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. "

Spiral Giving Grant Application

Spiral Giving is accepting grant applications for $1000 grants. These will be evaluated by high school students over the course of the school year. Grants will be awarded by May 31, 2024.

The African American Men of Westchester Group Builds Community

February 25, 2023 | News Article

For nearly four decades, the African American Men of Westchester has been working tirelessly to support the county’s Black youth while enhancing life for all its residents.

WDOMI Leads Rally at Federal Court House to Support Lawsuit Against LYFT

August 31, 2023 | Press Release

Chanting “we will ride,” a crowd assembled in front of the Federal Courthouse in White Plains to support Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc.’s lawsuit against Lyft, Inc., the rideshare and transportation company. 

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.

Creative and Lofty Office and Studio Space for Lease

Office or studio space in a historic building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY. 1,619 SF 4th floor corner office with great natural light, high-end glass finishes, 2 private offices and stunning conference room with ample work space. Incredibly convenient location in the heart of downtown White Plains. Walk to MetroNorth, banking, shopping, new restaurants, venues and entertainment. Work with other professional and creatives in this beautiful, all-purpose environment Please contact Barb Gill directly at 914-428-4220 x323 for more information.

Yes She Can Inc. and BRIDGES Have Joined Forces to Bring Girl AGain, an American Girl Resale Shop, to the Palisades Center Mall

August 14, 2023 | Press Release

The Rockland-based organization, BRIDGES, and the Westchester-based group, Yes, She Can Inc. are working together to collect and refurbish gently used American Girl dolls and accessories for resale, in support of women with Autism and persons with disabilities.

Westchester Parks Foundation Offers Program - Trails Without Limits  

This program allows individuals who may be living with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, amputation, paraplegia, arthritis, cardiac issues, joint replacements, or have other mobility concerns the opportunity to immerse themselves in Westchester County Parks. Our All-Terrain Trackchair program is offered at no cost to the user. The program will rotate throughout Westchester County Parks March-November. 

Westchester Nonprofits Seeing GREEN from Solar 

August 7, 2023 

State and Federal rebates are making solar a true no brainer for nonprofits across Westchester County. 

Feeding Hudson River Museum Soars into Next Phase with New West Wing 

July 25, 2023 | Feature Story by All Arts|WNET

Two exhibitions featuring works by artists Kengo Kito and Sylvia Sleigh inaugurate the Hudson River Museum's new West Wing.

Feeding Westchester Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Distribution Center

July 20, 2023 | Press Release

Feeding Westchester celebrated the grand re-opening of its distribution center today at a special ribbon-cutting event. The organization’s newly expanded space will increase its storage and distribution capacity by 50 percent, boosting its ability to better serve Westchester County neighbors in need.

Feeding Westchester Appoints First Chief Operating Officer Tami Wilson

July 18, 2023 | Press Release

Feeding Westchester announced today that Tami Wilson has been named the organization’s first chief operating officer. Tami, a veteran food bank executive, will assume the COO role effective immediately. She will report directly to Karen C. Erren, Feeding Westchester CEO & president.

New Research Reveals a More Complete Picture of Hunger in Westchester County

June 30, 2023 | Press Release

New, ground-breaking research released today by Feeding Westchester reveals a more complete picture of hunger in Westchester County, and identifies neighborhoods in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, and Yonkers with the greatest unmet hunger needs.

GPLH Offers GPC and CFRE credit

Grant Professionals of Lower Hudson (GPLH) is now a GPCI Accepted Education Program provider. Attendance at GPLH webinars, which are tailored to grant professionals, is now applicable toward obtaining the Grant Professional Certified credential offered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, a nationally recognized organization serving excellence and accountability in grantsmanship.

Spiral Giving Available to Youth Orgs

Spiral Giving’s proven curriculum to educate young people and distribute grants from funds raised by the teen participants and outside donors is available for youth groups and organizations with youth associations and advisories. In addition to curriculum and funding, Spiral Giving leadership is available to consult on program administration. Contact Sue@spiralgiving.org for more information

Jill Singer Graphics Headshot & Video Day

Headshot includes hair & makeup, photo shoot and one final retouched photo of your choice.

Video - 15 minute interview to net 90-120 second video. Share industry tips, make a pitch, speak about your organization's mission or brand yourself as an expert.

Event WILL sell out. Call/email for appt. 914-522-7707 • jill@jillsingergraphics.com

Spiral Giving grant application is available for the 2023-2024 program year! 

