About Us

Why Get Involved with a Community Coalition?

The White Plains Cares Coalition is a group of concerned citizens and wellness professionals who are actively involved in assessing the needs of its youth. The goal is to safeguard youth from various risk factors and delinquent behaviors (primarily alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use) while simultaneously building protective factors in the community to safeguard them from such behaviors. The coalition brings together individuals from a variety of community groups – schools, parents, youth, local government, law enforcement, media, human services, business, medical/ hospitals, youth serving organizations, treatment agencies, and prevention agencies. The coalition meets once a month and operates through volunteer participation on subgroups and committees.

The Coalitions host several community events during the calendar year and partners
with stakeholders to provide education about issues and risk factors that affect overall health & wellness in the community.

Vision Statement

The White Plains Cares Coalition envisions a culturally diverse community that promotes a safe and healthy environment by utilizing community dynamics and resources to help its youth and families live healthy, productive, and self-sufficient lives.

Coalition Staff

Frank Williams, Jr.
Frank Williams, Jr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR​
Helena Marescot
Helena Marescot Admin Asst/ Coordinator
Kassandra Mindingall
Kassandra Mindingall YOUTH SPECIALIST I​
Connie Jone-Hairston
Connie Jone-Hairston Youth Court Coordinator

Elizabeth Almonte

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

With over 25 years of management, marketing and consulting experience, Elizabeth has directed strategic initiatives to maximize financial, social and environmental impact from the private, public, and non-profit sectors including Goldman Sachs, Kraft Foods, the William Clinton Foundation, the New York City Department of Education. Previously, she spearheaded a national social enterprise & education technology start-up, and advanced county-wide infant-to-young adult advocacy efforts in leading the Westchester Children’s Association (WCA)’s Gathering Policy Solutions for Kids Collective Impact Initiative.

Her cross-sector advisory experiences span seven countries and public-private partnerships with state education departments, higher-education institutions, school districts, NGOs, foundations, corporations, professional associations, non-profit and faith-based organizations to help raise K-16 student achievement and turnaround schools in rural, suburban and inner cities across the U.S.

Elizabeth graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA degree from Baruch College, is a Management Leadership for Tomorrow Fellowship alum, and received her MBA degree from the New York University Stern School of Business. A White Plains resident and New York City native, Elizabeth enjoys teaching financial literacy to high school students and mentoring her nephews, niece and godchildren.

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