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America’s Promise Alliance and ING U.S. named White Plains one of the 100 Best Communities For Young People in September. The city’s Youth Bureau programs were cited as one of the reasons White Plains was selected for the distinction, which is given to recognize communities with initiatives aimed at supporting youth and reducing the high dropout rate in schools.
On Tuesday, the White Plains Cares Coalition and the 100 Best Communities for Youth Committee hosted a recognition ceremony for those agencies that work with young people in White Plains.
The event also gave agencies an opportunity to network with each other to explore further opportunities to aid the city's youth, said Bhavana Pahwa, program director of the Youth Bureau.
Kenny Freidman is the owner of Straight A’s, an education supply store that opened on E. Post Road in September 2011. He introduced himself to members of the White Plains Board of Education, who were also honored Tuesday, in hopes of creating a working relationship as a new business in White Plains.
Others, like Judith Mezey, assistant director for community-based programs for Student Assistance Services Corp., said she had worked with almost everyone in the room.
“When we look around, there are so many of you we’ve worked with, and we’re so pleased,” she said.
Several speakers highlighted the collaborative spirit of many agencies in White Plains. All representatives of the various agencies honored received a plaque reading "100 Best Communities for Youth" and a pin meant to symbolize bridging gaps.
One agency representative said they were happy to be honored, and to finally have some 100 Best Communities "swag."
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