WCA Joins Hundreds in Albany to Fight to End Child Poverty

On Tuesday, January 19, Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) proudly joined hundreds of parents, youth, legislators, health care providers, educators, faith leaders, and community advocates outside the New York State Capitol to raise their voices in support of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC). This powerful gathering demonstrated the growing momentum behind statewide efforts to reduce child poverty and ensure that every child in New York has the opportunity to thrive.

The rally brought together individuals and organizations from across the state who share a common goal: urging New York’s leaders to prioritize policies that strengthen families, expand economic opportunity, and address the root causes of child poverty. WCA was honored to stand alongside so many dedicated partners in this collective call for action.

Several mothers from WCA’s Parent Empowerment groups, supported by Hudson Valley Credit Union, traveled to Albany to participate in the event. For some, it was their first-ever visit to the Capitol, marking an important moment of civic engagement and advocacy. One parent, Keela, courageously shared her personal story, describing the challenges she has faced navigating housing instability and securing developmental opportunities for her daughter. Her testimony highlighted the real-life impact of policy decisions and the urgent need for stronger supports for families across Westchester and New York State.

WCA extends heartfelt thanks to the New York Can End Child Poverty coalition for organizing this impactful event and for their continued leadership in the statewide movement to cut child poverty in half. Their coordination brought together a diverse and passionate group of voices committed to creating meaningful, lasting change.

The rally also received media attention, helping to amplify the message even further. Coverage included a segment on NewsChannel 13 Today (WNYT), bringing greater visibility to the stories, concerns, and hopes shared by families and advocates.

WCA remains committed to advocating for policies that uplift children and families, and we will continue working alongside partners, parents, and community members to build a more equitable future for all.