MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - Neighbors Link’s new home in Mount Kisco is more than just a physical space, it’s a “signal of compassion and resilience.”
Those words were one of the key takeaways of Carola Bracco’s speech at the center’s official christening in early October.
The nonprofit’s executive director was speaking to a large crowd composed of supporters, friends, staffers, county, state, and local politicians, and press prior to the ribbon-cutting at 350 Lexington Ave., just across the street from the cramped quarters where Neighbors Link had served the immigrant community for nearly 20 years.
(Recently, it opened outposts in Ossining and Yonkers.)
“This center is not just a milestone for this community -- it sends a critical message. It stands as a signal of both compassion and resilience, offering important resources and community connection to those navigating the complexities of a new life,” she told the gathering.
Neighbors Link now has ample space to plan and implement its holistic array of programs, which include engaging parents and children in learning opportunities, offering workforce development and career advancement services, helping clients learn digital literacy skills, and addressing immigration legal matters, such as citizenship applications to removal proceedings.
Its mission – to strengthen communities through the healthy integration of immigrants – hasn’t changed, according to Bracco and County Executive Ken Jenkins who also addressed the crowd.
(As a first generation American born of immigrant parents from Bolivia, Bracco understands the challenges that accompany the immigrant experience in America.)
“Because of the times we’re in, Neighbors Link is more important than ever,” said Jenkins, adding: “Westchester we always say, starts with WE. It means that we’re here for everyone.”
“When fear and uncertainty threaten to isolate the families that we work with, this center affirms the dignity and strength of every individual. It reminds us that inclusion is a necessity that strengthens the whole community,” Bracco said. “This isn’t just an investment in space and tables and chairs, we’re investing in our workforce and the future of our shared community.”
If their new home is any indication, that future’s a bright one.
Clean and utilitarian yet warm and welcoming with origami butterflies fluttering across its interior windows, the 8,000-square-foot headquarters contains a secure entrance, front desk, waiting area, bathrooms, co-working spaces, conference rooms, kitchen, and small, private offices that allow for confidential conversations.
There are also two large, open rooms for classes and a cheerful and colorful play area for children.
Bracco went on to thank donors, volunteers, staffers, board members, and others who helped bring the new $5 million location into existence.
She specifically praised Luisa Granda-Rodriquez, the organization’s senior director of operations and external relations, whose “gracious tenacity and persistence” had brought them “to this day.”
“Luisa persevered through an approval process. She also envisioned the look and feel of this center and oversaw the construction of the center working closely with contractors who, by the way, are Neighbors Link clients!” Bracco said.
She also noted that two of the rooms were named in memory of late Neighbors Link leaders Ana Muralles Verrino and Barbara Bruce Jackson.
Fundraising for the project began in 2022.
Neighbors Link also received $1.2 million through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York with the assistance of state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, state Assemblyman Chris Burdick, and state Assemblywomen Dana Levenberg and Amy Paulin.
To learn more, visit: www.neighborslink.org.
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