August 3, 2023
Mayor Brett P. Smiley today announced West End Community Center, Youth Moving Forward, Center for Southeast Asians, Community Action Partnership of Providence County, McAuley Ministries and Federal Hill House as the grantees for the Building Resilience in Non-Profits Serving Underserved Providence Communities grants. These grants were created to increase resiliency and improve infrastructure amongst community organizations to help improve their ability to administer programs and services during future emergencies.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging in a number of ways, we saw how our local organizations were creative and stepped in to continuously serve the residents of Providence,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “These grants are a long-term investment that will help prepare our community organizations become more resilient in future disasters and ensure residents can still have access to quality services.”
In March 2023 the City of Providence advertised a $300,000 request for proposals (RFP) through the American Rescue Plan Act. Nonprofit organizations were asked to submit proposals outlining projects that would help them become more resilient during a future public health, economic or natural tragedy.
“The Community Action Partnership of Providence County is proud to partner with the City of Providence to help implement support programs in neighborhoods that have increased disaster susceptibility or high social vulnerability,” said President & CEO of The Community Action Partnership of Providence County David Banno. “Our Agency will use these funds to achieve long-term solutions aimed at eliminating food insecurity during times of crisis – particularly for children, seniors, and disabled adults.”
These grants will primarily be invested in infrastructure improvements so that these organizations can continue providing shelter, goods through food pantries, employment opportunities through job training and key social services including behavioral health services.
“Youth Moving Forward recognizes the importance of building supportive relationships in a young person’s life. We strive to equip the community with the academic knowledge, resources, and skills to excel,” said Darnell Albury Executive Director of Youth Moving Forward. “That is why, we are excited to partner with the City of Providence to enhance and reinforce our drop-in center’s infrastructure. This grant funding will better prepare us to serve the community during a future emergency.”
With this award, the City of Providence has invested $25 million into local organizations that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while providing for underserved communities.