BOARDS
TRULY, UNITING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BOARD MEMBERS ON OUR MISSION
Paola Fernandez
Board Member
SVP, Community Development Officer, Centreville Bank
"Because United Way is about community first, leveraging its resources and partners to do everything possible to advance justice and guide positive change."
Chris Sabitoni
New England Assistant Regional Manager, Laborers' International Union of North America, New England Regional Office
"The mission of this strategic plan aligns with everything that our Union stands for. As in our motto, Justice, Honor & Strength for all individuals."
Board of Directors
Marcela Betancur
Marcela’s early professional career began at the Providence Housing Authority where she helped lead and coordinate special programs and policies for its residents. Later, she went on to serve as the director of homeownership for NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, where she focused on serving first time homebuyers — specifically Latinos, immigrants, and millennials. Marcela worked as a policy associate for the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island where she worked with local and statewide organizations to ensure that policies, laws, and regulations proposed or enacted protected civil and human rights for all Rhode Islanders.
Carolyn Belisle
For over 15 years, Carolyn Belisle has led Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s efforts to leverage philanthropy, employee volunteerism, and strategic partnerships to address critical issues affecting Rhode Islanders’ health. Belisle has served in a leadership capacity on boards including Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island, Big Sisters of Rhode Island, the American Heart Association, and Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island. United Way of Rhode Island honored her in 2013 as a Partner of the Year. She is a member of Providence Business News “40 Under 40” class of 2014.
Chris Budris
As CFO, Chris Budris leads all financial operations of Gilbane Building Company. Chris is a Certified Public Accountant who previously served Gilbane as Midwest Division Controller and most recently as Corporate Controller. He is a leader and team motivator with the ability to identify and solve problems. His 30 years of construction industry includes international operations, business, and finance. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Truman State University.
Michelle Carr
Michelle Carr serves as the Executive Director at Leadership Rhode Island (LRI) where she stewards talent and organizational development, operational excellence, thought leadership, and strategic initiatives.
Previous to LRI, Michelle served as Director of Community Relations at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island where she did community outreach, public engagement, cross-cultural training and policy change.
In 2018 Michelle was awarded the Providence Business News 40 under Forty Award. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Business Studies certificate from Providence College, where she is a Community Faculty Member in the Global Studies Department and Feinstein Center for Community and Public Service.
Charles “Chachi” Carvalho
Chachi serves as the Chief Equity Officer for the City of Pawtucket. Carvalho has done extensive work with the youth community, volunteering as a football coach for over fourteen years at his alma mater Shea High School and serving as a brand ambassador for the Transform Rhode Island scholarships. Similarly, he founded Culture Shock, an annual music festival and community celebration, hosted annually in downtown Pawtucket.
Barbara Chernow
Barbara holds more than 35 years of experience leading administrative operations in education. In her position as the senior executive overseeing most non-academic functions, she led major improvements across financial planning, human resources, internal audit, facilities, transportation, dining, auxiliary services, information technology, and business operations. Barabara is a proud member of Brown’s Class of 1979 where her leadership was instrumental in aligning Brown’s administrative and business infrastructure with its historic commitment to academic excellence. Barbara is now retired from Brown University after more than five years of service at the university.
Rachel Cope
Rachel began her career at KPMG in the U.K. in 1991, where she spent eight years as a Senior Auditor before moving on to new opportunities. She then served as Finance Manager at Freedman Frankl & Taylor, an accounting firm in Manchester, England, for two years. Following that, she joined HBOS Plc as Associate Director and Finance Manager, a role she held for nearly four years.
In 2005, Rachel joined FM in England as Vice President, Finance Director. Her career continued to grow, and in 2017, she relocated to Luxembourg to lead FM’s EMEA Finance department. That same year, Business Insurance magazine recognized her as one of its “2017 Women to Watch.”
In 2019, Rachel moved to the United States to take on the role of Staff Senior Vice President, Finance Controller, at FM’s headquarters in Johnston, RI. She currently serves as Staff Senior Vice President, Head of Financial Planning & Analysis.
