Building Healthy Communities with Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg

In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, I speak with Ridvan Idara, founder and executive director of New Era Creative Space (NECS). NECS is a community-driven educational and creative center located in Peekskill, NY. Its mission is to offer inclusive, accessible programs that promote creativity and empowerment for both youth and families. The organization emphasizes developing stronger communities through arts education, l...

In this episode, I speak with Lourdes Aguilar from Neighbors Link, a Westchester-based non-profit that works to strengthen the entire community through the empowerment and integration of immigrants. Neighbors Link offers a wide range of services, including education and empowerment programs, legal services, early childhood programs, parent education, and academic support for school-aged children. It is a concerning time for our loc...

Voting is the most powerful way to engage in civic life, but for many people in our community, the right to vote has not always been a given. And, even today in 2024, we must stay vigilant to ensure the right to vote remains free, fair, and accessible in our state and country. In this episode, Assemblywoman Levenberg spotlights the work of the Peekskill Branch of the NAACP, speaking with President Priscilla Augustin and First Vice...

In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, Assemblywoman Levenberg speaks with Cynthia Knox, CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP). CHHOP operates Westchester's only homeless shelter north of White Plains out of the Jan Peek House in Peekskill. The organization offers a variety of programs aligned with their core belief that every person is entitled to safe, affordable housing and healthy, nutriti...

Each month, our office receives hundreds of phone and email messages from constituents. In this episode, we go through the most common inquiries and comments that our office has received so far in Assemblywoman Levenberg’s first term, and how we’re responding to them. Listen to learn more about how our office, and state government in general, are working to help build healthy communities. 

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In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, Assemblywoman Levenberg shines a light on some programs supporting seniors in the district. First, she speaks with Johnathan Zamora, director of the Peekskill Senior Nutrition Program, about their many offerings. Next, we hear from Cora Silvestri and Judith Shangold, the two women behind the “Old Traditions, New Beginnings” senior legacy project our office is helping to facilitate. 

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As we seek to meet the ambitious goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York State is working with local organizations to help households and businesses make the transition to more environmentally friendly practices. In Westchester County, Sustainable Westchester is the entity that provides assistance to municipalities, small businesses, and residents, encouraging “green” practices through education and...

There has been much discussion over the past few years regarding policing, and mental health has emerged as an important consideration. Many wish to take a new look at police responses to mental health crises to ensure the safety of those in need of help. In this episode, Assemblywoman Levenberg speaks with Kevin Sylvester, outgoing Chief of the Ossining Police Department, to discuss Ossining’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), w...

The season of giving is upon us! In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, Assemblywoman Levenberg talks to Jeanette Gisbert, Executive Director of Volunteer New York. Volunteer New York connects New Yorkers in Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties with opportunities to contribute their time and talents to causes and not-for-profits that need their help. Hear Jeanette talk about how she first got involved, and learn more...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In this first episode of Building Healthy Communities, Assemblywoman Levenberg talks to CarlLa Horton, Executive Director of Hope's Door, a local non-profit helping victims of intimate partner violence become survivors. Hear the moving story of CarlLa's personal experience with this issue and how Hope's Door helps people from all walks of life defeat the scourge of domestic ...