Brand New Website on Paying for College!

October 24, 2024 | News

College Money Matters just launched their new website. It's full of information for college-bound students and their parents on how to apply to and pay for college. No ads and no login required. 

Neighbors Link Names Jeanette Gisbert New Deputy Director

October 24, 2024 | News

Neighbors Link, a Westchester-based non-profit that supports the healthy integration of immigrants throughout the Hudson Valley, announced today the appointment of Jeanette Gisbert as the organization’s new Deputy Director, effective December 2024. In her new role, she will oversee Neighbors Link’s organizational strategy, program development, and fundraising to support the organization’s mission and long-term goals. Ms. Gisbert will succeed Laura Newman, who has accepted a position as the new Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester.

HRM Receives Award of Excellence from Greater Hudson Heritage Network

October 11, 2024 | News

The Hudson River Museum is excited to announce it has been selected as a winner of the 2024 Awards for Excellence from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network for our Free First Fridays initiative. The awards are given to projects that “exemplify creativity and professional vision resulting in a contribution to the preservation and interpretation of the historic scene, material culture, and diversity of the region.”

Broadway Actress and Disability Rights Advocate to Speak at Forum on Voting Rights for People with Disabilities

October 8, 2024 | News

Broadway star and wheelchair user will be keynote speaker at voting rights event sponsored by Westchester Disabled on the Move and League of Women Voters. 

Concerts in Motion Expands to Westchester: Uplifting Communities and Combating Social Isolation Through Music

October 17, 2024 | News

Thanks to a generous grant from the Phelps Community Health Foundation, Concerts in Motion will bring its signature concerts to Westchester County! Concerts in Motion will do this by connecting existing local resources for music programming in Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, Yonkers, and White Plains with those in these communities who experience social isolation. 

Child Care Council of Westchester Announces New Executive Director

October 15, 2024 | Press Release

The Board of Directors of the Child Care Council of Westchester is pleased to announce that Laura Newman has been appointed Executive Director effective November 12, 2024. She succeeds Kathy Halas who has held the position since 2003 and announced her decision to step down earlier this year. Kathy will stay on and work together with Laura into December. 

Judy Troilo, CEO of The LOFT will be honored with the Lorri L. Jean Leadership Award at the CenterLink Leadership Summit

October 9, 2024 | News

Judy Troilo, CEO of The LOFT in Westchester, NY, will be honored with the Lorri L. Jean Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and visionary impact on the LGBTQ community. Under her guidance, The LOFT has grown into a beacon of support, advocacy, and community services, including the development of LGBTQ-affirming senior housing and healthcare.

The Welcome Home Westchester Campaign Unveils “5 in 25” Agenda at Press Conference; Urges City, Town, and Villages to Take Housing Action This Year

September 27, 2024 | Press Release

Curious about the truth behind immigration headlines? Confused by conflicting media coverage and political rhetoric? Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity on one of today’s most pressing issues before the November election. Join Neighbors Link for an essential online forum on Wednesday, September 25th, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Hear from top experts who will cut through the noise and offer insightful perspectives on how the media reports on immigration and the real impact it has on our communities.

Immigration: Beyond the Headlines

September 25, 2024 | News

Curious about the truth behind immigration headlines? Confused by conflicting media coverage and political rhetoric? Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity on one of today’s most pressing issues before the November election. Join Neighbors Link for an essential online forum on Wednesday, September 25th, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Hear from top experts who will cut through the noise and offer insightful perspectives on how the media reports on immigration and the real impact it has on our communities.

Monroe College to Once Again Host 9/11 Day of Service Project to Pack 50K+ Meals 

August 1, 2024 | Press Release

The City of New Rochelle, Volunteer New York!, Monroe College, and Feeding Westchester proudly announce that they will jointly host a community service project on September 6th to help local residents with food insecurity challenges as part of the federal September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. This is the second year holding this event, which once again was selected to receive outside funding to help meet its goal of packing and distributing 50,000 meals across Feeding Westchester’s extensive network of partners.

