Our Mission

WCA’s mission is to improve the lives of Westchester’s young people by shaping policies and programs to meet their needs and by keeping their well-being at the top of the public agenda.

 

Our Vision

Our vision is for every child to be healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges regardless of race or zip code.
 

We Educate. We Connect. We Act.

WCA stands for the principle that all young people deserve a strong start in life. As the leading independent voice for the children and youth of Westchester, WCA works to improve the status quo for all of our young people – from newborns to young adults. We work to achieve our mission by identifying the needs of Westchester’s children and youth, making those needs known, and making sure that they are met.
 
 

How We Work

Our Strategy for Improving the Lives of Westchester’s Children is to identify the needs of children and youth, make those needs known, and make sure that they are met.
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Collect & Analyze Data

Gather and analyze data on children and youth’s well-being in Westchester.
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Public & Policy Engagement

Use data to inform discussions with the public, policymakers, and child service providers.
 
Achieve consensus on what children need.
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Mobilize the Community

Inspire parents, youth, and residents to advocate for changes to benefit children.

How We Work

Our Strategy for Improving the Lives of Westchester’s Children. Our mission at Westchester Children’s Association is to identify the needs of Westchester’s children and youth, make those needs known, and make sure that they are met.

Our Updates

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WCA Responds to 2025 State of the State

Response by Angel Gray, Program & Policy Manager; and, Gabriella Nanna, Program & Policy Associate. Read their response to Governor Hochul's 2025 State of the State Address.
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Read 'Parent Empowerment Groups' Report

WCA began holding Parent Empowerment Groups in fall 2024. This is the report on local parents' experiences and steps into advocacy.
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January 15, 2025 | Child Poverty, Press Releases

A summary of Governor Hochul's announcements during the 2025 State of the State, including direct financial support and funding for family programs.

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January 6, 2025 | Child Poverty, Press Releases

Governor Hochul has announced expansions to the Empire State Child Tax Credit!

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December 20, 2024 | Child Poverty, Press Releases

The NYS Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council released its recommendations for the state to cut child poverty in half over the next decade.

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WCA's Executive Director, Allison Lake penned an op-ed on child poverty for Lohud. Read it now!

Don't miss out

Sign up to receive emails about WCA’s child advocacy, events, and ways that you can get involved.
  • Child & Youth Homelessness
  • Home Visiting / Early Childhood Development
  • Youth Justice / Raise the Age
  • Youth Development