Erie Housing and Development Services (HANDS) recently honored William F. McCarthy, president and CEO of Stairways Behavioral Health, with the Charles R. and Katherine L. Scalise Community Service award. The honor is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions in their advocacy and impact on public social issues regarding at-risk populations and for their leadership in producing work of lasting impact.
HANDS President/CEO Charles G. Scalise introduced McCarthy as the award’s recipient at the organization’s annual Community Celebration at the Erie Art Museum. The award bears the name of Scalise’s parents and HANDS founding board members.
McCarthy is the president and CEO of Stairways, a provider of mental health services to Erie County residents for more than 50 years. He began his Stairways career more than 40 years ago and has served in a variety of positions before becoming the organization’s leader in 1998.
HANDS is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for residents, families and senior citizens by developing and managing quality affordable housing. HANDS has been instrumental in the production of more than 1,000 units of affordable housing in nine counties across northwestern Pennsylvania.
