Holder Receives Woman of Distinction Honors

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) was thrilled to honor Jamel Holder of Middletown as his nominee for the 2026 New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction. This event is an opportunity to celebrate a distinguished woman from each Senate district whose contributions have enriched quality of life in their communities.

Jamel Holder is a dedicated nonprofit advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader whose life’s work centers on strengthening families, uplifting vulnerable populations, and building sustainable systems of support throughout New York. For over a decade, Jamel worked at the Salvation Army homeless shelter in Queens, New York, where she was integral in assisting more than 90 families secure resources and pathways to permanent housing. Her work was rooted in compassion, advocacy, and hands-on case management, helping families navigate difficult transitions in their lives.

After relocating to Middletown, New York, Jamel continued her commitment to service by becoming a recruiter and trainer for foster parents. She organized and facilitated foster parent support groups, ensuring families received the encouragement, guidance, and community connection needed to care for children in crisis. In recognition of her dedication and impact, she received the Spirit of the Community Award from North American Family Institute.

Jamel currently serves as the Office Administrator and Social Services Coordinator with the Salvation Army in Middletown, where she works daily to connect individuals and families with food assistance, emergency support, youth programming, and critical community resources. She remains actively engaged in regional coalitions focused on food security, youth empowerment, and community wellness.

This past year, Jamel served as an integral leader of the Feeding Orange County Coalition, where she hosted a Thanksgiving turkey and food drive in collaboration with Senator Skoufis, which, in concert with local pantries, distributed meals to over 250 families. Jamel worked tirelessly to set up the Salvation Army community space as a walk-through grocery store where attendees were able to select from canned goods, protein, and fresh vegetables.

In 2025 Jamel also co-founded SwiftAid Transport, a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation company created to ensure safe, reliable, and transparent access to medical care for those in need. SwiftAid was born from her firsthand experiences witnessing service gaps and her determination to ensure that no individual is left behind due to transportation barriers.

Jamel is a devoted wife and mother who leads with integrity, faith, and purpose. She is passionate about serving her community and believes that service is not just a role, it is a calling.

“It’s an honor to have Jamel as my nominee this year, ” said Senator Skoufis. “Her life-long passion for public service and dedication to helping our most vulnerable populations should serve as inspiration for all of us.”