Westchester County Youth Bureau

06/24/2026

The Westchester County Youth Bureau proudly celebrates the 2026 New York State Champions of Fatherhood Awards, held on June 15th, recognizing exceptional leaders who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Congratulations on receiving this well-deserved honor for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to strengthening families and supporting youth across Westchester County.

The Champions of Fatherhood Awards highlight individuals who serve as positive role models and advocates, demonstrating the importance of active involvement, mentorship, and support in the lives of children. Through their continued efforts, Ernest McFadden, Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Leonard G. Townes, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, and Chima Monday of the Ossining Youth Bureau have helped create opportunities, resources, and stronger connections for families throughout our communities.

We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the lasting impact of their service, leadership, and dedication to making Westchester a stronger place for children and families.

Congratulations again to all of this year’s honorees!

06/19/2026

🖤❤️💚 Celebrate Juneteenth 💚❤️🖤

Juneteenth marks the day when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a time to honor resilience, reflect on our nation's history, and celebrate the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau encourages young people and families to learn about the significance of Juneteenth and to take part in the many events that celebrate Black history, culture, and community.

Whether you're attending a local festival, visiting a historical site, supporting Black-owned businesses, or participating in arts and educational programs, every opportunity to learn and connect helps strengthen our community.

Together, we celebrate the past, uplift the present, and inspire the future.

06/11/2026

Thank you to Susan Weisman, Youth Bureau Program Administrator and Food Security Coordinator, for stepping in and representing the Westchester County Youth Bureau at this important conversation. We appreciate her willingness to lend her time and expertise in support of Westchester's children and families.

⬇️ Reposting the original post below:

When we invest in children and families, we invest in the future of Westchester County. County Executive Ken Jenkins joined County Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners at the Westchester Children's Association's Annual Commissioners Conversation to discuss how collaboration, innovation and early intervention can better support children and families across Westchester.

By bringing together leaders in health, planning, mental health, social services, probation, workforce development and youth services, Westchester continues to break down silos and work toward solutions that strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for every child. Special thanks to the Westchester Children’s Association for leading this important conversation.

05/07/2026

Last night, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins delivered a powerful State of the County Address centered on people, progress, and opportunity for every resident across Westchester County.

From investments in affordable housing and mental health services to workforce development and public safety, tonight’s message reinforced a shared commitment to building stronger communities and brighter futures for our young people and families.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau is especially encouraged by the County’s continued focus on:
• Supporting youth aging out of foster care
• Expanding mental health resources and crisis support
• Creating pathways to education, internships, and employment
• Investing in safe communities and affordable housing
• Strengthening partnerships that uplift youth and families across Westchester

As County Executive Jenkins said, “The State of our County is our people.” We are proud to continue working alongside community partners, municipalities, schools, and youth-serving organizations to ensure Westchester’s young people have the opportunities, support, and resources they deserve.

Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more hopeful Westchester for the next generation.

04/29/2026

04/28/2026

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The Westchester County Youth Bureau, alongside the My Brother’s Keeper Alliances, proudly hosted the 2026 Youth Leadership Symposium bringing together over 350 students, educators, and leaders from across the Hudson Valley at the County Center in White Plains.

This powerful event marked the first in-person symposium since 2019—and it did not disappoint. From inspiring opening remarks to a moving keynote by Brad Butler II, “From IEPs to Degrees,” the day was filled with purpose, passion, and possibility.

Students engaged in real conversations on:
• Education and lifelong success
• Emotional resilience and relationships
• Social media and its impact on youth culture

A standout moment: the Superintendents Fireside Chat, where leaders were challenged to go beyond words making real commitments to better serve and uplift students.

The energy was undeniable. Students led, voices were heard, and futures were shaped.

As Ken Jenkins shared, excellence is a habit and these young men are already building it.

Thank you to all our partners, speakers, and students who made this day unforgettable. The work continues—but the future is bright.