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Family Services of Westchester opens Head Start center in downtown New Rochelle; officials urge enrollment and expansion
Summary
Family Services of Westchester opened a new Head Start center in New Rochelle’s downtown Vanguard District. Local and county officials attended the ribbon-cutting, urged families to enroll and highlighted county efforts to secure $20 million for workforce and childcare expansion.
Family Services of Westchester officially opened a new Head Start center in downtown New Rochelle on Thursday, with city and county leaders attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony and urging families to enroll.
Catherine White, executive director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, presided over the event and introduced elected officials and community partners. "I'm pleased to welcome you all to the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Family Services of Westchester Head Start program here in New Rochelle," White said, noting the center’s location in the Vanguard District and encouraging local families to register.
Mayor Yadira Ramos Herbert praised the center as both a community investment and a personal priority. "Aside from mayor, my favorite title is mom," she said, describing quality, nearby childcare as a relief for working families and a foundation for the city's growth.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins called the center "an outstanding opportunity" for early childhood, and said county leaders are "working so hard with our state legislators and our governor to try to see if we can get Westchester into the $20,000,000, you know, mix, to be able to add more things to our Westchester Works program," linking the announcement to broader workforce and funding efforts.
Lisa Copeland, chair of the Family Services of Westchester board of directors, thanked partners, volunteers and funders and said the organization remains focused on expanding access. Copeland said statewide enrollment remains low: "Across New York State, only 9 percent in 2024," and she estimated "something like 20%" of Head Start–age children are currently enrolled in programs, remarks she used to underscore the need for additional seats and outreach.
Organizers noted registration for the new center is open. White said contact information is available on the Chamber’s social media channels and the Family Services of Westchester website for families seeking enrollment assistance.
The ceremony concluded with a formal presentation of a certificate of recognition from the Chamber and a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the facility’s opening. Organizers said they look forward to working with local partners to expand access and serve more families in New Rochelle.
