50 Years of Giving: Laura Rossi & Cindy Kanusher on Philanthropy, Justice, and the Power of Community in Westchester

In this special episode of I Live Here Westchester, host Jim Jockle sits down with Laura Rossi, Vice President for Westchester at The New York Community Trust
, and Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of The Pace Women’s Justice Center
, to celebrate 50 years of philanthropy and community impact in Westchester.

Laura reflects on how The Trust has connected local generosity with local needs since 1975—supporting everything from affordable housing and education to the environment and data transparency through the Westchester Index. Cindy shares how community investment sustains PWJC’s mission to provide free legal services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse.

Together, they explore the challenges ahead—funding cuts, affordability, and awareness—and why collaboration remains Westchester’s greatest strength.

Learn more about the Westchester Index: https://www.westchesterindex.org/