Spiral Giving's grant cycle for 2023-2024 will be rolling and on a first come, first served basis. Apply now and help us educate the next generation of charitable givers.

CHHOP Honored with the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life Award

June 27, 2023 | News Article 

"Caring for the Hungry & Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) was recently awarded the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce ""Quality of Life Award.” CHHOP was celebrated at the chamber’s ""Stars Along the Hudson Gala Brunch,” which recently took place at the Abbey Inn & Spa.

The CHHOP team was recognized for their continued commitment to improving the lives of homeless and food-insecure individuals in Peekskill through their various services and programs."

Cynthia Knox, CEO of CHHOP Named a 2023 Notable LGBTQIA+ Leader

June 5, 2023 | News Article 

Cynthia Knox, CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), was honored as a 2023 “Notable LGBTQIA+ Leader” by Crain’s New York Business. To qualify, candidates needed to work in a senior role in the New York metropolitan area and identify as LGBTQIA+. Cynthia was recognized for her demonstrated positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community through her work at CHHOP and her civic engagement.

WJCS Presents Fashion & Compassion Luncheon at Neiman Marcus at The Westchester to Raise Funds for WJCS Mary J. Blige Center Food Pantry in Yonkers 

June 12, 2023 | Blog Post

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) hosted a “Fashion & Compassion” Luncheon at Neiman Marcus at The Westchester on May 11th. Ten percent of the sales made after the fashion show luncheon were donated by Neiman Marcus to WJCS and directed to support the food pantry at the WJCS Mary J. Blige Center, which helps under-resourced families in Yonkers.

Head of Adult Services at Mount Kisco Public Library

April 17, 2023 | Press Release

Mount Kisco Library received the Peggy Barber Tribute Grant 2023 to run a full year of programs with the Manzi Center.

WJCS Chief Psychologist & Director Presents at National Conference About Importance of Trauma-Informed Supervision to Respond to the Collective Traumas of COVID-19 and Racism

June 8, 2023 | Blog Post

Dr. Liane Nelson, Ph.D, Chief Psychologist at Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) and Director of the WJCS Trager Lemp Center for Treating Trauma and Promoting Resilience, and Reverend Daphne Swinton, LMHC, MPA, gave a presentation on Implementing Trauma-Informed Supervision to Respond to the Collective Trauma of COVID-19 and Racism at the NatCon conference in Los Angeles in May. The National Council for Behavioral Health Conference, typically referred to as NatCon, is the largest mental health and substance use conference in the world. “Our goal was to emphasize the importance of providing trauma-informed supervision to a broad array of human service workers, especially at a time when the traumas of racism and the COVID pandemic have skyrocketed,” said Dr. Nelson.

Police: 1 teen dead, another injured in Yonkers shooting 

June 1, 2023 | News Article

As summer begins and gun violence tends to spike, Yonkers Family YMCA's SNUG program leans in to deter youth and young adults from picking up guns.

Stacey Roberts, LCSW Appointed CEO of MHA Westchester

June 16, 2023 | Blog Post

"It is with great pleasure that The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) announces the appointment of Stacey Roberts, LCSW as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Assuming this position is the culmination of Ms. Roberts’ more than twenty years of work with this agency. A skilled leader and clinician, Ms. Roberts began her professional career as a clinician at MHA. Throughout these years she has worked in, initiated and supervised programs throughout the agency. Rising through the organization, she served as Chief Operating Officer from August 2017 until earlier this year, at which time she assumed the role of MHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer."

Westchester Disabled on the Move Annual Meeting - Reenrollment in Medicaid Effort.
June 22, 2023 | Press Release

WDOM staff took the opportunity to let the audience know that they are currently reenrolling people in Medicaid. Many people who rely on Medicaid could lose their coverage if they fail to reenroll. At the end of May, COVID protections for those on Medicaid ended so they are now required to re-enroll in the program, but many people don’t know this and are losing coverage.

More than 1 million people have been dropped from Medicaid in the past couple months as some states moved swiftly to halt health care coverage following the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Most got dropped for not filling out paperwork.

Read More »

Welcoming New Neighbors
May 22, 2023 | by Rich Nightingale

Last week, New York City began transporting groups of asylum-seeking families to various sites across the State, including Yonkers. Westhab is proud to share that we are in the process of mobilizing to take on operations of the Yonkers site.