East Providence nonprofits win grants from Rhode Island Foundation

East Providence, RI -- Two East Providence nonprofits are among nine organizations that will share more than $67,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation.

“Every grant we make underscores our commitment to moving Rhode Island forward. We work closely with our donors and grantees to ensure there are the resources and the resourcefulness to achieve great impact,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

The single largest grant when to the East Bay Community Action Program of East Providence, which received $20,000 to provide better access to comprehensive, integrated primary health care services to low-income, uninsured residents and senior citizens.

“Our Barrington facility does not currently offer on-site primary medical care and thus they are unable to offer a fully integrated spectrum of care to clients being seen at that site. This often results in persons with a variety of behavioral health diagnoses receiving fragmented and sporadic care at best,” said Dennis Roy, president and CEO. “The funding will support embedding primary medical care in this facility; which is key to successfully transitioning to a fully integrated model of care.”

Good Neighbors of Riverside received $4,369 to help support its day shelter, soup kitchen and food pantry. The organization served 21,534 meals in 2016, and provided 1,498 bags of groceries

“Our mission is to provide nourishing, tasty and attractive meals, provide free clothing and hygiene products from donations, provide a comfortable setting where companionship can be fostered and provide opportunities to encourage a spirit of good will in a warm, pleasant environment,” said Wendy Davis, of the organization’s board of directors.

Barrington Tap-In, Bayside Family YMCA, Friends of the Barrington Senior Center, the Women’s Resource Center, Meals on Wheels, Visiting Nurses Services and the VNA of Rhode Island also received grants through the Foundation’s Barrington District Nursing Association Fund.

Incorporated in 1923, the Barrington District Nursing Association ceased operation in 1968, when it merged with a number of smaller agencies to create the East Shore District Nursing Association. In 1989, the board of the former Barrington District Nursing Association voted to turn its assets over to the Foundation and create the fund that bears the organization’s name and continues its mission.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded a record $45 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising, and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.