Meet the New Faces of Leadership in Older Adult Services
By Henry Street Settlement
Shannon Scott, Program Director, Senior Companion Program
Shannon D. Scott has been an integral part of Henry Street Settlement for over five years, holding various roles including quality assurance specialist in SYEP, case manager for the Covid Helpline, and manager of the Senior Companion Program. Shannon’s journey with the Settlement began after she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and was seeking her next steps in the professional world. A friend’s enthusiastic description of Henry Street as “warm, supportive, inclusive, and innovative” inspired her to join the team.
Shannon’s first role at Henry Street was temporary, but she notes, “I really enjoyed Henry Street’s culture, and wanted to continue my tenure, so I sought out other positions in the company.” Her passion for working with the older adult population led her to the Senior Companion Program, where she excelled from program coordinator to program manager, and now to program director.
At the Senior Companion Program, Shannon has built and maintained relationships with over 100 volunteers and various partner stations across different boroughs. As program director, Shannon is eager to address new challenges and lead the program toward greater heights. She aims to expand the volunteer roster and increase community outreach, ensuring more older adults can benefit from the companionship and support they need.
Rachel Hughes, Henry Street team member of 13 years, is excited to step into her new roles as program director of Henry Street’s Vladeck Cares NORC and director of social services for older adults. NORC stands for Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, a novel concept in which social services and health care agencies can provide care within largely older-adult living complexes to help residents age safely in place.
Rachel’s journey with Henry Street Settlement began after she graduated with an MSW from NYU Silver School of Social Work. In her first position with Meals on Wheels, she made a significant impact by piloting a program from NYC Aging, which provided an additional second meal each day of the week to over 200 high-needs recipients. Promoted to director of the Senior Companion Program, a program of AmeriCorps Seniors, in 2015, Rachel oversaw the recruitment and training of older adult volunteers who serve other old adults with cognitive or mobility problems, citywide. In 2019, she became the co-lead of Henry Street’s new Social Work Liaison initiative, enhancing programming and education for social workers and interns across the agency.
Among Rachel’s goals for her new position are to encourage new older adult residents of Vladeck Houses to become members of our NORC––utilizing the available free health and case management services, connecting current NORC members to opportunities within Henry Street and Older Adult Services, and to develop cultural programming and new initiatives for older adults in the Vladeck Houses community. A colleague noted, “Rachel’s leadership and passion have been pivotal in shaping our approach to social services.”
Sali Ali, Program Director, Meals on Wheels
Sali Ali joined the Older Adult Services team in April 2024 and brings a rich background in education and a deep commitment to public service to her role as director of Meals on Wheels. Sali holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in school counseling and a PhD in educational leadership from Saint Peter’s University. Interested in becoming more involved in public service, she is excited to be leading one of Henry Street’s staple programs.
Reflecting on her new role, Sali shares, “Being able to assist one of our vulnerable populations is very beneficial—our older participants are pillars of knowledge—they came before us, so making sure they have that support strengthens the community.” Her volunteer work and leadership at My Skin Color Is Human, a mental health initiative in New Jersey, further reflect her dedication to social causes.
Sali’s connection to Henry Street’s mission grew from her time as a quality assurance specialist at Amazon. “Some of the values I saw made me understand Henry Street’s mission more deeply,” she explains. Now, Sali continues her mission at Henry Street, where her diverse experience and dedication to the position are sure to make a significant impact.
