East Prov Boys & Girls Club wins Vax Challenge grant

East Providence, RI – The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence is one of the nonprofits that is sharing $380,000 in grants in the final phases of the RI Gives Vax Challenge. The funding was triggered thanks to the 25,000 Rhode Islanders who got vaccinated since the program was launched in July. More than 81 percent of adult Rhode Islanders are now at least partially vaccinated.

“Right now, we know that every shot counts, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves against the Delta variant and getting students safely back in the classroom,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Thank you to all Rhode Islanders who have stepped up to get vaccinated and supported our local nonprofits through the RI Gives Vax Challenge. This is a powerful example of the community coming together keep each other healthy. If you have not gotten vaccinated yet, it is time.”

The Vax Challenge encouraged Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated by awarding grants to nonprofits that supported the general COVID-19 response and recovery every time another 5,000 people were vaccinated. As a result of hitting the 20,000- and 25,000-vaccination milestones, another 38 nonprofits from across Rhode Island received $10,000 grants in the final phases of the initiative.

“This is just one more example of the remarkable way Rhode Islanders have pitched in over the past 17 months. The funding will enable nonprofits to continue to provide food, housing and health care to people who still are struggling with the impact of the pandemic,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation.

Throughout the pandemic, the Boys & Girls Club has distributed food to children and their families, and has provided free virtual and in-person tutoring, childcare, distance learning support, and both virtual and in-person social and emotional development programs.

“Covid-19 had a profound impact on the youth and families that we serve. In the early days of the crisis, our members were displaced from school, faced food insecurity due to parental job loss and struggled with the mental health issues resulting from isolation,” said Erin Gilliatt, executive director. “Even as the recovery begins, they are continuing to process the trauma of the pandemic while working to get caught up academically and in their emotional development.”

With the final rounds of grants, the Foundation has awarded $750,000 to 75 organizations in partnership with Gov. McKee, the Rhode Island Commerce Department and the Rhode Island Department of Health.

To learn more about vaccinations and to sign up today, visit www.vaccinateri.org