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Dear Valued Friend,

I am thrilled as we approach the end of the 1st quarter of 2023 to hit “Re-Start” and begin strategizing CLUSTER’s future pathways throughout our communities. We are so excited to have our CLUSTER newsletter back in circulation and look forward to strengthening our impact in Westchester, Rockland and beyond. In 2022, we directly served almost 300 youth in our community. In 2024, we hope to improve the number by Re-Opening our Summer Camp, however we need your help.


The city of Yonkers provided much-needed rent and utility bill relief to many households during the pandemic. At a time when households across the county were struggling to keep up with the financial demands of daily living, relief in the form of rent and utility aid was made available to Yonkers residents, through the Emergency Relief Assistance Program (ERAP), READ MORE 


CLUSTER supports our community’s youth through a variety of restorative services throughout Westchester County Schools and Courts.
The innovative Individualized Juvenile Justice Plan (IJJP) program piloted by CLUSTER has started to connect youth with needed support services, becoming an invaluable resource for families and exceeding the courts’ expectations . . .READ MORE
 
CLUSTER congratulates current Board of Director member, Karen T. Beltran, as she has been announced as a City Court Judge for the City of Yonkers. CLUSTER’s Deputy Executive Director, Tajae Gaynor, was proud to stand by her after being sworn in on. . . READ MORE

CLUSTER is proud to introduce new Board Members Doris Correa Capello, Jonathan S. Childerley and John Schopfer! 
CLUSTER Supports the community with Mental Health
First Aid Training. 

In March, CLUSTER provided almost 60 staff and community partners with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Trainees complete a self-paced training . . .
RETURNING SUMMER DAY CAMP TO THE YONKERS COMMUNITY 

CLUSTER has been unable to return the CLUSTER Summer Day Camp (CSDC) to the Yonkers community due to the impact of COVID and financial restraints. Therefore, we are looking for corporate support that will allow us to open a vibrant CLUSTER Summer Day Camp in 2024. In the past, CDSC provided affordable, enriching summer activities to 100 children between the ages of 6 and 13. Many of the campers come from households receiving some form of public assistance and approximately 20% of the campers are homeless children.  
Should you or a member of your network be able to offer corporate support to assist in underwriting this service, the children and families of Yonkers would be abundantly grateful! Please contact Jepi Rivera at [email protected] or 914-498-1833. 


We hope you enjoyed this CLUSTER update. Thank you so much for the assistance of volunteer, Marsha Diggs. If you would like to learn more, please contact Jepi Rivera at [email protected]