dreams while overcoming everyday challenges.
Building for the Future - Chris-Tina Middlebrooks: A Princeton University student and President of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference Youth and College Division who is expanding youth leadership, civic engagement, and mentorship opportunities.
Courageous Leadership - Senator Troy Singleton: Representing New Jersey’s 7th Legislative District, Singleton is recognized for his longstanding public service and legislative work addressing housing, economic opportunity, education, and community well-being.
Faith & Trust - Christian Caring Center, Executive Director Madelyn Sutton: Founded in 1983 as a weekly food pantry, the organization has grown into 11 programs serving thousands annually through food assistance, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and housing support.
Hope & Inspiration - Zaniya Kanai Lewis, Esq.: An Edgewater Park native, attorney, and entrepreneur whose national advocacy for educational equity, scholarship access, and student financial aid protections has helped advance policy discussions and legislative initiatives.
Humility & Strength - NJ4S Burlington County: Recognized for its partnerships across Burlington County and commitment to helping young people develop character, prevent bullying, build positive relationships, and demonstrate courage through kindness and accountability.
Peace & Unity - Vikki Goyins: A longtime health and wellness advocate who brings people together through health education, chronic disease management, community service, civic engagement, and multicultural connections.
Perseverance - Studio Diva, Co-CEOs Samantha Byrd and Michelle Mayfield: A youth dance organization that continues to provide mentorship, artistic development, and performance opportunities despite challenges securing and maintaining consistent physical space.
Understanding & Cooperation - Blair Silver, Founder & CEO Trutopia Foundation: Founder of an innovative, dignity-centered nonprofit that has served more than 3,000 people and distributed over $500,000 in resources while expanding opportunities for disability inclusion, independence, and economic empowerment.
The stories behind this year’s honorees reflect the many ways individuals and organizations are responding to community needs.
Blair Silver transformed pandemic-era outreach into Trutopia Foundation, which now operates a Community Resource and Economic Opportunity Hub at Moorestown Mall. The 3,584-square-foot space connects essential resources with financial literacy, workforce readiness, and independence-building opportunities.
Meanwhile, Chris-Tina Middlebrooks is demonstrating that young people need not wait until adulthood to lead. Through her NAACP leadership, campus organizing, and mentorship, she is helping students find their voices and become more engaged in their communities.
For more than four decades, Christian Caring Center has shown the importance of sustained service, growing from a modest food pantry into a network of programs that support families experiencing hunger, homelessness, and housing instability.
These stories, along with the contributions of the other honorees, show that meaningful community change requires compassion, collaboration, persistence, and a willingness to act.
Founded in 2007, ATAP Foundation empowers more than 400 young people annually through academic enrichment, literacy initiatives, before- and after-school programs, summer experiences, STEAM education, cultural activities, and scholarships.
The annual gala celebrates community service and serves as a signature fundraiser that helps sustain these opportunities.
"We started ATAP nearly 20 years ago because we believed young people deserved access to opportunities that could change the direction of their lives. When I look at this year’s honorees, I see people doing that same work in different ways. Some feed families, some create educational opportunities, and others refuse to give up on the young people who depend on them.” said Dr. Tiffani A. Worthy, ATAP Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “That is why this celebration matters. We are honoring people who are making a difference today while raising the resources to invest in those who will lead tomorrow. Every ticket purchased helps us continue opening doors for young people and reminding them that all things are possible.”
Among this year's honorees is elementary school student Kendall Browne, whose recognition embodies the Foundation's commitment to encouraging young people throughout their journey, not simply celebrating them after they achieve success.
Inspired by Kwanzaa’s principles, the annual gala brings together residents, business leaders, educators, nonprofits, and community advocates for an evening celebrating unity, purpose, collective responsibility, and service.
The evening will feature a community marketplace, cultural celebration, youth performances, and the presentation of the 2026 Community Service Awards.
Event Details
Event: 6th Annual ATAP Community Service Awards & Kwanzaa Gala
Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Location: The Merion, 1301 Route 130, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Time: Cocktails and Community Marketplace at 6:00 PM; Awards Program at 7:00 PM
Attire: Kwanzaa-inspired attire
Tickets are available now at https://bit.ly/2026ATAPawards.
ATAP encourages community members to purchase tickets, invite friends and colleagues, and join in celebrating these extraordinary contributions. Businesses and organizations are also invited to participate through sponsorships and other forms of support.
Celebrate the people making a difference today. Invest in the young people who will make a difference tomorrow.
Founded in 2007 by Drs. Tiffani and Carlos Worthy, All Things Are Possible (ATAP) Foundation is a Willingboro-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and enhancing the community through academics, athletics, arts, and awareness. Serving more than 400 youth annually, ATAP provides educational enrichment, youth development, literacy initiatives, scholarships, and cultural experiences designed to help young people discover their potential and achieve success.
