Lifting Up Westchester Inc

SHELTERS: LUW operates two shelters in White Plains that provide a safe place to stay, nutritious food, case management, counseling, and referral services for single men and women experiencing homelessness. Samaritan House is our 17-bed women's shelter; and Open Arms is our 38-bed men's shelter. Both facilities serve as emergency drop-in shelters with capacity for 20 additional adults. In 2024, the shelters provided 533 individuals with 20,000 nights of shelter and approximately 51,100 meals. All shelter guests receive case management support, employment services, and housing placement services.

YOUTH SERVICES: LUW helps young people succeed regardless of their background or circumstances. A suite of educational programming gives students the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty and achieve a more secure future. Through our programs, students can overcome learning challenges; improve their core reading, writing, and STEM skills; and receive mentorship from kindergarten through college.KidzLit provides opportunities for elementary and middle school students residing at the Coachman Family Center to receive homework help and participate in fun, collaborative literacy activities that will help narrow reading gaps. After-School Mentoring offers an array of tutoring, enrichment, and college prep activities with the goal of empowering high school students in Yonkers to graduate on time and attend college or other post-secondary training. College & Career Success guides our high school graduates as they navigate post-secondary paths. LUW offers support through College Success Coaches, Job Central Career Specialists, and partial scholarships. Summer Camp provides a recreational and academically enriching summer camp experience for children who are homeless or extremely low-income. Camp is a safe, nurturing place to learn and practice important life skills like swimming, but also provides unique experience that fosters both educational and personal growth.In 2024, the program was able to serve 470 youth in our after-school, summer camp, and college success program.

COMMUNITY CENTRAL: LUW has a number of programs designed to engage members of the community who are struggling to meet their basic needs.Graces Kitchen provides free, nutritious breakfast and lunch on weekdays throughout the year; guests are welcome to stay and eat in our dining room or have meals to go. In 2024, Lifting up Westchester served over 50,000 meals including hot meals, to-go meals, and grocery bags.The Charlie Bevier Outreach Team is present at Graces Kitchen and goes out into the community to identify individuals who may be experiencing homelessness but are reluctant to enter a shelter. They seek to build trust and understanding to help individuals access the services they need, including referrals to medical, mental health, and substance abuse resources, and assistance with documentation to access government benefits, housing programs, and job opportunities.Lifting Up Health & Life Skills provides access to wellness, socialization, and creative opportunities that enable guests to receive the physical, mental, and social support they need to thrive. Programs ensure guests have a safe place to engage in meaningful daytime activities.

EMPLOYMENT: Earning a living wage is a critical element to create housing stability and build a foundation for economic security. LUW has two employment programs:Job Central provides access to employment services that strengthen job readiness skills and help clients secure living-wage employment, so they can live independently. Services include resume writing and interview support, job search assistance, access to a career closet, and vocational training. Employment Specialists maintain contact with clients and employers for 6-12 months post-employment to ensure retention. Rehousing in Supportive Environments (RISE) is a partnership between LUW and other agencies to serve clients with domestic violence experiences. Clients live in apartments and receive wraparound support consisting of case management, counseling, and employment services. LUW serves as the employment services provider. In 2024, the Organization placed 81 clients into employment opportunities.