8/4/2020

PAWTUCKET Three Pawtucket-based organizations that work with youth and families on education, healthy living and to provide basic supports have been awarded a total of $5,500 in charitable grants by Bank Rhode Island. The organizations are Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, The Empowerment Factory, and YMCA of Pawtucket.

The grants are helping to support both current programming and initiatives set to begin in the fall.

At the YMCA of Pawtucket, funding is supporting the Grab n Go meal program, in which boxes of nonperishable meals are available to local families. With many in the community struggling amid the pandemic, the program has grown to reach some 200 families. Additionally, the grant is helping the Ys efforts to provide personal need and baby items to those in need, along with offering virtual classes.

Junior Achievement of Rhode Island has received funding to deliver financial literacy programs during the upcoming academic year. Programs are developed for both in-person and virtual learning, with students in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Providence and Woonsocket being introduced to the importance of how smart choices about education, career and saving today can lead to a strong financial future.

Blending social-emotional learning with environmental education, The Empowerment Factory is using its grant to deliver its Healthy Living Community Adventure curriculum. The program engages participants in healthy habits through virtual learning, creativity and beautification projects while social distancing.

Nonprofits, especially right now, are a lifeline for our communities in so many ways, and the commitment these organizations have to their Pawtucket neighbors is a perfect example of just that, said Mark Meiklejohn, president and CEO of BankRI.

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BankRI gives $5500 in charitable grants to three Pawtucket organizations - Valley Breeze