Empowering Women in Yonkers with the Support of the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund

The United Way of Westchester and Putnam awarded a $20,000 grant to Westhab, thanks to the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund. This generous funding will support Westhab to uplift and empower women in Yonkers, particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities.

The Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund was established with a clear mission: to support local nonprofits working to improve the lives of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) women. This initiative is deeply rooted in Pepsi and Mary J. Blige’s commitment to the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, held in Blige’s hometown, and aims to address the critical needs of women striving for economic stability and personal growth.

Westhab will use the funding to support programming at the Dayspring Community Center, a vital resource in Southwest Yonkers. The Dayspring Community Center is a lifeline for many hard-working, resourceful women in the Nodine Hill community, who are striving to meet their own needs and the needs of their families. The funding will bolster key programs that are essential for the community, including:

• Food Pantry: Providing crucial nourishment to 250 low-income households, with a significant portion being women, many of whom are single mothers.
• Job Training: Dayspring offers job readiness skills, certifications, and employment support that help uplift marginalized, ALICE women and build skills for in-demand jobs that pay a living wage. 
• Youth Programs: Offering free after-school activities, summer camps, and a dedicated Teen Center to support the educational and developmental needs of local youth. These youth programs enable working parents of school-age children to continue to work during weekday afternoons and summer months, thereby increasing their income without the burden of expensive childcare or enrichment programs.

This grant will help Westhab provide these essential services year-round, alleviating food insecurity, promoting economic stability, and fostering a supportive environment for both women and their children.

“The impact of this funding extends beyond immediate relief; it plays a crucial role in empowering women to achieve long-term stability and success.” shared Westhab President and CEO, Richard Nightingale. “By supporting job training, alleviating food insecurity, and providing enriching youth programs, this grant directly addresses the challenges faced by ALICE women in Yonkers. This support enables women to build a more secure future for themselves and their families, offering them the tools and resources necessary to break free from the cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck and reach their full potential.”

For more information on the incredible work being done at the Dayspring Community Center, or to get involved, visit the Dayspring Center page on our website.