On June 30, 2009, dozens of CVH members held three simultaneous, statewide press conferences in all chapters to draw attention to $100 million in economic stimulus funds that could be used to help create jobs for low-income people in New York State.

In New York City, Board member and leader Ketny Jean-Francois and CVH leader James Graham gave statements to the press. Johanssis Peralta, a former welfare recipient and current leader in the Mid-Hudson chapter gave a statement at thePoughkeepsie press conference. And CVH leader Valerie Pearson spoke at theYonkers press conference.

CVH members from all four chapters across the state met with Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner David Hansell on Thursday September 11th in Yonkers. Members shared there stories with Commissioner Hansell. Some of the topics of discussion at this meeting were Career Pathways and Transistional Job programs.

On July 24th in Newburgh, CVH members from three different chapters came together to tell OTDA Commissioner David Hansell and other State Officials what they need for economic security. Governor Paterson's Economic Security Cabinet held a series of Town Hall meetings around the state to hear poverty-fighting recommendations. CVH members Korrenthea Catts from Poughkeepsie, Johannsis Peralta from Beacon (Dutchess County), and Alya Russell from Yonkers testified about their experiences with Social Services and gave recommendations to the Cabinet members present.