Board Invests in the Safety and Success of Families and Students
The Westchester County Board of Legislators authorized critical improvements for the County’s largest family shelter, plus after-school programming for sixth-graders in Yonkers during its meeting on Monday, August 4, 2025.
The Board acted to directly enhance residents’ daily lives by ensuring safe, healthy living conditions for vulnerable families and providing essential resources to help sixth-grade students successfully navigate one of the most challenging academic transitions.
Investing in Safe, Healthy Conditions at County’s Largest Family Shelter
The Board allocated $855,000 in bonds to fund essential infrastructure improvements at the Coachman Family Center in White Plains, Westchester County’s largest family homeless shelter. The investment will address three key areas: replacing deteriorating water service lines, upgrading the fire suppression system, and relocating and improving ventilation systems that serve commercial spaces, including a nail salon and barber shop, within the facility.
Currently, up to 100 families with 189 children live at the Coachman while working toward securing permanent housing and independence. The facility provides housing-focused case management services, including skill-building, advocacy, crisis intervention, and connection to community resources. Families also have access to on-site childcare for preschoolers and a youth center for school-age children.
The infrastructure upgrades will improve air quality and building reliability for all shelter residents. The improvements represent the Board’s ongoing commitment to empowering families of all backgrounds as they work to achieve stability.
Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains), Chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, said of the investment, “Updating and modernizing the infrastructure of our shelter system is not just a matter of maintenance—it is a matter of dignity for our unhoused neighbors. The planned improvements to the Coachman Family Center in my district will enhance both the living spaces for those seeking stability and the commercial areas leased by long-standing tenants. These upgrades will ensure safer, more functional environments for all who use the building, while the continued revenue from these businesses helps sustain essential services. This is an investment in people, in community, and in the belief that everyone deserves a place of safety and respect.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr (D- Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook) Chair of the Board’s Human Services Committee said, “The Board's approval to finance improvements at the Coachman Family Center is yet another example of the County’s commitment to maintaining and investing in county-owned infrastructure before facilities fall into disrepair, which would require even larger expenditures down the road. This center is a critical asset for Westchester residents facing homelessness as a result of eviction, house fires, storm damage, medical emergencies, or chronic health issues. It’s a valued resource that offers pathways to employment, permanent housing, and self-sufficiency for our neighbors in need.”
Partnering with Yonkers to Support Students’ Transition to Middle School
The Board also endorsed an inter-municipal agreement (IMA) with the City of Yonkers to fund the Yonkers Sixth Grade Leadership Academy, an after-school program designed to help sixth-grade students successfully transition into middle school through weekly lessons on leadership and social skills, self-development, anti-bullying, academics, and mental health. The program will be open to all current Yonkers youth in sixth grade and will be taught by on-site staff and special guest instructors.
Under the approved cost-sharing arrangement, Westchester County will contribute up to $110,000, with Yonkers providing a 100% match for the program this year. This partnership addresses a critical developmental period for youth by providing essential guidance during the challenging transition from elementary to middle school. The Westchester County Youth Bureau will collaborate with The City of Yonkers Youth Bureau to oversee the program.
Board Vice Chair José I. Alvarado (D-Yonkers) said of the agreement, “I’m proud to support this funding—not only as Vice-Chair of the Board of Legislators, but as a representative of the City. This unique program gives our young people the chance to grow through fun, hands-on learning experiences that focus on respect, goal setting, self-care, and personal presentation. We’ve already seen incredible growth in students, and parents are truly grateful. The City of Yonkers Youth Bureau's Youth Leadership Academy is making a real difference, and I believe it will continue to help our youth thrive as they transition into middle school and beyond.”
Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D- Yonkers, Mount Vernon) said, “As one of the members of the Board of Legislators proudly serving the third largest city in New York State, I am delighted to support this initiative that provides opportunity to our community’s greatest resource: the youth. Funding this inter-municipal agreement between the County and City of Yonkers’ Sixth Grade Leadership Academy will provide our youngsters with the tools they need as they make this pivotal transition in their academic and life journeys.”
Minority Whip James Nolan (R- Yonkers, Eastchester, Bronxville) said, “I’m proud to support the approval of this $220,000 agreement with Yonkers to fund the Sixth Grade Leadership Academy. This after-school program plays a vital role in helping students successfully transition into middle school, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive. As a graduate of the Yonkers Public School System, I know the importance programs like these play.”
Legislator Shanae Williams (D- Yonkers) said, “The Board’s approval of the $220,000 IMA with Yonkers is a significant investment in our youth at a pivotal stage in their development. Not all children learn the same way-- the Sixth Grade Leadership Academy offers a dynamic, alternative approach to reinforce academic skills and support diverse learning needs.”
Watch the full meeting HERE.