Westchester Children's Muesum New Family Access Membership 

August 1, 2024 | News

This unique initiative aims to eliminate economic barriers and make the Westchester Children's Museum accessible to all children. Qualifying families can enjoy the benefits of our premium Museum membership for only $25, a 90% discount from regular pricing.

Environmental Leaders of Color celebrate the fourth annual graduation of the Student Summer Energy & Environmental Program for High School Students

August 8, 2024 | News

Environmental of Color (ELOC) hosted the Student Summer Energy & Environmental Program Graduation and Showcase at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The six-week program welcomed 100 high school students from Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Ossining, Peekskill, and Portchester to learn about climate change, its impact, potential solutions, mitigation strategies, and economic opportunities. The students showcased their final project about human waste, including its usefulness, impact, place in the life cycle, and disposal. Following the showcase, the graduation welcomed guest speaker Heather Cabot, a veteran journalist, former ABC News correspondent, and author of multiple critically acclaimed books.

My Sisters' Place: Children's Counseling Program

July 29, 2024 | News

The Children’s counseling Program at MSP is proud to announce the HEARTs Program. Healing, Encouraging, and Restoring Together series (HEARTs), is a program that empowers caregiver survivors of domestic violence by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to nurture their child's healing in the aftermath of violence.

Westchester Medical Center Breaks Ground on $220 Million Critical Care Tower

July 24, 2024 | Press Release

Last week, New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, along with state and local elected officials, key community influencers, and Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) leadership, gathered to commemorate the start of construction for the Critical Care Tower at Westchester Medical Center. Adjacent to Westchester Medical Center’s main tower, the 5-story, 162,000 square foot Critical Care Tower at Westchester Medical Center will house 128 private, state-of-the-art patient rooms—all equipped with the latest and most advanced medical technologies for intensive care and importantly facilitating the conversion of Westchester Medical Center’s entire inpatient service to all-private rooms, enhancing patient privacy and comfort. Aptly named the “Tower to Heal,” the Critical Care Tower at Westchester Medical Center is a significant milestone in the advancement of critical care services.

Hudson River Museum Wins Two 2024 Best of Westchester Awards

July 8, 2024 | Press Release

The Hudson River Museum is proud to announce that they have won Best of Westchester awards for the seventh consecutive year. For 2024, the Museum has been awarded the Editor’s Pick for Best Exhibition (South County) for Kengo Kito: Unity on the Hudson and the Readers’ Picks for Best Art Gallery.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Appoints David Imamura to Advisory Board

June 17, 2024 | Press Release

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, NY has announced that David Imamura has joined the HHREC Advisory Board. Imamura was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in a special election on February 27, 2023 to represent District 12, comprised of Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, and Irvington. He was re-elected that November to a full two-year term that began in January ’24. He is the first Asian-American to serve on the Board of Legislators.

Volunteer New York! Celebrates Leadership Westchester Class of 2024

June 20, 2024 | Press Release

Volunteer New York! celebrated the latest graduating class of Leadership Westchester, its signature professional development program. The nine-month program provides select individuals with the opportunity to sharpen effective leadership skills and gain clarity in defining and achieving their personal and professional goals.

Neighbors Link Spring Benefit Raises $735K to Empower New Americans with Skills and Resources, Honors Longtime Leader, Carola Otero Bracco

June 11, 2024 | News 

Newly Announced Immigrant Empowerment Campaign Drives Commonsense Solutions on a Local and Regional Level – Filling Gaps for Immigrants where Polarizing Political Initiatives Fail

United Hebrew Celebrates 105 Years Honoring Rita Mabli, Unveiling a Fresh New Look

June 5, 2024 | News 

At its May 29 gala, United Hebrew honored longtime leader, Rita Mabli for her 45 years of exceptional service to seniors in Westchester and via her leadership in the senior care industry. The organization also unveiled a fresh, new logo and tagline, "Where Seniors Thrive," positioning the organization as a model for integrative senior living.

