County Puts 'Hope Quilt' On Display To Support Children's Advocacy

WHITE PLAINS, NY — One of seven Hope Quilts created by the Westchester Children’s Association will be on display at the county’s Michaelian Office Building.

The Hope Quilt Project is part of a year-long effort by the association to increase awareness of the home visiting services it offers to families with children up to age 5 that help reduce child abuse and neglect, increase school readiness and improve general maternal and child health.

County Executive George Latimer said the Hope Quilt is a tapestry of potential and community.

“Decorated with drawings of rainbows, families and flowers, it is a symbol of all that connects us and the importance of working together to support our youngest and most vulnerable,” he said.

“We will proudly display this quilt and reflect on what it symbolizes daily,” Latimer said.

Allison Lake, the association’s executive director, said early childhood home visiting programs provide essential services to families to foster the healthy development of babies.

“Only 4 percent of new parents and their infants who need the support of trained professionals can currently participate in these programs,” she said. “The Hope Quilt Project we created to raise awareness and support for WCA’s advocacy work.”

Those who contributed to the design, support and production of the association’s Hope Quilt Project include School 30 in Yonkers, the Westchester Reform Temple Early Childhood Center in Scarsdale, the Lakeland School District’s Lincoln Titus Elementary School, the Village Square Quilters and supporters of the Westchester Children’s Association.

In addition to the quilt at the Michaelian Office Building, there are also quilts on public display at the Westchester Children’s Museum and the Childcare Council of Westchester.

The Michaelian Office Building is at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains.