Westchester County Youth Bureau and 28 Youth Service Agencies Host the First "Invest in Kids" Fest

CE IIK2

October 18, 2018 -- In an effort to bring together Invest in Kids (IIK) and other positive youth development programs supported by Westchester County, the Westchester County Youth Bureau hosted the very first “Invest in Kids Fest” at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale. The event boasted more than 200 youth and 28 youth agencies for a fun, interactive afternoon of educational activities. The latest dance moves, fierce tug of war games and live animals were just a few of the many sights at Invest in Kids Fest.  Invest in Kids Fest also served as a networking opportunity for young people to experience camaraderie with their peers, while providing access to existing youth services and supports in the County.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “As we approach the 25th year of Invest in Kids programming, it is critical to demonstrate the good work and collectivity of the IIK network of youth service providers. During my tenure as a County Legislator, we made sure to set aside funding to serve our children, youth and families through the Invest in Kids legislation. We thank the many organizations for their support.”

Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “The vision behind Friday’s event was to introduce the first of many opportunities for young people from different communities to interact and experience the wide-ranging services and supports made available through the IIK programs. ‘Invest Stations’ ranged from physical activities such as Yoga and sack racing, to interactive and educational games such as Financial Literacy and Relationship Building trivia. It was great to see youth, parents, grandparents and providers collaborate to offer a meaningful and robust afternoon of engaging and enriching activities - a win that can be shared by our youth and youth service agencies.”

CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester Alyzza C. Ozer said: “The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester was honored and thrilled to be involved in the inaugural Invest in Kids Fest, whereby we partner with the County and other agencies to strengthen the future of our youth and community.”

Executive Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley Brigitte Griswold said: “Now more than ever, it is critically important for young people from different backgrounds to come together from across the County to learn and grow from each other. The organizations gathered here today share a common mission to support youth through positive youth development services as they grow into leaders for our community, and Groundwork Hudson Valley is proud to be a partner in this amazing event.”

“Invest in Kids Fest” was also an opportunity to demonstrate the good work of the Invest in Kids network of youth service providers to the broader community, and key stake holders. Westchester County’s partnering agencies included: 

  • Aim High- Sherman Browne

  • Latino U

  • The Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester

  • The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle

  • White Plains Youth Bureau

  • Student Assistant Services

  • Teatown Lake Reservation

  • STEER for Student Athletes

  • The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau

  • Junior Achievement

  • The Peekskill Youth Bureau

  • My Sister’s Place

  • Family Services of Westchester

  • Family Service Society of Yonkers

  • Groundwork Hudson Valley

  • The Guidance Center of Westchester

  • Cluster

  • DJ I-Slam

  • The Hudson River Museum

  • New Rochelle Youth Bureau

  • Thomas H. Slater Center

  • Lifting Up Westchester

  • Don Bosco Community Center

  • Peekskill Youth Bureau

  • Nepperhan Community Center

  • Westhab

  • Westchester Jewish Community Services

  • The YWCA of Yonkers

The Youth Bureau thanks Pepsico for their sponsorship.