Home - wca4kids

Issues & Advocacy
- Our Voices for Children
  
  WCA focuses on key issues, especially those affecting the most vulnerable children in Westchester. We identify current needs by analyzing data, hearing directly from youth and families, and working closely with public and non-profit service providers.
  
  FIGHTING CHILDHOOD POVERTY FIGHTING CHILDHOOD POVERTY
  
  Raising awareness and advocating for effective policies that improve the health, well-being, and economic security of New York’s families, children, and communities. Learn More
  
  ENDING HOMELESSNESS ENDING HOMELESSNESS
  
  Addressing housing insecurity is crucial to ensuring the well-being of Westchester’s youngest residents. Whether it involves living in temporary housing, shelters, or unsheltered areas, unstable housing’s mental, emotional and physical impact on children is life-altering. Learn More
  
  SUPPORTING EARLY CHILDHOOD SUPPORTING EARLY CHILDHOOD
  
  Access to quality early childhood support is vital for fostering growth and development. It creates a strong foundation for lifelong health, learning, and success, guiding children toward their full potential. Learn More
  
  PROMOTING YOUTH JUSTICE PROMOTING YOUTH JUSTICE
  
  Advocating for youth justice in Westchester County and New York State is essential for ensuring fair treatment and rehabilitation of young people involved in the criminal justice system. Ensuring equitable treatment is vital to safeguard their future opportunities for education, employment and housing. Learn More
  
  IMPROVING YOUTH WELL BEING IMPROVING YOUTH WELL BEING
  
  Research has clearly demonstrated a link between healthy emotional development and lifelong cognitive and social functioning. Strengthening the development and well-being of youth requires accessible, high-quality programming that empowers them to thrive. Learn More
Take Action
- Our Action for Children
  
  WCA focuses on key issues, especially those affecting the most vulnerable children in Westchester. We identify current needs by analyzing data, hearing directly from youth and families, and working closely with public and non-profit service providers.
  
  ADVOCACY ALERTS ADVOCACY ALERTS
  
  Stay up to date with WCA Advocacy Alerts. These are call to actions when action is needed on particular legislation. This space has the most updated information about our current legislative agenda and links to sign up for Advocacy Alerts. Learn More
  
  STAY INFORMED STAY INFORMED
  
  Sign Up for the WCA email list to stay up to date on all of the important advocacy work we are doing in the community. Learn More
  
  SUPPORT OUR WORK SUPPORT OUR WORK
  
  WCA is the only independent advocacy organization in Westchester County. We cannot do the important work that we do without your support. Donate today. Learn More
  
  CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
  
  Voting is a fundamental civic duty and a powerful way to influence the future of our community, state, and country. At the Westchester Children’s Association, we believe that every vote counts and that collective action can lead to meaningful progress. Make your voice heard and vote to support the well-being and future of all children in Westchester County. Learn More
  
  JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM
  
  WCA is always looking for passionate volunteers and interns! Are you interested in children’s advocacy? Learn more about opportunities to get involved and make a difference today! Learn More
  
  Advocate for children by raising awareness of their issues, contacting elected officials about relevant legislation, spreading the word in your network, or joining our “One Click Advocacy” campaigns. Take action today and make your voice heard for Westchester’s kids!
Insights & Data
- Our Communications Hub
  
  WCA focuses on key issues, especially those affecting the most vulnerable children in Westchester. We identify current needs by analyzing data, hearing directly from youth and families, and working closely with public and non-profit service providers.
  
  EXPLORE OUR REPORTS EXPLORE OUR REPORTS
  
  Explore our data reports to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of child welfare in Westchester County. Learn More
  
  DATA DASHBOARDS DATA DASHBOARDS
  
  Interact with our data dashboards giving you the inside scoop to the latest data trends on the issues affecting children the most in Westchester County. Learn More
  
  COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMUNITY RESOURCES
  
  Find the latest resources available to the Westchester County community! Learn More
  
  READ OUR BLOG READ OUR BLOG
  
  Stay connected with the WCA blog. We post interesting articles from our staff and outside contributors here. Learn More
  
  LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST
  
  Click and listen to our podcast to explore WCA's efforts and dive deep into the issues impacting Westchester's children. Learn More
  
  Welcome to our communications hub! Here, you can explore our extensive collection of interactive data dashboards. Using WCA’s powerful data analysis tools, we’ve made it easier than ever to put data directly into your hands, empowering you to uncover new insights and make informed decisions.
News & Events
- Our News for Children
  
  WCA focuses on key issues, especially those affecting the most vulnerable children in Westchester. We identify current needs by analyzing data, hearing directly from youth and families, and working closely with public and non-profit service providers.
  
