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ABOUT YSOW
Incorporated in 1975, the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester (YSOW) is one of its kind throughout New York State. YSOW has two main program structures: residential and community-based. Our 12-bed shelter operates as a homelike alternative to incarceration for young men awaiting disposition or who have been sentenced on various criminal charges through the local court system. Operating out of a newly renovated building next door, our LEAD Academy serves young people (ages 16-25) from throughout the community who have come into contact with the legal system.
Since Our Inception In 1978, The Youth Shelter
Annually serves
150
youth on average via both our residential and community programs.
Ensures that less than
20%
of our youth are rearrested or reoffended through ongoing community programming
90%
pass/improvement rate on all of our academic standardized testing to ensure all of our youth are on track to obtain their High school equivalency diploma
Key Initiatives
Youth CRED
Emerging Adult Justice
Motion For Justice
YSOW is the lead agency for the Emerging Adult Justice Initiative, a partnership with Mount Vernon City Court and the 9th Judicial District. Its mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for resolving criminal cases by pursuing alternatives to conventional prosecution, sentencing and incarceration for young people between the ages of 18-25.
YouthCRED is a community-based anti-gun violence initiative launched in partnership with Westchester County Youth Bureau that leverages the raw talents that justice-involved youth inherently possess. Through YouthCRED, young people with lived experience with gun violence learn how to create meaningful outreach campaigns to help reduce shootings and cure violence in their own communities.
The Motion for Justice program creates pathways for prosecutors to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to create lasting policies and practices that tackle the racial injustices deeply rooted in the criminal legal system
LEADERSHIP
Joanne Dunn
Executive Director
As the Executive Director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, Joanne Dunn is a passionate advocate for reforming the criminal justice system and promoting more humane and effective approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration. With a wealth of experience in criminal justice, social services, and policy advocacy, is dedicated to implementing innovative strategies that reduce recidivism and provide individuals involved in the justice system with a pathway to a brighter future.
Joanne Dunn, bring 15+ years of experience in the criminal justice and social services to her role as Executive Director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. She is the first women to lead the organization since its inception in 1975. The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, is one of its kind in New York State that provides alternatives to incarceration programming for youth between the ages of 16-25, awaiting disposition or sentenced for various criminal convictions through community-based diversion programming and residential facility.
Outside of her professional title, Joanne is an active member of the community and participates in several local initiatives, using her expertise and influence on positively advancing community. She is not only defined by her professional titles she has held but by her contributions that have been acknowledge through the numerous awards she has received throughout her career, she holds several awards for her service to other and leadership. These accolades reflect the impact she has made and continue to make in her quest for a more just and equitable society.
In 2017 she received the Business Council of Westchester 40 under 40 Rising Star Award. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Westchester and credits this program for helping her understand her life’s calling. In 2022 Joanne Dunn received a Community Service Award from the Westchester Multicultural Chamber and was named as one of 914INC. 2022 Top CEOs and Business Leaders. Joanne is the recent winner of the 2023 Women Innovators Award by Westfair Communications for delivering groundbreaking solutions and demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to her field by breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, a proud mom and wife.
MEET THE TEAM
Jordan Cormier
Director of Programming
Andre Coleman
Mental Health Program Director
Akil Childs
Community Program Manager
Vincent Jackson
Cure Violence Program Coordinator
Darrell Robinson
Residential Supervisor
Kelvin Britton
Residential Supervisor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rev. Darren M. Morton, Ed.D - President
Michelle A. Nicholas - Vice President
Jason McCalla
Rudy Coombs
Stanley Hunter
André Thompson
Jonathan Castro
Dr. Jenna Ferris, Ed.D
Soraya Smith
Chaisurat "IBORN" Taylor
Dr. Shaunteé Byron, DSW
Julian "Tilly" Tilman
Lourdes Velázquez-Peay