The Young Coaches Program Announced it's 2024 Impact Leaders

June 13, 2024 | News 

The Young Coaches Program recognized three young leaders in their programs: Gaby and Giselle for being awarded the 2024 New Rochelle Citizens of the Year for their courageous and selfless actions in aiding a young girl who was being victimized, and Judah for graduating from West Point with an engineering degree and immediately returning to volunteer his time working once again with YCP. 

The Mental Health Association of Westchester and The Mental Health Association of Rockland Merge and Rebrand as Greater Mental Health of New York

June 3, 2024 | News 

The Mental Health Association of Westchester and The Mental Health Association of Rockland announced the completion of their merger and the new name of their combined organization: Greater Mental Health of New York, Inc. The merger increases the size and scope of integrated, person-centered services delivered by the community-based non-profit and strengthens the new entity’s ability to reduce barriers to quality mental health care in the Lower Hudson Valley region. 

The Sharing Shelf Announces the Opening of Its Teen Boutique

May 8, 2024 | Press Release

The Sharing Shelf announces the opening of its Teen Boutique, which now provides free clothes to Westchester teenagers in financial need. The Teen Boutique operates as a free store specifically tailored for teens, situated on-site adjacent to The Sharing Shelf’s Clothing Bank in Port Chester.

914Cares Celebrates New Location in Armonk

May 7, 2024 | News 

The Westchester nonprofit 914Cares that serves residents living at or below the poverty line with clothing, footwear, personal care products, diapers and baby gear, books, and more marked the opening of a new warehouse in Armonk with a ribbon-cutting event. The organization had been operating from North White Plains. The new location is at 28 Kaysal Court and provides 12,000 square feet for the organization to store supplies and prepare the items for distribution.

Hudson River Museum Awarded National IMLS Digitization Grant

May 7, 2024 | Press Release

The Institute of Museum and Library Services grant of $125k will support the Museum’s digitization of 8,000 collection objects largely consisting of historical photographs and artwork representative of the Museum’s local and regional communities. This project will help us share and expand on this history and build stronger, better informed, and more engaged communities in our region, which are critical for a more effective democracy.

215 Local Volunteers Teamed Up for the 8th Annual New Rochelle Parks Clean-Up Weekend

May 6, 2024 | Press Release

The City of New Rochelle and Volunteer New York! partnered to bring together 215 volunteers on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, for the 8th New Rochelle Parks Clean-up Weekend. This annual event was part of the city’s green events during earth month and offered residents a prime opportunity to contribute to the care and improvement of their community’s green spaces.

Carver Center Recieves $125,000 from Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation

March 26, 2024 | Press Release

The Port Chester Carver Center, a community resource center that offers programs that serve the emerging needs of the Port Chester community, announced a $125,000 grant from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, led by philanthropist Alex Cohen. The grant will support the purchase and installation of a new walk-in freezer and a walk-in cooler that will expand Carver’s ability to acquire and distribute healthy foods through the Carver Market (their self-choice food pantry).

United Hebrew Earns Recognition for LGBTQ-Friendly Senior Care: New Credential Strengthens Commitment to LGBTQ+ Older Adults through Partnership with SAGECare

April 21, 2024 | Press Release

In a significant stride towards inclusivity, United Hebrew proudly announces its attainment of the esteemed SAGECare credential, reaffirming its dedication to fostering a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ older adults.

The First Youth Development Facility to be Built in New Rochelle in over 40 years 

April 12, 2024 

Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle's new state-of-the-art Remington Clubhouse will be a cornerstone of the “Renaissance at Lincoln Park,” a new 179-unit community in New Rochelle. With 22,000 square feet, the building is nearly twice the size of the former Remington, allowing us to serve over 700 members, compared to 320 at the old building.

