Larry D. Edwards, LMSW, SIFI

 

As the Founder and Executive Director of Edwards Mentoring and Social Services, Larry Edwards provides professional, culturally competent Counseling, Mentoring and related Social Services to Children, Youth and Families in New York and Georgia. Larry is a proven professional with 25 plus years of Social Work and related experience who has provided services to more than 1500 clients since establishing his NY

Professional Limited Liability Company in April 2015.

 

Prior to establishing Edwards Mentoring and Social Services, Larry served as the Program Director of Forestdale Fathering Initiative – a highly recognized NYC based program that served non-custodial fathers in their desire to be actively engaged in

the lives of children both financially and emotionally. Throughout his career trajectory, Larry has maintained significant community involvement, serving in roles such as: Chairperson of the Delegate Agency Parent Committee for the former Human Resource Head-Start Program in St. Albans - Queens, New York; President of the Parent Teacher Association and Member of the School Leadership Team at PS/IS 268Q in Jamaica-Queens, New York; Law Guardian and Mentor to vulnerable and at-risk youth; Membership with the Coalition Working with Abusive Partners (COWAP) and The Wellness Initiative Committee of Jamaica Community Partnership.

As a notable speaker and panelist, Larry now produces and host PERSPECTIVES – zoom conversations undertaking such topics as Social Capital, The Intersection of Grief and Trauma, Black Male Privilege, Responsible Fatherhood, and Education & Social Mobility. Larry serves as a Certified Field Instructor for Master of Social Work and related studies interns.

Larry holds a Diploma in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. He has been recognized for his outstanding service on behalf of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, as well as for serving as a Site Supervisor for a Graduate Counseling Program. He is a member of The International Association of Healthcare Professionals, qualifying for inclusion in the 2018 Edition of the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare. He was a contributor to Seeding Generations-a major New York City Research Publication regarding new strategies towards services for individuals who abuse. He is the recipient of the 2021 Diamonds Among Us Award for outstanding service to the community presented by Art Transforms Inc. South East Queens, NY,  the 2017 Professional Award recipient presented by The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club – Laurelton, NY, the 2017 New York State 29th District Certificate of Merit presented by Assembly Woman Alicia L Hyndman, the 2017 New York State Senate 14th District Certificate of Recognition presented by Senator Leroy Comrie, and the Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of valuable contributions to the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service Celebration presented by Queens Community PTAS. He is a 2014 recipient of the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation’s Spirit Award and has been a featured guest on The Devon Bandison Company’s Fatherhood is Leadership Pod-cast. Additionally, Larry’s professional work with fathers is featured in the award winning Pureland Pictures documentary, Daddy Don’t Go – A Pureland Picture (Emily Abt) film with Co-Executive Producers Malik Yoba and Omar Epps.

Larry currently resides in Acworth, Georgia – a suburb of Metro-Atlanta, where he has expanded his professional service delivery. He obtained his Master of Social Work License in the State of Georgia in May 2020.

Laura Pettiford-Edwards, M.S.Ed.

Laura is the Associate Executive Director of Edwards Mentoring & Social Services.  Prior to her role at Edwards Mentoring, she served as an Assistant Principal with the New York City Department of Education, where she provided 31 years of professional services.  As a veteran Educator, Laura began her career in Education as a Para-Professional – progressing to roles such as Special Education Teacher, Mentor (for newly hired teachers), and Dean of Students.  Laura’s compassionate dedication to her students earned her a New York City Council Citation, presented to her in June 2015.

 

Prior to retiring from the Department of Education in New York in 2017and relocating to Georgia in 2020, Laura developed and operated a summer tutoring program for youth experiencing challenges in English Language Arts, Math and Science. Additionally, she served as a judge for summer dance competitions hosted by a Long Island Chapter of the NAACP.   Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Education and an Advanced Certification in Educational Supervision and Administration.