Invest In Kids
In 1993, Invest in Kids was established under the Westchester County Youth Bureau Charter as a mechanism for provision of local tax levy financial resource for expanded use of the positive youth development model in addressing the needs of at-risk youth under the age of 21 in eleven urban communities: Elmsford, Greenburgh, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, White Plains and Yonkers. Since the inception of this initiative, small grants also have been made available to community programs serving at-risk, income eligible youth based upon United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant criteria.
The positive youth development model focuses on provision of opportunities for youth to actively acquire the skills and abilities needed to grow up to be competent, caring and healthy adults. Key elements of this model include:
- Involvement of youth in leadership and service program planning activities, program implementation and program evaluation
- Inclusion of parents, religious organizations, and the widest possible diversity of community groups and informal systems in the planning and implementation of youth services
- Provision of a range of structured activities for youth with diverse interests and needs
- Provision of opportunities where young people feel supported and safe
- Community and program focus on asset building by helping young people acquire positive values, social competencies, positive identity and educational commitment.
The program directory is listed on Programs.
Submit reimbursement forms to:
Westchester County Youth Bureau
112 E. Post Road, 3rd Floor
White Plains, NY 10601