Since inception, The Westchester Community Foundation has operated as an affiliate of The New York Community Trust.
As part of our centennial celebrations, we are creating a single, unified organization to more powerfully advocate for our region with one voice.
We will still maintain our physical offices in Westchester with the same dedicated staff who will continue to honor and build upon our relationships with local nonprofits and communities.
You can now find us at: https://www.thenytrust.org/westchester/
The Westchester Index is at westchesterindex.org.
The New York Community Trust. For Westchester. Forever.
Download this story and the full 2022 Fall Newsletter here.
Digital navigators stand in front of the Westchester Library System mobile bus.
The global pandemic and resulting stay-at-home restrictions highlighted Westchester’s ongoing digital divide. Many families struggled to accomplish everyday tasks and keep their kids connected to school because they lacked a computer, a strong internet connection, or familiarity with technology.
With support from our Covid-19 Response Fund the Westchester Library System (WLS) helped to bridge this gap by equipping 268 low-income families with a computer and internet connection. WLS also provided basic training on how to use the device and how to access online information and resources through their local library. Families used the computers to access housing applications, set up mental health appointments, and connect with job counselors.
Today, the WLS continues to bridge the digital divide through a number of initiatives. Reconnect with Tech is a digital access and training program for formerly incarcerated individuals and Digital Equity on the Road brings a mobile van and digital navigators to communities throughout Westchester.
