Children’s Non-Profit Receives Westchester County Support

Friends of Karen, which supports critically ill children and their families, has received a grant from Westchester County to help local families. The funds will be used to provide guidance from a skilled social worker for families with a child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness, as well as assistance paying for vital needs such as childcare, transportation to hospitals for the child’s treatment, and utilities so families can stay secure in their homes. 

 

The funding would not have been possible without the advocacy provided by Kitley S. Covill, a member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, representing the County’s 2^nd Legislative District, which includes the towns of Bedford, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge and parts of Somers.

 

“Friends of Karen is a critical organization that helps so many families in crisis in Westchester.  I am happy we were able to add financial support to aid families with the challenges of a sick child,” said Legislator Covill.

 

“During this time of COVID-19, local families, already reeling from the trauma of their child’s life threatening illness, now have to cope with a pandemic, putting all family members at greater risk. The support from Westchester County is a godsend that will provide much needed relief for hurting families in our community. We are grateful to Legislator Covill and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for recognizing the dire situation these families are facing,” stated Judith Factor, Executive Director of Friends of Karen.

 

 

Friends of Karen, founded in 1978, provides emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with a life-threatening illness and their families in order to keep them stable, functioning, and able to cope. For families living in the New York Tri-state region, Friends of Karen gives them more time for what’s most important: each other. The organization helps hundreds of ill children and their families every month, at no cost to them. Friends of Karen has received the top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, an independent organization that evaluates the financial efficiency and responsibility of more than 9,000 U.S. charities. Friends of Karen also meets the 20 Standards of Charity Accountability of the BBB of Metropolitan New York and has earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar in 2019.