ABOUT US

For over 40 years, the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, Inc., has been providing a home-like alternative to jail for young men awaiting disposition of various criminal charges. Conceived by a Westchester judge and school teacher who recognized the need for early intervention in the lives of young offenders, the YSOW was formally incorporated as a not-for-profit in New York in 1975. Its initial mission was to formulate a plan and solicit funds for a temporary shelter or residential facility for youth prior to trial.

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Throughout the years the YSOW has helped hundreds of young people and with our aftercare program we continue to ensure that our youth remain successful while reintegrating back into their communities.

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Joanne Dunn

Executive Director

Located in Mt. Vernon, NY, Ms. Dunn is the first woman to lead this organization since its incorporation in 1975. Conceived by a Westchester judge and school teacher who recognized the need for early intervention in the lives of young offenders, Youth Shelter Program of Westchester has been providing a home-like alternative to jail for young men, for over 40 years, with great results.

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Ms. Dunn’s commitment to youth is more of a calling than a job. She has served as a troop leader for the Westchester Putnam Girl Scouts, a member of the Peekskill City School Districts Parental/Community Involvement Committee, a Parent Coordinator for the Peekskill Pop Warner Football League and as an Executive Board Member for the Peekskill NAACP, which awarded her for her outstanding service to youth and families. She previously served on the Advisory Board for the SUNY Westchester Educational Opportunity Center, Westchester County’s Fatherhood Committee and the Arts10566 Advisory Board. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was awarded a Forty under Forty by The Business Council of Westchester. Joanne is a proud graduate of Leadership Westchester.