  WCA PRESS DESK WCA PRESS DESK
  
  Stay informed with the latest updates from WCA. Explore stories, news features, and press releases that highlight our efforts and impact on Westchester's children and families. Learn More
  
  WCA IN THE MEDIA WCA IN THE MEDIA
  
  Check out all the WCA mentions and features in local publications from news sources to magazines! Learn More
  
  CHILD WATCH NEWSLETTER CHILD WATCH NEWSLETTER
  
  WCA publishes the Child Watch Newsletter quarterly, it is dedicated to keeping our community informed and engaged. Learn More
  
  EVENTS EVENTS
  
  Throughout the year WCA brings key stakeholders and the community together to focus on Children's issues. Learn More
  
  OUR HISTORY OUR HISTORY
  
  Since 1914, we've championed the well-being of the county's most vulnerable youth. Through data analysis, advocacy, and collaboration, we drive initiatives that ensure every child is healthy, safe, and prepared for the future. Read more about the stories that are shaping WCA and our community. Learn More
  
  Be inspired by stories of our programs in action, stay updated with the latest news and find upcoming events.
  
  Join us in advocating for Westchester’s kids: Subscribe Now
Contact
About Us

Investing in Westchester’s Children: 2027 Budget Priorities

Join WCA in advocating for children and families across Westchester County. Explore our recommendations for the 2027 County Budget and learn how strategic investments can help every child thrive.

Read Our Recommendations Today!

2026 Children By the Numbers Data Bulletin: Understanding the Needs of Westchester’s Children

Explore WCA’s 2026 Data Bulletin for the latest insights into the well-being of children and young people across Westchester County. Discover key data, emerging trends, and the challenges facing local families to better understand where our children need support and how we can create a brighter future for all.

Read the 2026 Data Bulletin Today!

Preschool to Prison: Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion

Join WCA and the Solutions Not Suspensions Coalition for a community screening and panel discussion exploring the connection between school discipline, educational equity, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Learn how we can work together to create more supportive, equitable learning environments for all students.

Now Available: Reserve Your 2027 WCA Annual Engagement Calendar!

Order your 2027 calendar today! Every purchase supports WCA's advocacy for children and families across Westchester County. Calendars begin shipping in September.

Order Your 2027 Calendar Today!

See the Latest Poverty Data in the Poverty Pulse

The Poverty Pulse Dashboard is now updated for Q2 2026.

5 community partners working on the frontline of poverty.

VIEW DASHBOARD

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.

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.

Meet our WCA Board of Directors and Staff

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.

Collect & Analyze Data

Gather and analyze data on children and youth’s well-being in Westchester.

Public & Policy Engagement

Use data to inform discussions with the public, policymakers, and child service providers.

Achieve consensus on what children need.

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

Explore WCA’s 2026 Data Bulletin!

Discover the latest data on Westchester’s children and young people, including key findings, emerging trends, and the challenges facing local families. Explore the report to learn how data can help shape policies and improve outcomes for children across Westchester County.

Relive the 20th Annual Advocacy Breakfast!

On October 20, 2026, WCA brought together community leaders, advocates, and partners for our 20th Annual Kathryn Wasserman Davis Advocacy Breakfast. Revisit highlights from the morning and celebrate the shared commitment to building connected systems that help every child thrive.

2027 Engagement Calendars Are Here!

Stay connected with Westchester Children’s Association throughout 2027! Explore our annual Engagement Calendar, featuring important dates and opportunities to stay informed and engaged in issues affecting children and families across Westchester County.

News & Events

Preschool to Prison: Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion

5:30 - 7:30
Yonkers Riverfront Public Library

470 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 304
White Plains, NY 10605
914.946.7676
[email protected]

Don't miss out

Child & Youth Homelessness
Home Visiting / Early Childhood Development
Youth Justice / Raise the Age
Youth Development

Our Voices for Children

Our Action for Children

Our Communications Hub

Our News for Children

Our Voices for Children

Our Action for Children

Our Communications Hub

Our News for Children

Investing in Westchester’s Children: 2027 Budget Priorities

2026 Children By the Numbers Data Bulletin: Understanding the Needs of Westchester’s Children

Preschool to Prison: Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion

Now Available: Reserve Your 2027 WCA Annual Engagement Calendar!

See the Latest Poverty Data in the Poverty Pulse

Our Mission

Our Vision

We Educate. We Connect. We Act.

We Educate. We Connect. We Act.