The Westchester County Youth Bureau hosted its fourth annual “Invest Fest” – a day of fun in the County’s Ridge Road Park to celebrate the Youth Bureau’s many successful Invest in Kids programs. Close to 200 young people came out to enjoy a wide array of fun, educational and interactive experiences that kept them motivated and moving, including crafts, games and live music with a DJ.
The youth partner agencies participated by providing activities, many showcasing the work of their programs such as Volunteer New York!’s “Cards of Cheer” writing campaign for hospital patients, Groundwork Hudson Valley’s “green” balloon archery and G.O.O.D. for Girls, Inc.’s affirmation stations. The event continues to be a unique opportunity for youth to come together and learn about the many resources the County has in place to support them.
The Youth Bureau’s Invest in Kids funding provides important programs that focus on advocacy, substance use prevention, academic support, college and employment readiness, healthy relationships, civic engagement, physical health and social/emotional well-being.
Addressing the group, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Because of Westchester County’s commitment to Invest in Kids funding over 30 years ago, today has been organized just for you. We thank the Youth Bureau and all of our partners that collaborated to make Invest Fest happen. Please enjoy of all the activities provided by the youth agencies -- they are here and invested in you because they care about kids in our County. Let’s put the phones away, make some new friends and be all in on this experience.”
Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden said: “It was a tough call because of the weather forecast but I had faith, and we have another exceptional Invest Fest in the books. It was a tremendous turnout for both the young people who attended and the agencies that participated. I am grateful to all our partners for coming up with creative, meaningful activities to entertain and enrich the hearts, minds and bodies of our youth.”
Participating partnering agencies for 2025 Invest Fest included:
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle
Center Lane
El Centro Hispano
Family Services of Westchester
G.O.O.D for Girls, Inc
Girls, Inc
Groundwork Hudson Valley
Inclure Program
Margaret's Place
Mount Vernon Youth Bureau
My Sister’s Place
Ossining Youth Bureau
Peer Impact
STEER for Student Athletes
STEM Alliance
Teatown Lake Reservation
The harris project |CODA
United Way of Westchester and Putnam
Volunteer New York!
Westchester Children’s Association
Westchester Jewish Community Center
Yonkers Project in Education
YWCA GEMS and Y Leaders