Woonsocket nonprofits win COVID-19 relief grants

 

WOONSOCKET, RI [Dec. 28, 2021] – Three Woonsocket nonprofits are among the organizations selected by the Rhode Island Foundation to receive COVID-19 relief grants through the federal CARES Act. The funding covers the cost of housing, behavioral health services, health care, job training, food pantries and child care among other uses.

 

We are getting these grants to the nonprofits that are doing the boots-on-the-ground work that Rhode Islanders have been depending on since the pandemic began. This funding will keep these essential partners going as they continue to respond to the needs of their communities," said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are appreciative of the Governor, legislative leaders and the state’s Congressional delegation for their unfailing dedication to providing the resources that support Rhode Island's safety net in times of crisis."

 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern R.I. received $50,000, Connecting for Children & Families received $40,000 and NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley received $40,000. They are among more than 100 nonprofits statewide that will share the funding. The full list of grant recipients is posted at rifoundation.org/NonprofitSupportII [rifoundation.org].

 

The Rhode Island Nonprofit Support Fund II at the Foundation was established in partnership with Governor Dan McKee through the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office. Statewide, the grants average more than $32,000 and target services or direct assistance that respond to the COVID-19 pandemic impact on vulnerable individuals or communities. 

 

“I am pleased to see these grants go to nonprofits that serve their communities in a number of ways,” said Governor McKee. “I know this funding is invaluable to these organizations that have overcome incredible challenges throughout this pandemic, and I’m grateful that they continue to step up to the plate for Rhode Islanders. I thank the Rhode Island Foundation for partnering with my administration to get these funds into the hands of our nonprofit community quickly.”

 

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $68 million and awarded a record $87 million in grants in 2020. Since its centennial five years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $284 million in grants and has raised more than $328 million. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org [url.emailprotection.link].

 

Nancy Pelsoi will retire from Congress. Pelosi made the announcement in a video this morning. The 85 year old has been in politics for nearly four decades representing her San Francisco-based district. Pelosi served as House Speaker from 2007 to 2011 and 2019 to 2023.        Flights are set to be reduced by ten percent at 40 airports across the country starting tomorrow. It's due to the impact of the government shutdown. The list of airports that will be impacted reportedly includes major travel hubs such as LAX, New York Laguardia, Chicago O'Hare and Phoenix Sky Harbor.        FAA records show the UPS plane that crash and killed at least a dozen people in Louisville recently spent time at a maintenance facility. Maintenance records show a crack in the jet's fuel tank needed a permanent repair. It was grounded in San Antonio from September 3rd until October 18th. The jet crashed on Tuesday while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, causing a massive explosion.        A blast of Arctic air is set to hit the Eastern U.S. this weekend, bringing a deep-freeze to millions. Temperatures are expected to fall from the Dakotas down to Florida, with forecasters saying it will feel more like January than November. That's about 10 to 15 degrees below average.        An Arizona Superior Court judge has resigned after being caught urinating in front of a courthouse last month. Body camera footage appears to show Prescott police approaching Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Kristyne Schaaf-Olson, who was allegedly urinating before officers arrived. As officers arrived, Schaaf-Olson appeared to pull up her pants before quickly sitting on a bench.        The first trailer is being released for the Michael Jackson biopic "Michael." The film stars The King of Pop's nephew Jafaar Jackson and follows his rise to superstardom. The rest of the cast includes Kendrick Sampson, Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, and Nia Long.