Lois Bronz Recognized for a Lifetime of Community Action
Former Westchester County Legislator and community activist, Lois Bronz, was recognized for a lifetime of community action last week during a fundraiser for the Greenburgh children’s center bearing her name – the Lois Bronz Children’s Center. The award was presented by New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here with you tonight to recognize my friend and mentor Lois Bronz for her outstanding achievements and lifetime of meaningful community action,” Stewart-Cousins said. “Lois is an inspiration to so many and is truly deserving of this recognition.”
Lois Bronz worked in education for 32 years. In 1976, she was elected to the Greenburgh Town Council and served there for 16 years. In 1994, Lois become the first African-American woman elected to the County Board of Legislators and in 2002, she was unanimously elected to lead the Board. In addition to serving on the board of the Lois Bronz Children’s Center, she has also served as Director on the boards of Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, Westchester Coalition, Westchester Community Opportunity Program, United Way of Westchester, Westchester Arts Council, and the Hudson Valley Council for Senior Citizens.
The Lois Bronz Children’s Center embraces diversity on all levels, and for more than
40 years has provided an inclusive environment where families, teachers and staff from various backgrounds and cultures work together to meet the needs of local children. The Center incorporates educational and social activities that celebrate the multicultural experiences of children, and remains committed in its efforts to enhance programs to ensure that all the children served receive a well-rounded education.
The Center was founded in 1966 and formally known as Union Child Day Care Center (UCDCC). In 2006 the center was renamed in honor of Bronz for her many years on the Board of UCDCC where she chaired their major phone-a-thon fundraiser and for her 25 years of advocacy for children in the community.
During the fundraiser, the Lois Bronz Children’s Center also presented Leadership Awards to Rev. Erwin Trollinger, William (Bill) Carter (posthumously) and Isabel Villar. The Community Service Award honorees were the African American Men of Westchester, El Centro Hispano, the Bruce Museum and Calvary Baptist Church.
In related news, the Lois Bronz Children’s Center Board announced that they are gearing up for their 6th Road to Success backpack campaign.
“Starting a new school year is always a scary, yet exhilarating experience. Imagine doing it without the proper tools, unprepared and unable to participate in that first day excitement. We are trying to eliminate this situation and help our students on the Road to Success,” Board members said in a letter asking for donations.
The Lois Bronz Children’s Center provides services for two year olds to sixth graders. Several programs reside in the Center’s building: Special Needs classes, Head Start preschool, Universal Pre-Kindergarten and a School Age Enrichment program.
This year, the Board wants to send students to Kindergarten with new backpacks and school supplies. There is a large population of students that receive assistance and in this economic climate they have limited resources. New school supplies would help them ride the road to educational success by providing them with the necessary tools, build their self esteem and teach them to have respect for their belongings.
The Board is attempting to fill at least 75 backpacks, by mid August, for the Center’s outgoing Kindergarteners.
Call 914-761-6134 for more information.