Manhattanville University Awarded Nearly $1 Million Grant to Enhance Teacher Preparation Programs 

April 4, 2024 | Press Release

Manhattanville University has been selected to receive a grant of $997,439 from the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) and the State University of New York (SUNY). The grant will fund the proposal, “Teaching Assistant to Teacher of Record: Investing in Our Local Workforce,” as part of the Education Workforce Investment Alternative Teacher Certification Program, over a four-year period beginning in July of this year.

New Rochelle Partners with Volunteer New York! for the 8th Annual Parks Clean-up Weekend on Saturday, April 27th, and Sunday, April 28th

April 2, 2024 | Press Release

Volunteer New York! and the City of New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Department are excited to collaborate again for the 8th annual Parks Clean-up Weekend. On Saturday, April 27th, and Sunday, April 28th, this year’s initiative spans 13 parks and offers a prime opportunity for residents to contribute to the care and improvement of their community’s green spaces.

Virtual Screening of the film UnCharitable

March 25, 2024 

In an effort to propagate critical insight as to why giving unrestricted funds to charities is so important, I'm sponsoring a week-long virtual screening of the film UnCharitable. Please watch and share it — with your boards, donors, members, staff and friends. It is not yet available in any theatre or on a streaming platform.

Sign up https://rocofilms.com/film/uncharitable/ and pay $5 per viewer (to help cover distribution costs), then stream the film any time between April 1, 12:01am - April 8, 11:59pm EST. Invitation code: UJS-JILL

Rep. Bowman names Yonkers nonprofit founder, Jonathan Alverez, as his guest for SOTU address

February 29, 2024 

From his prison cell just six years ago, Jonathan Alvarez would have never believed where he was going next week. But today, Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) picked the founder of the Yonkers-based nonprofit 914United, as his guest to President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address.

Uplifting Courageous Voices: from the Frontline of Poverty in Westchester

March 7, 2024 

WCA released its 2024 report on Child Poverty, “Uplifting Courageous Voices: From the Frontline of Poverty in Westchester County.” This report is the result of months of documenting parent experiences and identifying program and policy supports to alleviate the impact of poverty.

Premier Tasting Event to Benefit Westchester Families at Risk of Hunger

February 14, 2024 | Press Release

Feeding Westchester, will hold its annual “An Evening in Good Taste,” a premier culinary event featuring a delectable sampling of sweet and savory bites, craft beers, custom cocktails and fine wine from top chefs and drink purveyors from 39 Westchester-based restaurants on Thursday, April 18, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Savor at The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains, NY. More restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks.

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Welcomes New Executive Director/CEO, Sylvia Stinson-Perez

February 7, 2024 | Press Release

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sylvia Stinson-Perez as its new Executive Director/CEO, effective February 1, 2024. Sylvia brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment toward our mission of serving the needs of people who are blind or have low vision in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

KeyBank Foundation awards $100,000 grant to Groundwork Hudson Valley for Youth Leadership and Sustainability Education Program Expansion in Yonkers

February 12, 2024 | Press Release

Groundwork Hudson Valley and KeyBank announce a two-year $100,000 grant from KeyBank Foundation, the bank’s charitable non-profit, to support the expansion of Groundwork’s Youth Leadership and Sustainability Education Programs. Specifically, the funding will provide out-of-school education for Yonkers NY Public School K-6 students to visit the Science Barge, a floating sustainability education center, to supplement the school system’s science curricula; it will also support the award-winning Green Team, a program that provides paid part-time jobs to Yonkers Public High School students to build their leadership skills and gain hands-on skills in environmental conservation, climate risk mitigation, and community engagement.

Yonkers’ Waterfront Gets a Vibrant Makeover with New Mural Installation!

