Motivated by the motto “Changing Babies... Changing Lives,” the Diaper Bank gives families an opportunity to apply for a package containing a week’s supply of diapers and wipes up to three times a year per child. Intended to help get families through the tough times, the Diaper Bank currently serves families through the Department of Social Services (DSS). The goal is to expand to serve nonprofit agencies as well.
A family does not have to be an existing client of DSS to apply for diapers. Applications can be obtained and submitted at any of the county’s district offices – located in Mount Vernon, Peekskill, White Plains and Yonkers – or can be downloaded from the JLCW’s Web site. Diapers are distributed on a monthly basis from the district offices with designated dates and pick-up times. Applications are due approximately a week before the distribution date. Proof of Westchester County residency and a child’s birth certificate are required for eligibility.
A key to making the Diaper Bank successful and sustainable is an ample supply of diapers. The Diaper Bank relies on donations, community drives and corporate sponsorships. The Junior League encourages and is seeking individuals, community organizations or corporate sponsorships to support the Diaper Bank and ultimately, our families in the community.
A recent study found that one in three American families struggles to afford clean diapers for their child. On average, diapers cost $18 per week, or $936 per year for each child, according to the Huggies study. Without an ample supply of diapers, babies are left in soiled diapers for too long, leading to poor health from infections, discomfort, and emotional distress.
The Diaper Bank is a partnership of the county’s Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Junior League of Central Westchester.
For more information about receiving or donating diapers, visit the Junior League of Central Westchester or contact them at (914) 723-6442, or .
The 24" x 36" Diaper Bank poster may be downloaded and printed in English and Spanish.
Grants of Assistance for Guide Dogs (GAGD) are provided to eligible blind, hearing impaired, or disabled persons who maintain guide/service dogs. Eligibility is determined based information contained in the "Application/Recertification Guide Dog Food Program" form.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants for this program must:
- Reside in New York State
- Be eligible for or in receipt of Supplemental Security Income
- Maintain a guide/service dog
Monthly benefit
The monthly benefit is $35.00 for the purchase of food for guide/service dogs.
How to apply for this benefit
Information for benefits may be made in person at the social services district office serving the household's municipality or by calling (914) 995-6055.
Maintaining eligibility
Households receiving this benefit will be sent an "Application/Recertification Guide Dog Food Program" form every 6 months. This form must be completed and returned in order for continuing eligibility to be established.
Certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through its Bureau of Adult Services, family-type homes for adults provide long-term residential care, room, board, housekeeping, personal care and supervision to a maximum of four residents unrelated to the operator. The private homes provide an atmosphere of family living for adults, 18 years of age and older, who are unable to live on their own. Residents may be unable to maintain a home because of advanced age or physical or developmental disabilities, who do not yet need the skilled medical and nursing services provided in nursing homes.
To find out more about family-type homes for adults in Westchester County, contact Veronica Vargas by phone at (914) 995-5887 or by e-mail at .
The primary goal of the Welfare-to-Work program (WTW) has been to help recipients of public assistance enter the workforce and to provide employers with much needed qualified employees. Employer involvement in WTW efforts has become increasingly important. A critical component is to develop job opportunities for individuals in both the public and private sectors. DSS works with businesses in the county to demonstrate how hiring public assistance recipients and utilizing social services can benefit them in a positive way. Businesses are encouraged to consider DSS as the “first source” for hiring employees.
Among the benefits to businesses and employers are:
- Access department's employment services
- Thoroughly screened candidates
- Motivated workers
- Support services to ensure high quality performance and job retention
- Quick response to job orders
Employers interested in hiring any of our Temporary Assistance customers should contact Ed Roberts by phone at (914) 995-4099 or by e-mail at .
Giving a loving home to a child can be one of the most rewarding accomplishments in life. In Westchester, we have many children who need homes. Some of these children are older, have siblings they can't be separated from or have special needs, making them more difficult to place
Adopting a child
Read more about the adoption process. Learn more about children in need of adoption across New York State by visiting State Adoption Services.