Dear Friends & Family of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester,
We're pleased to announce this year's 45th Anniversary Gala, Transforming Justice. We invite you to join us for a 7:00 pm cocktail hour, followed by an evening of celebration as we usher in 45 years of creating equitable opportunities and valuable experiences to elevate justice for youth.
Since its inception, YSOW has been a pioneer in providing an alternative to incarceration for young people involved in the criminal legal system. We operate under two main program structures: Residential & Community-based.
Residential - Our residential program is operated through a 12-bed facility that serves young men ages 18-24. The YSOW model is unique in its emphasis on treating the whole person with a wide array of services within a structure of discipline and accountability. With an outstanding record of reducing recidivism, YSOW has demonstrated that its nontraditional approach effectively improves public safety, saves public dollars, and redefines the lives of young people involved in the legal system.
Community-based - Through our LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, And Development) Academy, we serve young people ages 16-25 who are coming out of incarceration within our facility or from other correctional facilities throughout the county. LEAD Academy offers vocational training, substance abuse and mental health services, a GED program, conflict resolution, violence prevention training, and arts and cultural enrichment programs. Through LEAD Academy, young people receive ongoing case management and support for a minimum of one year. Furthermore, our LEAD Academy encompasses our specialty court initiatives, cure violence programming and local/national advocacy efforts.
YSOW understands the power of transforming justice through restorative practices. Young people should be seen as more than their crime; moreover, as individuals who need support, nurturing, and guidance to reshape their futures.
Therefore with your continuous support by attending this fabulous evening, you will help us chart more pathways to transforming justice.
On this evening, we will honor three of our outstanding supporters:
- Corporate Honoree- NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester
- Community Honoree- Rye Presbyterian Church Thrift Shop & The Women's Association
- Individual Honoree- Honorable Judge Lyndon Williams
We thank you in advance for supporting our vision, youth, and the future of YSOW.
Date: Friday, May 5, 2023
Event schedule:
- 7:00 PM - Cocktail Hour
- 8:00 PM - Gala
Location: Greentree Country Club, New Rochelle, NY 10801
If you have any questions or concerns regarding purchasing tickets, don't hesitate to contact event coordinator Kelly Denise Awani at [email protected].