Port Chester residents need more affordable housing, more teen programs, and ways to prepare their teens for adulthood.

Those are the conclusions of a community-wide needs assessment undertaken by The Carver Center, a nonprofit devoted to addressing the needs of the community.

The assessment led to the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, spearheaded by CEO Anne Bradner. The plan sets forth a new mission, core values, and direction for the center, aiming to tackle critical issues for all stages of life.

“We learned that while many residents know of Carver Center, they often did not know about the full range of programs and services we offer,” Bradner said.

Among the top concerns of residents was the scarcity of affordable housing.

“While Carver Center can’t solve the housing problem alone, as it is a regional issue in Westchester County, we can help families address issues that arise as an indirect result of the expensive, scarce, and cramped conditions they experience,” Bradner said.

For instance, by providing free groceries, Carver Center aims to help families save money to meet their rent payments. And the center collaborates with trusted community partners to support families facing eviction threats or experiencing homelessness.

Youth focus group participants raised further concerns about their preparedness for adulthood.

“Youth indicated feeling anxiety over the possibility of not being successful when they get older,” Bradner said. “They were concerned about how they would earn money and become financially stable as adults.”

In response, Carver Center is bolstering its Teen Center programs, securing workforce development grants to enable teens to gain real-life work experience in areas of interest and offering college preparation workshops. As an example, the center has a teen working in an auto shop to explore his career interest.

Additionally, a scholarship fund has been established to help students pursue vocational or college education after high school.

The strategic plan reaffirms Carver Center’s commitment to addressing community needs and outlines a roadmap for the next three to five years. That roadmap includes goals for program development and expansion, talent recruitment, enhanced community communication, and ensuring long-term financial stability.

The Carver Center’s efforts will be celebrated at its annual Spring Gala, the sole fundraising event of the year, on April 13 at the Westchester Country Club. The event also will introduce a refreshed mission statement: “Port Chester Carver Center helps our community thrive through programs that nourish, educate, and empower.”

The gala will feature reflections from a Carver Teen Center member and a video showcasing the organization’s goals. Bradner expressed gratitude to gala attendees for their support and reflected on her journey leading the Carver Center and the organization’s mission.

During the pandemic, she said, “everyone was afraid of what this virus might do to us, but Carver Center still had staff members and volunteers willing to show up in person to distribute groceries and fresh food to the community. So many people who couldn’t come out in person gave generous contributions so we could buy more food. I will never ever forget that collective commitment to serve those in need.”