"Every meaningful improvement in care starts by listening to those we serve." — Matilde L. Román, Esq.,SVP, Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer, Westchester Medical Center.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often encounter barriers that can make navigating healthcare more difficult. Recognizing the need for a more accessible and responsive system, WMCHealth is partnering with The Arc Westchester and other key partners to help ensure that people with disabilities and their families receive care that is person-centered, respectful, and informed by lived experience.

This collaboration brings together community-based organizations, advocates, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to identify opportunities for improvement across the care continuum. By combining clinical expertise with community insight, the partnership is helping healthcare teams better understand the needs, strengths, preferences, and experiences of people with IDD.

Through education, dialogue, and co-designed solutions, WMCHealth and The Arc Westchester are building stronger connections between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Together, they are creating pathways to more inclusive care.

This partnership reflects the essence of Nonprofit Westchester’s Mission Moment, organizations coming together to learn from one another, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact for the communities they serve.

"It was incredibly meaningful when WMCHealth approached The Arc Westchester with a genuine commitment to strengthening its healthcare system to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate demonstrates true leadership and a shared commitment to advancing health equity. Together, we are improving communication, care coordination, staff training, and the overall patient experience. This partnership is creating a more accessible and inclusive healthcare system where every individual is seen, heard, and empowered to receive the quality care they deserve." — Kathleen Macias-Torres, Assistant Executive Director of Community Innovations,The Arc Westchester.

Have a Mission Moment that highlights a meaningful connection made through Nonprofit Westchester - one that led to impactful collaboration or growth? We would love to hear your story. Please submit your experience (150 words or fewer), along with a photo, to: Jan Fisher.

We are excited to share the latest Mission Moment - a space to showcase the strength of our network and the impact that happens when dedicated individuals and organizations come together to collaborate, learn, and lead.

One of the most meaningful partnerships MorDance has developed through Nonprofit Westchester has been with Westhab's Dayspring Community Center. What began as a weekly dance class at Dayspring has grown into a deeper collaboration centered on expanding arts access for local youth.

As students discovered a passion for dance, the partnership evolved to create additional opportunities. Today, several Dayspring students travel to MorDance twice each week for more intensive training, further developing their artistry and confidence in a professional dance environment. MorDance has also extended complimentary tickets to students and their families to attend company performances, ensuring they can experience live professional ballet as audience members as well as participants.

"Westhab has a goal of embedding the arts into all of our programs, as we recognize the power of expression and self-discovery."  — Rich Nightingale, CEO, Westhab. "The partnership with MorDance takes this a step further, exposing these young people to a whole world of artistry and possibility."

"This partnership demonstrates how sustained collaboration can remove barriers, nurture talent, and create meaningful pathways for young people to engage with the arts," stressed Morgan McEwen, Artistic Director & Founder, MorDance.

Have a Mission Moment that highlights a meaningful connection made through Nonprofit Westchester - one that led to impactful collaboration or growth? We would love to hear your story. Please submit your experience (150 words or fewer), along with a photo, to: Jan Fisher.

Second Chance Foods believes some of the most meaningful partnerships begin with a simple conversation. Last year, our Board President, Jason Kofman, attended a networking event hosted by Nonprofit Westchester and met the Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. That introduction sparked a partnership that is now helping families facing some of life’s hardest moments. It’s a good example of what can happen when nonprofit leaders have opportunities to connect.

Since August 2025, Second Chance Foods has provided weekly meals to the Ronald McDonald House, which has seen a significant increase in the number of families using the house while their children receive critical medical care. In less than a year, we have delivered nearly 10,000 servings of nutritious food to support these families during times of crisis.

Recently, we met a father who shared that he had been cooking meals on a camping stove in the parking lot before a Ronald McDonald House staff member invited him inside. He became emotional as he described what access to warm meals and a welcoming community meant to his family.

By bringing nonprofit leaders together, Nonprofit Westchester helps create collaborations that directly benefit families throughout our community.

The Power of NPW: Mission Moment

The Power of NPW: Mission Moment showcases the strength of our network and the impact that happens when dedicated individuals and organizations come together to collaborate, learn, and lead.

Have a Mission Moment that highlights a meaningful connection made through Nonprofit Westchester—one that led to impactful collaboration or growth? We would love to hear your story.

Please submit your experience (150 words or fewer), along with a photo, to jfisher@npwestchester.org

We are excited to introduce a new bimonthly feature highlighting The Power of NPW: Mission Moment - a space to showcase the strength of our network and the impact that happens when dedicated individuals and organizations come together to collaborate, learn, and lead.

Read below about the connection between Scott A. Edelman, CPA, MBA, CFE, CEO/Executive Director at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and Dady Johnson, Young Coaches Program & Youth Soccer of New Rochelle Recreation, Executive Director.

Have a Mission Moment that highlights a meaningful connection made through Nonprofit Westchester - one that led to impactful collaboration or growth? We would love to hear your story. Please submit your experience (150 words or fewer), along with a photo, to: Jan Fisher.

“Grateful for the power of mentorship. I met Scott A. Edelman, CPA, MBA, CFE, CEO/Executive Director at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, through NPW’s Nonprofit Executive Directors/CEOs Affinity Group. I asked if he would mentor me, and I’m thankful he said yes. Scott has significantly shaped how I think as an executive. He brings clarity, sharp judgment, and real-world insight into what it takes to lead and manage an organization effectively.

One lesson that has stuck with me: read the contract. Don’t rush to sign or let anyone pressure you. Take the time to understand every detail, and when possible, simplify it into something clear and manageable. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to sit in on one of his executive team meetings and continue learning firsthand. Thank you, Scott, for your guidance and investment in my growth.”

- Dady Johnson, Young Coaches Program & Youth Soccer of New Rochelle Recreation, Executive Director