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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – A group of about 20 city employees cheered in unison Wednesday afternoon when the America’s Promise Alliance and ING U.S. named White Plains one of the 100 best communities for young people for a second consecutive year.
The city held a local watch party at the Reckson Building, 320 Hamilton Ave., during a live broadcast announcing the 100 cities, four of which were in New York. Speakers touted the city's collaborative efforts to provide its youth with programs that foster growth.
“I am so pleased to see White Plains selected for this award once again,” Mayor Thomas Roach said. “Maintaining high-quality programs for youth and families is vital to maintaining a vibrant community.”
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 school dropout rate.
Nicole Stansbury, who runs the Girls Empowered through Meaningful Support (GEMS) program at the YWCA, said many of the children she works with are also involved in the Youth Bureau. Wayne Bass, parks and recreation commissioner, applauded many of White Plains' organizations that share resources and services with one another to create opportunities for White Plains children to get involved in positive activities.
Last month, CNNMoney Magazine named White Plains the 44th best small city in America to live in.
"White Plains is a good city on so many levels, and for it to be recognized for a second year in a row is a testament to the good schools we have and the programs for children," said David Buchwald, a member of the White Plains Common Council who is running for the state Assembly in the 93rd District.
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