After six months of displacement caused by a severe flood in late October, the United Community Center of Westchester, Inc. has officially moved back into its home at 360 North Avenue. The space, which had been almost completely gutted, has now been beautifully restored with new carpeting, fresh paint, artwork, and a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

More than 60 people gathered on May 8, 2026 to celebrate the reopening, including board members, partner organizations, contributors, staff, volunteers, clients, and elected officials. The community room was filled with balloons, food, music, and gratitude as supporters came together to mark this important milestone.

UCCW Board President Pastor Ben McKnight opened the event with a prayer for the continued work and mission of the organization, which has been serving the immigrant community and others in New Rochelle for the past 20 years. UCCW provides quality social, economic, and community development services to people who need legal, financial, educational, health, and language assistance. Board Secretary Lena Arboleda welcomed guests and thanked supporters for standing by UCCW during one of the most difficult periods in its history.

Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert praised Jackie Agudelo, UCCW’s Founder and Executive Director, for her commitment, resilience, and dedication to serving the community. She also highlighted the important role UCCW plays in New Rochelle as a welcoming and trusted community resource that provides support, guidance, and essential services to individuals and families from all walks of life.

NYS Senator Nathalia Fernandez and NYS Assemblymember Steve Otis, along with County Legislator Terry Clements, also spoke about the organization’s impact and the importance of supporting community-based organizations that assist vulnerable populations. City Council members David Peters, Matt Stern, and Shane Osinloye, and County Legislator Judah Holstein were also in attendance to show their support.

Agudelo thanked everyone who helped UCCW get back on its feet, including contributors, volunteers, partners such as Molina Healthcare and MP Unique Solutions, LLC, and the neighboring church, Ministerio Fraternidad Cristiana, which generously allowed the UCCW team to use its space during the months while the center was closed for repairs. She also thanked Councilman Peters, New Rochelle Buildings Commissioner Paul Vacca, and City Inspector Terrence English for helping ensure that UCCW could safely return to its facility.

One of the most emotional moments of the celebration was the testimony shared by Christiana, a former UCCW client and immigrant from Nigeria. She described arriving at UCCW in 2018 as a single mother with no legal status and no means of support after being abandoned by her husband. She came seeking help finding a lawyer but had no money to pay for legal services.

She told the crowd that Jackie listened to her story, gave her a hug while she was crying and responded with compassion, saying, “First, let’s get some food for you and your children.” Christiana shared how UCCW became like family to her during one of the darkest times in her life. Jackie and the UCCW staff helped her obtain legal assistance and enroll in educational programs that allowed her to rebuild her future. Today, she is a proud registered nurse working at a prestigious Manhattan hospital. She described UCCW as a community center that welcomes and assists everyone who walks through its doors, regardless of race, gender, background, or place of origin.

UCCW also received a certificate recognizing its Grand Reopening Celebration from Catherine M. White, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, who later led the group outside for the formal ribbon cutting ceremony.

Although UCCW is grateful to be back in its space, the organization continues to recover from the devastating impact of the flood and the prolonged closure. Despite these challenges, UCCW remained committed to serving the community. Much was lost, and the disruption created significant financial hardship for the organization, affecting its ability to fully continue programs and services.

UCCW offices after the flood in October 2025

UCCW recently received 18 refurbished small desktop computers to help restart its advanced computer skills training program. However, the organization is still in urgent need of keyboards and computer mice in order to fully restore the program and continue providing digital literacy and workforce development opportunities to community members.

Those interested in donating office supplies, keyboards, mice, or other needed items are encouraged to contact Jackie Agudelo at Jackie@uccenter.org.

To make a financial contribution and support UCCW’s ongoing recovery and community programs, please visit: https://uccenter.org/how-to-help/