February 12, 2024 | Press Release

Today, Yonkers Arts is proud to announce the exciting launch of a brand-new mural installation, a vibrant collaboration between the City of Yonkers and Yonkers Arts. The installation is one of the many artistic endeavors that aims to transform the community via the arts, while also creating a welcoming and engaging art experience for commuters and visitors alike. Space for the installation was graciously provided by the MTA and Metro-North Railroad.

A New Chapter: Kathy Halas Stepping Down - Celebrating 21 years of leadership and achievement

February 1, 2024 | Press Release

After more than two decades of dedicated service and exceptional leadership, Kathy Halas, the Child Care Council's Executive Director, has decided to step down later this year. Kathy's impact on the Child Care Council and our community has been nothing short of transformative.

One of her most remarkable contributions has been her relentless advocacy for policy change and increased investment in child care. Kathy spearheaded successful efforts to reduce parents' share of financial assistance (subsidy) - once as high as 27% of income over the federal poverty level and now just 1% - and increased income eligibility to families, making assistance more widely available. Through her strategic vision and tireless efforts, and in partnership with supportive government leaders, early child care and education has become much more accessible and affordable for countless families.

Volunteer New York! Announces Winners of the 44th Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards, Presented by Regeneron

February 7, 2024 | Press Release

Volunteer New York! has announced seven local volunteers will be honored during their 44th annual Volunteer Spirit Awards breakfast benefit, presented by Regeneron. Volunteer New York!’s popular breakfast benefit will take place at the Westchester Marriott at 670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 7:45 AM – 11 AM with a post-event networking component for guests.

Westchester Disabled on the Move Receives Grant for Medicaid Re-enrollment

February 7, 2024 | News Article

Westchester Disabled on the Move recently received a grant from the Community Service Society (CSS) and Mother Cabrini Health Foundation as part of the Keep New York Covered (KNYC) program, a network of enrollment agencies that conduct marketing and outreach about how New Yorkers can keep their health coverage after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Many people who rely on Medicaid could lose their coverage if they fail to reenroll. COVID protections for those on Medicaid have ended so they are now required to re-enroll in the program, but many people don’t know this and are losing coverage.

For more information on how to get assistance with reenrollment call 914-968-4717 X109 OR VISIT https://wdom.org/. Help is available in English and Spanish. 

Award-Winning Documentary on Greyston Bakery to Screen at Bronxville Picture House

January 16, 2024 | News Article

Zen Brownie, an award-winning documentary on the story behind Greyston Bakery, will be shown January 25 at The Picture House in Bronxville followed by a panel discussion and special reception featuring famous ice cream makers Ben & Jerry.

United Way Seeks Breakout Sessions for Non Profit Leadership Summit

January 16, 2024 

Back by popular demand, there will be multiple breakout sessions during the United Way's 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Summit. UWWP is looking for presenter proposals.

News12: Be inspired by the power of art at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers

January 4, 2024 | News Article

News12 Feature Story: The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers offers visitors of all ages the chance to dive into different worlds and perspectives through art. Overview of the latest exhibitions, galleries, and Planetarium. 

Westchester Children's Association launched the 2023 Children by the Numbers Data Bulletin

November 28, 2023 | Press Release

On November 28, WCA launched the 2023 Children by the Numbers Data Bulletin at the Carver Center, located in Port Chester, NY. The Data Bulletin sheds light on the unequal socioeconomic, health, and educational outcomes faced by the county’s children and youth. This publication aims to be an instrumental tool for policymakers, educators, parents, and advocates working to develop equitable programs and policies to support all children, regardless of their race or ethnic backgrounds.

Volunteer New York! Celebrates Giving Tuesday with Community Champions Networking Breakfast at Million Air

December 4, 2023 | Press Release

Volunteer New York! proudly marked the ninth year of its Giving Tuesday Hat campaign in partnership with lohud and The Journal News with a Community Champions Networking Breakfast at Million Air in White Plains. The event showcased the true spirit of volunteerism, as attendees participated in a meaningful volunteer project, assembling 30 kits for the unhoused and under-housed, later donated to Lifting Up Westchester.

