About Us

The New York Public Welfare Association was founded in 1869. It is the oldest public welfare association in the United States. Its role is to independently represent New York's 58 local social services districts.

The Association fulfills a key public role while presenting a variety of different opportunities for the exchange of ideas, development of new initiatives and refinement of existing programs and services. The NYPWA is an active partner with government agencies, associations and community organizations.

Our association provides information, policy analysis and technical assistance to federal, state and local policymakers and direct support to districts.

New York Public Welfare Association - 150th Anniversary Citiation (pdf)