Kindness spreads throughout the East Bay

The East Bay Prevention Coalition recently celebrated World Kindness Week with activities in each community that brought smiles and more to many residents and businesses.

In East Providence, Bristol, and Barrington 650 free balloons were distributed with notes such as “kindness matters” and information about free mental health awareness trainings. The Warren Prevention Coalition worked with their youth to distribute 160 meals to older adults in their homes. People in stores, municipal offices, schools, and facilities weren’t the only ones whose moods were lightened by the annual event. Coalition members, including youth from the East Bay Youth Council, experienced immense joy as the balloon and meal givers. The East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC) met a mother of a young child with special needs who was currently in need of housing whose life was changed for the better when her son received a balloon. Through this event, the EPPC partnered with the East Providence Health Equity Zone, East Bay Community Action Program, East Bay Recovery Center, and RI Coalition for the Homeless to link this family to resources to obtain stable housing and access food assistance.

Members of the Bristol Prevention coalition said of the event, “We visited local businesses such as Borealis Coffee and places like the Veteran’s Home where we were greeted with such joy by staff, customers, and residents alike. Who knew a balloon could mean so much?” Denise Alves, coordinator of the Barrington Prevention Coalition (The BAY Team) said, “We so enjoyed watching people’s faces light up when presented with a balloon that we, in turn, were elevated. What a great multi-generational experience!” Businesses asked if balloons could be left with them so they could hand them out to customers.

It takes only a simple act to make a difference in someone’s life. To learn more about mental health awareness trainings for community members or organizations, please visit East Bay Mental Health Awareness Training www.eastbaymhat.com.  Want to get involved with YOUR local coalition? Please visit East Bay – Rhode Island Regional Prevention Coalitions www.riprevention.org. 

About the East Bay Regional Coalition: The East Bay Regional Coalition is one of seven community coalitions funded by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. It is comprised of members from municipal prevention coalitions and other community stakeholders from Barrington, Bristol, East Providence, and Warren. The Coalition views prevention through a broad lens that accounts for similarities and differences between cities and towns, incorporates health promotion and substance misuse prevention strategies across the lifespan, and coordinates media and events that endeavor to increase collaboration and sustain prevention activities across the region. Contact us at 401-247-1900 or at www.riprevention.org