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Leading HANAC: Stacy Bliagos on Community Service in New York

By NEO Magazine on January 3, 2026

by Athena Efter

For 53 years the Hellenic-American Neighborhood Action Committee, or HANAC as it is familiarly called, has served as a beacon of hope and assistance to the New York City community. Founded in 1972 to help serve the needs of city’s Greek community, especially newer Greek immigrants, it has since expanded to serve New York residents of all backgrounds. From senior programs to affordable housing, from youth programs to legal assistance and everything in between, HANAC helps 30,000 vulnerable New Yorkers better their lives and access the resources they need to thrive. Since 2019, Stacy Bliagos has served as the Executive Director of HANAC. An attorney by trade, and a native New Yorker herself, Bliagos brings a decade of experience in local government administration to the position. NEO sat down with Bliagos to talk about HANAC and her role as the head of an invaluable social services organization.

PHOTO: DOROTHY SHI

Tell us a bit about your background. You’ve come from the legal world and have worked in the public services sector. What brought you to HANAC? How was that transition into the nonprofit sector?

I’ve always been driven by a desire to serve and advocate for others, which is what initially led me to law and later to public service. My work in government allowed me to understand how policy, community needs, and real-world implementation come together. HANAC felt like the natural next step place where I could blend that experience with mission-driven work that impacts people directly and immediately.

The transition into the nonprofit sector was energizing. It allowed me to work more closely with communities, respond more quickly to emerging needs, and lead an organization with a proud history of uplifting vulnerable New Yorkers.

HANAC has been around since 1972 and has grown and evolved significantly for over half a century. What were some of the most important accomplishments in that growth? And how did it move from serving the Greek community to serving all New Yorkers?

HANAC was founded to support the Greek immigrant community, but its mission was always rooted in helping those who needed it most. Over time, as New York changed, HANAC evolved alongside it.

Some of our proudest accomplishments include building thousands of units of affordable senior housing, expanding our social service programs across all ages, and developing comprehensive support from adult literacy and youth programs to mental health and workforce development.

Today, HANAC reflects the diversity of New York City. Our growth has been intentional, thoughtful, and always centered on meeting the needs of the communities we serve regardless of background.

What are some of the new initiatives and projects that you’re guiding under your leadership? The ones that most excite you?

I’m especially excited about expanding our senior housing portfolio and exploring new models that integrate wellness, socialization, and aging-in-place supports.We’re also strengthening our intergenerational programming, deepening our adult literacy and workforce initiatives, and investing in technology that improves service delivery.

Another area I’m passionate about is enhancing mental health support across our programs, ensuring that clients of all ages have access to compassionate and culturally competent care.

Queens—and New York City in general—is one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the U.S. What unique challenges and opportunities does this present for a community-based organization?

Diversity is Queens’ greatest strength, and it shapes every aspect of our work. The opportunity lies in creating programs that celebrate diversity programs that are multilingual, culturally responsive, and inclusive.

The challenge is making sure services stay accessible and relevant to communities with different histories, languages, and needs.

At HANAC, we see ourselves as bridge-builders. We’re rooted in the immigrant experience, so we understand the power of culturally sensitive support and how it helps newcomers thrive.

Affordable senior housing is central to HANAC’s mission. The newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made this a top priority. What would this mean for HANAC? Are you looking forward to working with the new mayor?

Absolutely. Any administration that prioritizes affordable housing, especially for seniors, will find a strong partner in HANAC. We have decades of experience developing high-quality, affordable residences that allow seniors to live with dignity and independence.

If the city expands funding, streamlines development processes, and supports nonprofits like ours, we can do even more. We look forward to working collaboratively with Mayor Mamdani to address one of the city’s most urgent needs.

HANAC’s scope is vast, from housing to youth programs, adult literacy to healthcare access. What’s the key to making all of this work so seamlessly?

The secret is our people and our philosophy. We have dedicated staff who understand the communities we serve, and we operate from a holistic perspective. People don’t experience challenges in isolation, housing affects health, education affects employment, and social connection affects wellbeing.

Because we recognize these intersections, our programs complement one another. The result is a seamless network of support that follows clients through every stage of life.

Does HANAC work in partnership with other social service organizations? Have you had such collaborations or opportunities?

Yes, partnerships are essential to our mission. We collaborate with city agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, schools, community groups, and local businesses.

These relationships allow us to expand our reach, share resources, and create comprehensive solutions. Whether we’re coordinating care for seniors, providing youth employment opportunities, or addressing food insecurity, collaboration strengthens our impact.

Are there opportunities for younger generations, high schoolers and college student, to volunteer at HANAC?

When opportunities arise, we welcome young people who want to give back and make a difference in their neighborhoods, gain experience, or learn more about community work. At various points throughout the year, students can volunteer in our senior centers, assist with community events, support youth programs, or participate in service-learning projects.

Finally, how has your Greek background informed not just what you do at HANAC, but how you lead your life in general?

My Greek heritage is rooted in family, community, and philoxenia. Those values have shaped me personally and professionally.

They inform how I lead: with empathy, inclusivity, and a belief that every person deserves dignity and opportunity.

Working at HANAC feels like an extension of that cultural legacy. We were founded by Greek immigrants who wanted to help others succeed, and I’m honored to continue that mission in a way that now embraces all New Yorker’s.