Children at Westhab’s Hudson Family Residence were hosted by members of the Westhab Junior Board at a Halloween celebration organized for the families this October. This is one of the first events hosted by the newly formed Junior Board, a group of civic-minded young professionals looking to make a real difference in their community. The party was appreciated by the families who call Hudson their temporary home. Children of all ages were treated to Halloween crafts and games, as well as plenty of candy.
Following a tour of the family site this past summer, the Junior Board decided to partner with Hudson’s leadership team to organize events and coordinate resources for the residents there. Through this new partnership, Junior Board members will get a glimpse into the wide range of services Westhab provides at our NYC shelters, and the individuals and families we serve will benefit from resources and programming that support them on their path to independent living.
Hudson Program Director, Emma Villanueva, shared how the Junior Board is making an impact at the site. “It is great to work with such an eager and hands-on group. At Westhab rapid re-housing centers [i.e. shelters], we provide services like case management and help with housing, but we also try everything we can to make the time families spend with us full of hope. It is activities like this that help our clients, especially our youngest clients, create good memories even during the hard times they are going through.”
Junior Board Member and Chair of the Halloween Event, Hunter Whitney, shared, “We are so proud of how the Junior Board came together with Hudson Family Residence staff to organize such a happy and successful event. Seeing the work of Junior Board members result in so many smiles, laughs and cheerful memories for Hudson Family residents was inspiring. If this event is any indication, the strong work and contributions of the Junior Board to Westhab, and its greater mission are only bound to grow.”
Although they only had their first meeting in April, the Junior Board has hit the ground running with their Halloween event, in-kind donations and drives, and a financial education session facilitated by Valley Bank employee and Junior Board Member Kaitlyn Schillizzi, all to benefit Hudson Family Residence. To close out the year, the Junior Board will be hosting a cocktail party to benefit Westhab at City Winery NYC on Thursday, November 9th. You can learn more and register to attend what is sure to be a fantastic evening of cocktails and community here.
Interested in joining the Westhab Junior Board or have questions about upcoming events? Contact Nicolette.Kavana@westhab.org.
