Nonprofit Westchester Announces First-Ever Distinguished Service Award

Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) is thrilled to announce that Kathy Halas, executive director of the Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW), will receive the first-ever Keep Westchester Thriving Distinguished Service Award. This award honors a nonprofit leader who has outstanding accomplishments in a nonprofit agency and has contributed to the vibrancy and health of the nonprofit sector in Westchester.

“I’ve always thought myself so lucky to live, raise my children, and work in Westchester County which offers energy, resources, and a level of collaboration among nonprofits, government, and business that I think is rare,” said Halas. “I’ve been with NPW from the beginning and it’s remarkable to witness its growth, not just in numbers but also in the complexity of the issues it’s tackling. I thank everyone at NPW for the support and inspiration along the way.”

With Kathy at the forefront, the Child Care Council of Westchester has helped the community at large understand the importance of having safe, affordable, and sustainable childcare facilities for children, parents, members of the workforce, and businesses of all types. She is a steadfast and respected advocate who has successfully brought together the nonprofit, business, and government sectors as stakeholders in advancing quality early care and education. Along with her team, Kathy has been a one-of-a-kind training and informational resource for childcare professionals across the county and State. Always willing to collaborate and learn, she also lends expertise to like-minded organizations, including the Westchester Women’s Agenda, the Westchester County Families Task Force which she co-chairs, and the Welcome Home Westchester Campaign.

“Kathy’s skills, expertise, and commitment to community building have played an integral part in our organization’s growth,” said Jan Fisher, Executive Director of NPW. "She is one of the most effective leaders in the nonprofit sector and the voice for f childcare. Our County is a better place because of her work. We are so thrilled to be able to honor Kathy with this first-ever recognition at the Keep Westchester Thriving Awards ceremony.”

“Whether one’s primary focus is childcare, women’s empowerment, affordable housing, hunger, workforce development, or the arts, the issues are all connected, and we need to be as well. I thank NPW deeply for bringing us together, and continuing to push us to collaborate, create and innovate,” continued Halas.

This year’s winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by NPW and opening sponsors Hudson Valley Credit Union; Maier Markey & Justic LLP; Mutual of America; Westchester Library System; and Westhab on November 29, 2023, at the Sonesta Hotel in White Plains from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Tickets are $90 per person for NPW members and $150 per person for nonmembers. There are also numerous opportunities to sponsor this inspiring event or to purchase a journal ad.

There is still time to nominate an individual and organizational changemaker. The honorees will be announced on October 5th.

About Nonprofit Westchester

Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) is Westchester’s only membership organization dedicated solely to advancing and advocating for the needs and interests of the county's nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce. Representing more than 300 members, NPW’s vision is to build a thriving county with vibrant nonprofits and resilient, inclusive communities that value equity and inclusion, innovation, and integrity. The mission of NPW is to strengthen Westchester’s nonprofit organizations as they transform lives, empower communities, and drive positive change. This mission and vision are strengthened through advocacy, education, and connection. To learn more about Nonprofit Westchester, visit their website at www.npwestchester.org.

# # #