KICKING OFF BACK TO SCHOOL

Carver's Teen Center is off to an exciting start with 134 teens already registered! In September, we launched workshops to help students navigate the complexities of the college application and financial aid processes.

In partnership with the Port Chester Youth Bureau, we're launching Future Fronts: Youth Beautification Corps. This program teaches teens and young adults hands-on skills in surface preparation, decorative techniques, and electrical work. Participants will then apply these skills to beautify storefronts along Westchester Avenue, a project that benefits everyone involved. 🎨

The Afterschool program at Port Chester's four elementary schools has enrolled 646 students.

Middle School students are receiving academic and enrichment tutoring to bolster their success and confidence this school year.

Middle School tutoring

FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY

September is Hunger Action Month.


Did you know that 1 in 3 families in Port Chester struggle with food insecurity?

The Carver Market nourishes thousands of households each year. In fiscal year 2024-2025, we distributed over 700,000 pounds of food to our community.

Your support makes a difference. Join us in the fight against hunger. Here's how you can help:

Make a monetary donation to support our Carver Market at carvercenter.org/donate.

Donate our most-needed pantry items: low sugar cereals, vegetable/canola oil, white/brown rice, shelf-stable milk, and assorted spices.

Volunteer in our Carver Market on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12-3:00 pm Contact Edgar Zepeda, ezepeda@carvercenter.org for more information.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

From September 15 through October 15, our afterschool programs are turning up the volume on fun for Hispanic Heritage Month! To celebrate, our afterschool programs are engaged in special activities that highlight the vibrant cultures and traditions of Hispanic communities.

Elementary school students are researching and decorating maps of different countries in preparation for the "Heritage Boxes" event. On the night of the event, families will decorate their boxes showcasing their heritage and participate in other activities, sharing and embracing cultures from around the world.

Teens have decorated the Carver Center to celebrate Hispanic Heritage with profiles of notable Hispanic entertainers and athletes, and answers to the question, "What Do You Most Like About Your Culture?"

A NEW SEASON OF DINNER AT NOON

Our Saturday Dinner at Noon program offers more than just a meal; we provide dignity and a seat at the table.

Last year, from September through June, we welcomed 564 households.

Throughout the year, current and former members of our board of directors, and local organizations volunteer with us each week to help make it a wonderful experience for our clients.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

On September 19th, we partnered with Feeding Westchester to host a Community Health & Wellness Fair and Vaccine Clinic. The event brought together many of our community partners, including Open Door, Family Services of Westchester, Cancer Support Team, and the Alzheimer's Association.


Community members had access to a wide range of free resources and services, such as health screenings, nutrition education, recipe demonstrations, SNAP information, and a vaccination clinic.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this a fun and meaningful event for the community!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Meet Erica Mason


Erica is Carver Center's exceptional grant writer who is instrumental in helping us secure funding for our programs and operations by writing compelling proposals. She works tirelessly to find suitable grant opportunities and then crafts applications that effectively communicate our mission and needs to potential funders.

This role is crucial for our financial stability, growth, and ability to fulfill our mission to NOURISH, EDUCATE, AND EMPOWER our Port Chester community!

Thank you, Erica, for all you do!

IT'S TIME TO DAF!

October 9th is a Day of Community Giving from Donor Advised Funds.

Your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) can make a BIG impact on the causes you care about!


By recommending a grant from your DAF, you can help the Port Chester Carver Center continue our important work and make a lasting difference in our community.

How to give:

1️⃣ Log in to your DAF account 

2️⃣ Search for the Port Chester Carver Center 

3️⃣ Recommend a grant and help us create positive change!

Thank you! Your generosity matters!

WHAT IS A DAF?

DAFs are often compared to a 401(k) 
for retirement savings or a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Any person, couple, family–or even company–can open a DAF account.

DAFs are incredibly effective at increasing giving capacity.

CONNECT WITH US!  ‌