BDO International, a financial advisory firm, reports that during the pandemic, 35% of U.S. nonprofits showed an increase in demand for their services, while 75% had a decrease in funding. In Westchester, it has been no different, with nonprofit organizations being asked to do more with less as they continue to face adversity during the era of COVID.

I feel fortunate to call Westchester County my home. Many of our neighbors and communities are focused on giving back and improving the places where we live and work. You can get involved with numerous organizations through volunteering and fundraising and donating money, food, clothing, and more. Here are some of the Westchester County Mom team’s favorite local nonprofit organizations.

Not all heroes wear capes (although COVID has definitely brought the spandex back). Most heroes walk among us, shop alongside us, wait in the school pickup lines next to us. And while they do the ordinary, they are also doing things that are quite extraordinary. In our first Hometown Heroes episode we talk to Jessica Reinmann, CEO of a local Westchester, NY mission-based 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on supporting people in the community with their basic human needs. Jess talks about the disparity of wealth in the 8th most affluent county in the United States and the plight of women, and mothers especially, in the pandemic. We take a somber look at some eye-opening statistics and talk about how everyone can help, in ways big and small, and be a part of real change.

The Westchester Poverty Symposium was an opportunity for individuals to come together to learn about innovative, community-driven partnerships focused on helping those in need. Elected officials, non-profit organizations and several school districts attended the sold-out event and learned actionable items to help the estimated 10% of Westchester resi- dents living in poverty.