Debbie Katz Shapiro

Director of Outreach and Community Initiatives

Kids In Crisis

Debbie Katz Shapiro, LCSW, has been a social worker for 40 years providing clinical counseling, advocacy, education, administration, supervision, program development and consultation. In 1995, Debbie was awarded Social Worker of the Year for the State of Connecticut by the National Association of Social Workers. Presently, Debbie is the Director of Outreach and Community Initiatives for Kids In Crisis located in Connecticut. Kids In Crisis, is a not for profit organization working on behalf of kids everyday through a 24/7 helpline, outreach, temporary shelter for children 0-18 and school and community based mental health and skill building programs. Ten years ago, Debbie helped to develop and served as an advisor for Rainbow Café, a drop in center for LGBTQ youth, more recently becoming a Kids In Crisis program now called Lighthouse.

Prior to Kids in Crisis, Debbie worked for the City of Stamford as the Director of the HIV Prevention Program for 25 years and led in the establishment of Stamford CARES, a not for profit organization serving persons living with HIV. In addition, Debbie coordinated the opening of the first School Based Health Center in Stamford schools. Debbie has always been an active volunteer committed to youth engagement and political work, as well as working on opportunities to address un-met community needs.