RI Foundation Awards Grants To 2 Woonsocket Nonprofits

Woonsocket RI

14 August, 2020

10:38 AM

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WOONSOCKET, RI — Two Woonsocket-based nonprofits will share $700,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund to assist them in helping provide crucial community services during the health crisis. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern New England and Connecting for Children & Families will share in the grants. "As a state, we have begun to shift focus from COVID-19 response to relief and recovery, but even with that positive shift, need in the community continues to grow," said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation. "We are so appreciative of the donors who have provided financial support since the crisis began in March, and will continue to work with charitable Rhode Islanders to support the nonprofit organizations that remain on the frontlines, providing crucial community services." The RI Foundation said the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island will use its grant to continue its food and summer learning programs that were expanded amid the coronavirus crisis. They said they will put the money toward food staff salaries, transportation to deliver meals, pantry restocking, grocery needs and hot meals, among other expenses. Since March, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern RI has provided 10,000 meals and groceries to families, elderly residents and others who are food insecure. "Our economically disadvantaged members and their families in Woonsocket and Cumberland are some of the hardest hit by this pandemic," said Gary Rebelo, CEO and president. "Our families are more food insecure than before, and our young members need the club for health, wellness and academic support this summer to overcome the significant impacts of COVID-19." Connecting for Children & Families said it will use its grant to help feed children and families struggling with hunger due to the health emergency. The grant will help restock the food inventory and assist in create a delivery service to frontline workers, seniors, disabled individuals and single-parent households. "Woonsocket was a challenged city even before COVID-19, and as the pandemic has endured, we've had far too many calls from neighbors in crisis unable to leave their homes for the essential supplies they need," said Executive Director Terese Curtin. "It was critically important that we expand our pantry program and include delivery service." With the latest round of grants, the RI Foundation said the COVID-19 Response Fund has awarded nearly $8 million to nonprofits across RI since March 27. Donors have already contributed just over $8.5 million since the crisis began.