7/14/2022 – Purchase, NY – Family Services of Westchester (FSW) has been awarded a $15,000 grant to continue promoting youth advocacy through its Westchester County Youth Councils (WCYC) program. The WCYC promotes civic engagement among youth of all backgrounds in Westchester County. The grant was made possible by the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Trust.
The WCYC was launched in 2000 to develop positive peer leadership opportunities and promote civic engagement through workshops, meetings and community service projects. The youth develop abilities to address issues that affect their lives and learn to advocate for change, ultimately becoming positive role models in their school and their communities. Some of the key issues covered include civic engagement, environmental conservation, democracy, mental health and social justice.
The Junior and Senior Youth Councils have rolling admissions and run year-round for age groups including middle schoolers (ages 10-14) and high school students (ages 15-18). As an example of their commitment to civic engagement and advocacy, the WCYC is hosting a three-part series on tackling gun violence on July 13th, July 20th, July 27th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at White Plains Public Library. All 8th-12th graders living in Westchester County are invited to attend. Those interested can learn more and register here.
“By supporting youth advocacy, this grant supports the WCYC’s mission to empower teens and preteens from all backgrounds with the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to become engaged citizens who create positive change.” stated Polly Kerrigan, President and CEO of FSW. “With this support from the Westchester Community Foundation, we can give youth more opportunities to make their voices heard.”
Westchester Community Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people to the causes they care about and invest in transformative ideas and organizations to improve lives and strengthen our community. WCF is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the country, with assets of approximately $3 billion. Learn more at www.wcf-ny.org.
About Family Services of Westchester
Family Services of Westchester (FSW) is a nonprofit organization operating in Westchester County, New York since 1954. With nearly 50 innovative programs, FSW provides mental health and social services that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of their lives. Learn more about FSW at www.fsw.org.