Jennifer Camacho wears many hats.
A mom, social worker, and co-founder of a Franklin Square-based nonprofit, Howie’s Heart, she has spent nearly the last two years juggling it all, while giving back to others and keeping her dad’s memory alive.
Howie’s Heart was founded in February of 2024 by Camacho and her siblings, James Conklin of New Hyde Park and Melissa Cox of Coram, in honor of their father, Howard Conklin, who died in December of 2021 at 67.
“He was a really great guy,” Camacho said. “A big heart — he made everyone feel like a friend. Everyone was always welcome in our home. He went out of his way to do nice things for people, especially when they were down on their luck or just really in need.”
Referring to her father as a “step up kind of guy,” Camacho added that “losing him was a big loss for our family.”
“I always felt like he had a lot more life to live,” she added, “and that we kind of were all gypped with him leaving us so soon. We really felt it was important to honor him.”
Camacho, a Franklin Square resident, and her siblings, have turned their father’s legacy of kindness into action — organizing community service events and partnering with organizations near and far to make helping others accessible to everyone. As the organization approaches its two-year anniversary, Camacho shared they are on track to complete their 100th community service event.
Whether supporting a local family in need, bringing neighbors together for service projects, or collaborating with reputable causes nationwide, Camacho embodies the belief that no project is too small — or too large — when it comes to giving back. For her unwavering efforts to help those in need, spread kindness, and honor the spirit of her father, Camacho has been named the 2025 Franklin Square/Elmont Herald Person of the Year.
Throughout the year, Howie’s Heart engages in several initiatives. Some repeat while others come up organically, if it is a cause Camacho feels is worth supporting. Howie’s Heart has regularly worked with Canine Companions, a national organization that provides expertly trained service dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Volunteers at Howie’s Heart created “dog tugs” which help people and service animals open drawers or carry household items like laundry baskets.
Howie’s Heart also frequents local senior homes, providing companionship and friendship to Nassau County’s older populations. Ahead of Halloween, volunteers visited the Plattduetsche Home Society, a senior living community in Franklin Square, and painted mini canvases with residents, while also sharing conversations.
Sometimes, Camacho finds a group to support just by combing through social media. One example she pointed to is Coming Up Rosies, a Chicago-based organization that helps kids with hair loss, either because of medical treatments or conditions like alopecia. The organization focuses on helping boost kids’ self-esteem, delivering a head scarf, neck scarf, or superhero cape to children in hospitals.
Jaime Duckworth, a volunteer with Howie’s Heart, has known Camacho for years. Their children both attended Polk Street School in Franklin Square, where at the time, Camacho was very involved with the Girl Scouts in the area. They lost touch, Duckworth said, but reconnected at a street fair about two years ago.
Duckworth’s family, including her children and husband, have participated in several Howie’s Hearts events. Duckworth explained that if a young person in the community has an idea of an organization or group of people they want to help, Camacho does what she can to make sure that happens.
“We’ve had some amazing kids in the neighborhood that have really come up with great ideas, and we’ve been able to help a lot of local communities,” Duckworth said. “It’s two-fold, because we’re helping people that need it, but we’re also teaching children to be kind. It’s just the way the world should be, especially in a world where it’s not right now.”
Camacho’s tenacity is beyond impressive, Duckworth added.
“She’s got the passion, she’s got the drive, and most importantly, she’s got the heart,” she said.
Camacho described Howie’s Heart as very “grassroots.”
“It surprises me sometimes too — people are so willing to do this,” Camacho said. “But I think it’s because people really want to help, but I just don’t feel like people know where to go or how to start. What we’re doing is taking out the hard part for people, organizing them, and then they’re just very happy to contribute in any way they can.”
Jaime’s daughter Madison Duckworth, 13, is a student at Carey High School in Franklin Square. She said her favorite event that Howie’s Heart participates in is the Holiday Cheer Bus with Kids Need More, an Amityville-based organization that enhances the lives of children, families and young adults coping with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Volunteers with Howie’s Heart are designated as an “Elf Team” and they ride around Long Island on a cheer bus, completing challenges, engaging with children in festive games, and delivering gifts and holiday wishes. What she loves about Howie’s Heart is how accessible it makes giving back.
“The whole point of Howie’s Heart is to get kids in the community to participate and help others with community service,” she said.
Like everyone connected to Howie’s Heart, Madison expressed gratitude for Camacho’s leadership. “I am sure a lot of people have said this, but Jen is amazing,” Madison said. “She does everything. She takes time out of her day. Words can’t even describe how much she does for everyone.”
Camacho credits the success of Howie’s Heart to those around her, and her siblings. They’re all at different points in their lives, she said, but each of them always makes it an effort to be present however possible.
“Family is everything,” she said. “You always take care of family, and we always stick together no matter what."
No matter the event, no matter the age or ability of volunteers, Camacho emphasized that all are welcome. From working with families that have children on the autism spectrum, to incorporating volunteers with different physical abilities, there’s a place for everyone at Howie’s Heart.
“It makes us happy to see that everyone feels like they can find a spot with us,” Camacho said. “We’re stronger when we’re all together.”