Greg Cornett
As President of Rhode Island Energy, Greg leads the largest utility in the Ocean State, serving over 770,000 electric and gas customers. His responsibilities include overseeing legislative and regulatory strategy, external affairs, and local communications while collaborating with affiliates in Pennsylvania and Kentucky to develop the utilities of the future. With over 25 years of industry experience, he applies a strategic and collaborative approach to problem-solving. His efforts are centered on helping Rhode Island achieve its climate goals while ensuring affordable and reliable service for customers.
Joanne Daly
Joanne is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, she has over 25 years of combined CPA (currently not practicing) and wealth planning experience with a M.S. in Taxation from Bryant University. She is a past President of the American Society of Women Accountants (RI Chapter), past Chair of the Financial Literacy and Planning committee for the Rhode Island Society of CPAs, and current member of the South County Health Foundation (Hospital) board, as well as past investment committee member.
In addition, Joanne is a frequent guest speaker on financial empowerment for women and has presented at Bryant University Women Summit, AWE Leading Women, and appeared on Patricia Raskin’s Positive Living Radio Show.
Jayne Donegan
Jayne Donegan is Senior Executive Counsel at Textron where she is lead attorney for SEC reporting and compliance, as well as corporate transactions and corporate governance matters. Prior to Textron, Jayne worked at Brown Rudnick for fourteen years where she counselled public and private corporations in a variety of major transactional matters. Jayne holds a Doctor of Law (JD) degree from the University of California at Berkely.
Paola Fernandez
Paola is a multi-talented professional with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, government relations, and financial sector. She is recognized as a strong leader that is culturally sensitive and drives results in a collaborative and inclusive manner. Prior to working at Centreville Bank, Paola worked at Pawtucket Credit Union as AVP, Community Development, and United Way of Rhode Island as Director for Public Policy and Government Relations for sixteen years.
In her current role at Centreville Bank as their SVP, Community Development Officer, Paola helps develop, launch, and manage the bank’s community brand identity and regional expansion across Rhode Island and Connecticut. Similarly, she drives strategic philanthropic initiatives, oversees the Charitable Foundation’s long-term priorities, and leads Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
Courtney Hawkins
Courtney Hawkins currently serves as the City of Providence’s Chief Policy Officer where she oversees Providence Talks, the city’s sustainability program, Healthy Communities Office, workforce development programs, partnerships, education policy and serves as senior advisor to the mayor.
A Rhode Island native, Hawkins, has served as Executive Director of Providence Talks, a first of its kind early childhood intervention program designed to close the ‘thirty-million-word gap’ on a citywide scale, since May 2015. She previously served as Senior Vice-President at FEGS Health & Human Services, a New York City based human services agency, where she oversaw programs serving more than 25,000 people annually in the areas of youth development, education, foster care, welfare to work, workforce development and immigration assistance.
Hawkins received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. She brings extensive experience in the implementation of high quality programs for youth and families while working with major partners and stakeholders.
Kate Kishfy
Kate is a highly skilled attorney whose practice focuses on trusts and estates. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of services, including estate planning, estate and trust administration, estate and gift tax planning, wealth and business transfer planning, and charitable gift planning. Kate is dedicated to drafting estate plans tailored to her clients' specific wealth transfer goals while efficiently minimizing tax liabilities.
Her proficiency extends to probate and trust administration, where she has substantial experience in representing fiduciaries in estate and trust settlements. Kate's practice covers a broad geographical scope; serving clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida.
Before founding Sylvia & Kishfy, LLC Kate practiced as a solo practitioner at Kishfy Law, LLC. Prior to that, Kate was a partner in the Trusts & Estates Group at Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, LLP. She has also held many prestigious positions, including Clerk to Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and internships with various federal and state court judges. Her experience is further enhanced by her involvement in staff and volunteer roles with non-profit organizations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Paige Parks
Paige Parks is Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. From 2019-2022, Paige served as Rhode Island KIDS COUNT’s Senior Policy Analyst responsible for policy analysis, advocacy, and project management in areas related to education and economic well-being. Prior to joining Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Paige served as Director of Advancement and Assistant Director for Books Are Wings, and Network Director for the Youth 4 Change Alliance/ Youth In Action.