WDOMI Programs Help Keep Disabled, Elderly at Home

November 21, 2023 | News Article

The program, My Home, Not Nursing Home, has received a grant from Westchester County to fund support services for those who might otherwise have to go into a nursing home. Many of these people are not elderly but have physical limitations and no support system so end up being institutionalized.

Arleen Zuckerman of TRA Named a 2023 Notable Board Leader

October 9, 2023 | News Article

Arleen Zuckerman of TRA, was honored as a 2023 “Notable Board Leader” by Crain’s New York Business. To qualify, candidates needed to advance the cause of a nonprofit organization and raise its profile in the community. Arleen was recognized for her demonstrated commitment to the public good and her positive impact on TRA.

Cynthia Knox CEO of CHHOP Named Among 914INC.’s Women in Business

November 1, 2023 | News Article

Cynthia Knox, CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), was named one of the 2023 “Women in Business” by 914INC. Magazine. To qualify, each woman must have a track record of being a successful leader who knows what it means to serve and excel. Cynthia and the other winners will be recognized at the Women in Business awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16, at VIP Country Club.

Andrus and Westchester Medical Center are Announcing a New and Innovative Partnership that Effectively Reimagines Healthcare for Westchester County and New York State

November 2, 2023 

The partnership is premised on the idea of more effectively coordinating the care of children, families and adults who have experienced trauma or emotional hardship. In practice this partnership will mean, for example, that children who are treated in the Andrus community-based clinics, schools, or in their residential program, who may require hospitalization, will have the same team of doctors/psychiatrists in the hospital as those who are overseeing their care at Andrus.

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Marlins Swim Coaches Earn Top Honors for Excellence from the Metropolitan Club

October 5, 2023 | Press Release

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester's Swim Team Head Coach Zac Hojnacki and Assistant Coach Connor White got a surprise parade from children at the club congratulating them on being honored by Metropolitan Swimming. The governing body for competitive swimming in the NY Metro area, named Hojnacki Senior Coach of the Year and White was named ""Must Watch Age Group Coach.""

Westchester Disabled on the Move Executive Director is Named Women in Business Leader

October 26, 2023 

Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc. congratulates our Executive Director Maria Samuels on being named as a 914 Inc. Women in Business Honoree for 2023.

The award is given annually to Westchester's most successful, influential, and inspirational female executives, entrepreneurs, and government and nonprofit leaders in the region who will be honored on November 16 at the magazine's annual Women in Business luncheon.

Join us in celebrating Maria. She will also appear in the magazine's November issue so be on the look out!

United Way Women’s Leadership Council “Take a Walk in Her Shoes” Event to Celebrate Women in Philanthropy

October 26, 2023 | Press Release

White Plains, N.Y, (October 2023) - Two powerful women who have used their celebrated careers to help other women, will receive the United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s 2023 ‘Woman of Distinction” award on December 5th at its 11th Annual Celebration of Women in Philanthropy.

Ellen Bloom of CHHOP Named a 2023 Notable Board Leader

October 9, 2023 | News Article

Ellen Bloom of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), was honored as a 2023 “Notable Board Leader” by Crain’s New York Business. To qualify, candidates needed to advance the cause of a nonprofit organization and raise its profile in the community. Ellen was recognized for her demonstrated commitment to the public good and her positive impact on CHHOP.

Pace Documentary Wins Best Student Short at Williamsburg International Film and Music Competition

October 2, 2023 | Press Release

Pace University’s documentary "For the Love of Food: Pour l’amour de la Cuisine" recently won best student documentary at the Williamsburg International Film and Music Competition, marking the second consecutive year that the program has won the top honors in this category.

