“The Community Center of Northern Westchester is not just a place where people can seek assistance with food, clothing and career counseling, it’s also a place where they can get help turning their lives around.” Said Assembly member Chris Burdick, “The positive difference that CCNW makes in our communities cannot be overstated. I’m thrilled that my colleague Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and I were able to secure funding in the NY State budget to help make this expansion a reality.”

CCNW Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Renovation and Expansion Project

Katonah, NY – January 15, 2025 – The Community Center of Northern Westchester (CCNW) is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for its long-anticipated renovation and expansion project. The event took place on Thursday, January 16, at 2 PM, at the Center’s location, 84 Bedford Road, Katonah, NY.

A group of about 40 or so guests gathered in the back of the Center to witness the special occasion. The project architects, KG&D, site engineers Insite Engineering, Landscape Designers Benedek & Ticehurst, contractor Eric Kelly, of W.A Kelly Construction and the rest of CCNW’s Project Team were joined by donors, staff, board members, local press and town and state officials to put the ceremonial shovel in the ground.

The event began with Executive Director Clare Murray expressing heartfelt gratitude to the design teams, donors, and local leaders for their unwavering support of the renovation and expansion project. Assemblymembers Chris Burdick and Dana Levenberg followed, addressing the crowd with enthusiasm as they highlighted the $2 million in funding they helped secure for CCNW and emphasized the Center’s profound impact on the lives of countless community members. Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves also spoke, thanking CCNW for its steadfast dedication to serving all those in need. The event concluded with brief remarks from Board President Ryan Becker, followed by the ceremonial groundbreaking and commemorative photos.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, volunteers, and partners, we are closer than ever to our vision becoming a reality.” said Clare Murray, Executive Director of CCNW. “We are so grateful to be part of a community that has been and continues to be so closely engaged in our mission.” CCNW extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to this initiative. 

As a hub of emergency resources, CCNW currently serves 3,000+ food insecure families annually, providing support to 670 seniors, receiving and distributing 800,000 pounds of food, facilitating 13,000 pantry visits and home deliveries, equipping 1,600 children with school supplies, and conducting job skills training among other services, all while providing physical space for hundreds of volunteers to support their work.  

Despite managing to do so much with so little room for so long, the building is woefully undersized for the resources provided and poses significant limitations on CCNW’s ability to serve the community. After years dreaming of having adequate space to meet their needs, CCNW is excited to announce that they are ready to break ground on their renovation and expansion project.This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative project to right size the Community Center’s home; to improve access for all whether giving or receiving, to better serve all who seek assistance, and to gain the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of the community.

The renovation and expansion project will include:·        

• Renovations of the current facility and construction of a 3,500 sq. ft addition with energy efficiencies as a priority 
• Expanded client service areas with a larger food pantry and flexible use classroom ·        
• An elevator to provide universal access·        
• A spacious donation room with dedicated donor parking to streamline contributions.·        
• A covered food delivery and storage area·        
• Significant site development to increase parking and improve traffic flow·        
• Land improvements for storm water management and eco-friendly landscaping featuring native plants

CCNW is enormously grateful for the support of the Town of Bedford for providing a long-term lease, for the remarkable support of NY State with $2 million in funding and for our generous community of donors and volunteers who have made this possible. From our state, to our town, to our local residents this is a true community effort. As CCNW founders stated over 30 years ago, “We can do so much more together than apart!”

Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg also added, “I am so pleased to be here for today’s groundbreaking. This new facility will enable CCNW to better serve our neighbors in need, including hundreds of my constituents every year. Now more than ever our neighbors need a place they can trust to turn to and make sure no one goes hungry. I am so proud that my office could play a role in securing funding to assist with CCNW’s expansion.” 

“CCNW is a crown jewel in our town, serving not only as a lifeline for neighbors in need but also as a hub for volunteerism, a valued employer, and a leader among Bedford-based nonprofits,” said Supervisor Ellen Calves. “Supporting Clare and her team to help facilitate this much-needed renovation and expansion plan is an honor. This project exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships and community engagement and is a testament to the unwavering vision, passion and grace of Clare Murray,” added Calves.