Caring, compassion, and empathy toward neighbors. That’s how Jessica Reinmann is making the world a better place. When someone needs help, 914Cares, Reinmann’s nonprofit, finds a solution. “I saw neighbors in my community living without the basic necessities of life and I wanted to change that. 914Cares is about caring for our neighbors who need it to the best of our ability. We’re one community, and we need to take care of each other,” said Reinmann, CEO and Chairman. “We’ve gone from me passing out coats from the trunk of my car to a 12,000-square foot, fully operational warehouse and an established reputation in the community.”
Established in 2014, 914Cares has positively impacted the community and its footprint continues to grow. “We work to ensure our neighbors in need are cared for by collaborating, supporting and providing resources to local organizations, educating the community about poverty and encouraging actionable generosity,” Reinmann explained. At its start, the nonprofit worked with over 80 Westchester County programs, but over the years it’s expanded its reach and now works with a roster of 117 community partners. These organizations provide services and assistance to the people they serve while 914Cares, a basic essentials distribution bank, distributes clothing, new sneakers, coats, diapers, wipes, baby gear, hygiene products, period products, and books.
In May, the nonprofit opened an expansive 12,000-square-foot warehouse and office space at 28 Kaysal Court in Armonk that has a loading dock for deliveries, ample storage space, and is easily accessible. “This new space has enabled us to increase our output significantly. We can accept larger deliveries, have space for more volunteers, and can work more efficiently,” said Reinmann. The site will employ eight employees, with a rotation of 150 volunteers, teenage and adult, to fulfill orders. “Our staff oversees our operations, programming, and development efforts. The volunteers do a lot of the heavy lifting, helping us sort through donations, pack clothing bags, pack hygiene and flow kits, and more.”
Since moving to Armonk, Reinmann and her team have been embraced by the community. “It’s been incredible. The Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club have been supportive, as have so many local businesses and local residents who have come out to volunteer and drop off donations. We’re happy to be here,” said Reinmann who worked with Rick Rakow of Rakow Commercial Realty to secure the new space. “Rick is a member of our Advisory Board who understands and participates in our mission with such care and generosity.”
Volunteerism is at the heart of 914Cares. “Our volunteers range in age from 14-92 (really!), and their dedication to our cause is truly unbelievable,” said Reinmann. “In addition to their hard work in our Caring Collective, our volunteers are out in their communities, hosting drives, educating their neighbors and friends, and proudly representing 914Cares at service fairs and other events. They are an integral part of our family.”
Engaging the next generation is a core component of 914Cares. “Through our Junior Advisory Board, we strive to nurture a culture of actionable generosity in our young people, positioning them to make change today, while preparing to become tomorrow’s leaders, donors, and social justice advocates. This is a unique opportunity for teens to get involved in the work that we do in a leadership capacity,” said Reinmann. Currently, the Board has 25 members from both public and private schools across the county. Freshman high school students can apply to join. It requires a four-year commitment running a “914Cares Club” at their high schools, organizing donation drives, participating in meetings, and attending volunteer events.
Some new programs 914Cares has put in motion include the county’s first “Sneaker Bank” in partnership with the nonprofit “Shoes That Fit” in which every child who receives a clothing bag from 914Cares will also receive a brand-new, name-brand pair of sneakers, and “Westchester Reads” that offers field trips to their offices for school districts. “I’m proud of our ability to grow and expand to meet the needs of our community partners over the past 10 years and to serve the entire county,” Reinmann said. “We have expanded based on feedback from our community partners, listening to their needs and collaborating to create programming that provides a solution.”
914Cares has continued to make a positive impact by creating responsive programming and working with the community throughout the county. “I’m humbled by the way the community has rallied around our mission, and the support we’ve received from elected officials, local foundations, and all of our volunteers and generous donors,” said Reinmann. “We strive to reach every pocket of Westchester. Until there is no longer a need, 914Cares will be here to serve those who can benefit from our services.”
To learn more about the Junior Advisory Board and other volunteer opportunities, students can contact Nichole Culotta, Chief Programming Officer, at: nichole@914cares.org
