The Westchester County Youth Bureau hosted its third “Invest Fest” on July 11 at the County’s Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale. More than 20 youth serving agencies and 300 youth were in attendance. This year’s fest kicks off a series of events with the theme “Invest in You,” symbolizing the importance of self-care and belongingness.
Invest Fest was created in 2018 by Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden to create community cohesion and expose youth to the many different offerings the county has to offer.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “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. Almost 30 years later, as the County Executive, I have witnessed the collective impact of this program and have ensured it continues to grow. We proud to now support 62 different programs serving our youth in our Cities, Towns & Villages under the Invest in Kids funding – making positive change in our County.”
Twenty-five different “Invest Stations” run by Invest in Kids program staff facilitated a variety of interactive experiences to keep the youth motivated and moving, ranging from live animals, games to include charades, giant jenga and football. There were STEAM activities, inflatable archery, and environmental learning, selfie stations, mask and jewelry making, interactive hip hop workshops and a live DJ.
Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, the Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau said: “This year’s theme, ‘Invest in You’ coincides with the positive youth development philosophy of creating safe, nurturing environments that encourage belongingness. Too often, geography and resources limit youths’ ability to network and learn from each other. With 25 non-profit and government agencies volunteering their time and talents, children and the opportunity to network and experience camaraderie with their peers, while gaining exposure to existing youth services and natural supports in the County.”
County Youth Board member and Rye resident, Ingraham Taylor said: “As a social worker and proud board member, I was thrilled to see so many smiling faces, outdoors, and engaged. They were exposed to all types of learning, whether emotional, physical, and educational. I applaud the Westchester County Youth Bureau and its’ partners for working diligently to ensure children and youth from across this county had such an enriching event.”
Participating partnering agencies for 2023 Invest Fest included but were not limited to:
- Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester
- Groundwork Hudson Valley
- Volunteer New York!
- Girls Inc.
- STEER for Student Athletes
- Mount Vernon Youth Bureau
- Peekskill Youth Bureau
- The Guidance Center of Westchester
- Thomas H. Slater Center
- Westchester Jewish Community Services
- YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester
- the harris project
- Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation
- One Love Foundation
- White Plains Youth Bureau
- Portchester Youth Bureau
- United Way of Westchester and Putnam
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- The STEM Alliance
- CLUSTER
- Westchester Youth Alliance
- Teatown Lake Reservation
For further information, please contact the Westchester County Youth Bureau at (914) 995-2745.