United Way asks NonProfits to Nominate Families for Christmas Tree Giveaway

October 19, 2023 | News Article

United Way of Westchester and Putnam (United Way) and American Christmas want to make the upcoming holiday season exceptionally festive for struggling families in Westchester. They are teaming up to give artificial Christmas trees, complete with lights and ornaments provided by American Christmas, to 15 families nominated by nonprofits and selected by United Way. United Way is looking for non-profit organizations to nominate families who have struggled this year and for whom the reception of a tree would make this Christmas exceptionally festive.

Families who are nominated and selected will be invited to American Christmas’ new storefront at their headquarters in Mount Vernon in early November, where they will be able to decorate their new lighted tree with a selection of ornaments provided by American Christmas. Selected families will also tour through American Christmas’ spectacular showroom and receive free tickets to Lumagica, a Christmas light display produced by American Christmas, North Salem, New York.

Nonprofit organizations can submit nominations via a form on United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s website at uwwp.org/american-christmas-nomination. The deadline to submit a nomination is Oct. 20.

The United Way will select 15 families from those nominated. Awardees will be announced in late October.

CHHOP and Davoren Farm Partnered to Host a Food Equity Forum, “Transforming Our Food System”

September 7, 2023 

Caring For the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) recently facilitated a food equity forum, “Transforming Our Food System,” hosted by Davoren Farm. This event allowed attendees to get to know CHHOP, hear from local farm-to-pantry experts, and learn how to make a difference. At CHHOP, CEO Cynthia Knox and her team believe that food equity is a human right, and as a society, we all need to work together to begin to change the paradigm.

Westchester County Launches Connect Westchester: A New Sweeping Digital Literacy & Access Initiative

October 6, 2023 | Press Release

Connect Westchester is Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development’s new initiative to bridge the digital divide through providing essential digital resources, education and affordable internet access to low-income residents. This new program will utilize partnerships with the STEM Alliance, The Westchester County Association, and the Westchester Library System to help all members of our community make a significant step towards achieving digital equity.

WIHD's Dan Habib and Samuel Habib win a national Emmy for My Disability Roadmap

October, 2023 | Press Release

Dan Habib and Samuel Habib of the Westchester Institute for Human Development won a News & Documentary Emmy Award for their short film, My Disability Roadmap. Their New York Times Op-Docs film was honored at the September 27, 2023, ceremony held at the Palladium Times Square Theater in New York City.

Field hockey teams share love of their sport with children with special needs

September 24, 2023 | News Article

Fox Lane and Horace Greeley High School players and coaches joined with Able Athletics to teach field hockey to children with special needs.

Able Athletics Celebrates 2024 Hartford Grant: A Game-Changer for Inclusive Sports

October 4, 2023 

We are excited to share that Able Athletics, a Move United adaptive club out of Scarsdale, NY has received the prestigious 2024 Hartford Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant, a monumental leap forward in our mission to foster inclusivity in sports for those with physical disabilities.

In early 2024, we're hosting a groundbreaking event in Westchester County, showcasing Hartford Insurance's incredible support. This grant empowers us to acquire 10 sport wheelchairs, revolutionizing adaptive sports in our community.

At the heart of this event is Westchester's first-ever adaptive lacrosse showcase, uniting communities in recognizing the transformative role of adaptive equipment for individuals with physical disabilities.

All this has been made possible by the support of Judy Siegel and her incredible team at Pro Bono Partnership who has been instrumental in establishing our nonprofit organization. "

Groundwork Hudson Valley Welcomes Oded Holzinger as New Executive Director

September 7, 2023 | Press Release

The Board of Directors of Groundwork Hudson Valley, a leading environmental organization dedicated to creating sustainable urban communities and addressing environmental justice, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Oded Holzinger as its new Executive Director, succeeding Brigitte Griswold after her successful almost seven-year tenure. Oded brings to the organization an extensive background and proven track record in climate resilience, urban planning, environmental restoration, and community engagement. Oded’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of environmental issues in Yonkers and Westchester County will help usher Groundwork into an exciting new phase.