Geoffrey AndersonWestchester Residential Opportunities (WRO), Inc., a not-for-profit housing counseling agency certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Renewal that serves more than 7,000 individuals and families a year, will receive the 8th annual Stanley Schear Leadership Award on Tuesday, September 16.

Geoffrey Anderson, WRO's executive director, will accept the award at the Westchester Senior Housing and Services Collaborative's breakfast and recognition ceremony at the White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plans at 9 a.m.

"The Schear Award recognizes organizations that have made meaningful contributions to improve people's lives through fair and affordable housing and services," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "I thank WRO for its continued partnership, working alongside county government to make sure people continue to live and prosper in Westchester."

Event reservations are requested, but walk-ins are welcome. To sign up, contact Lisa Buck at or (914) 949-8146.

Commissioner Mae Carpenter of Westchester County's Department of Senor Programs and Services (DSPS) will present Anderson with a $3,500 check from Atlantic Philanthropies, which is a sponsor of the program along with DSPS, the White Plains Library and Wartburg, an adult care services community in Mount Vernon.

"Especially during difficult times, it is imperative that society make every effort to inform older people about housing options to meet their needs," Carpenter said. "WRO has done just that."

Under Anderson's leadership WRO has:

  • Expanded the capacity and expertise of its Senior Housing Counseling Program
  • Developed and administered a leading comprehensive tax foreclosure counseling program for Westchester residents
  • Held training sessions for more than 500 real-estate professionals over the past two years in collaboration with the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.

Anderson has served as WRO's executive director since 2007. He holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Concordia College in Bronxville, and has taught at Concordia as an adjunct professor since 1995. He has a master's degree in social work from Fordham University.

Earlier in his career, Anderson worked for Westhab Inc. for more than 11 years, including service as vice president of housing programs.

Schear worked tirelessly for many years to help people with housing needs in the county. Upon his death in 2006, the award was established to honor him and his many achievements.