Paige serves on many boards, coalitions, and advisory groups including serving on the Board of Directors for the Partnership for America’s Children and the United Way of Rhode Island. Paige co-chairs the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Rhode Island Works Advisory Committee, co-leader of the Raising RI Coalition, and serves on the Advisory Board for the Rhode Island Afterschool Network.
Yahiara “Jay” Placencia
Yahaira (Jay) Placencia is a Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in Providence, Rhode Island. For over two decades, she has been passionate about addressing the needs of business owners, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations.
Since joining Bank of America’s business banking division in 2000, Jay has held various roles, including senior client manager. Her responsibilities included oversight of key commercial client relationships and development of strategies to support for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She joined Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust) in 2014. Jay began her career in banking in 1993 working for a local non-traditional lender. She earned her B.B.A. from the University of Rhode Island, while working full-time.
Gregg Perry
Gregg Perry is a seasoned communicator who brings creative thinking, legal sensitivity and a unique perspective to clients who are facing reputation challenges. With more than 30-years’ experience Perry serves as a trusted advisor to Fortune 1000 companies; law firms; school districts; universities, leading non-profits and small businesses. Perry helps companies build, enhance and protect their reputation and brand. He offers extensive experience in media relations, strategic planning, message development, and crisis litigation and marketing communications. His background is firmly rooted in lessons learned during a career that began in journalism, was followed by years with a state attorney general and US Congressman, and continued with some of the leading communications firms in New England and Washington, D.C.
Currently, Perry serves as a Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Rhode Island, and on the Board of Directors of Rhode Island Kids Count. Previously he served for six years on the Executive Board of the Alumni Association of the University of Rhode Island, where he received a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science.
Andréa V. Ray
As the Director of Belonging and Equity at Brown University Health, Andréa brings extensive experience in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives. Her leadership is evident through her support of key JEDI projects, including the Equity Challenge, and her strategic investment in the Community Impact Fund at the leadership level. Since April 2020, she has been an active member of the Community Impact Committee and also serves on the boards of the Diversity and Inclusion Professionals (DAIP) and West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation.
Andréa’s career includes leadership roles in organizational development, human resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to her current position, she served as Director of Organizational Development & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner for MinuteClinic at CVS Health, and as a Senior Human Resources Associate at Boston Scientific.
Sean Rogers
Sean Edmund Rogers is Dean of the URI College of Business and the Alfred J. Verrecchia-Hasbro Inc. Leadership Chair in Business. He is also a Professor of Management. Prior to being named Dean, he served as URI’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Community, Equity, and Diversity.
Before joining URI, he held faculty appointments at Cornell University, New Mexico State University, and University of New Mexico. His current research interests include unions and labor-management relations, employment discrimination and workplace diversity, and volunteerism. He earned a Ph.D. in industrial relations and human resources from Rutgers University and master’s degrees from Wake Forest School of Law, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) as well as a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Sean currently serves as a Medical Service Corps (healthcare administration) officer in the US Air Force Reserve.
Ramona Royal
Ramona Royal is an assistant vice president in the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and is responsible for assisting in setting the strategic direction for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programming. In this role, she will serve as the lead liaison to the Bank’s employee resource groups, provide guidance to the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group (DIWG), and develop training for the Bank. She will also work closely with Human Resources to support diverse talent management initiatives.
Prior to joining the Bank, Ramona worked at Amica Mutual Insurance Company where she served as the Talent Management and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer responsible for developing talent management and diversity and inclusion strategies across the organization. Throughout her career, Ramona has been recognized for making meaningful advancements and identifying formal and informal barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ramona is a founding member of Diversity & Inclusion Professionals in Rhode Island, was honored by RICJ at the Justice Awards Gala at the Rhode Island State House in 2019, and in March, she received the Individual Property and Casualty Diversity and Inclusion award from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
Ramona holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in liberal arts from Harvard University. She also holds certificates from Harvard University in strategic management and organizational behavior.
Chris Sabitoni
Christopher Sabitoni is the Assistant Regional Manager and General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) New England (Local Union 271).
Rena Sheehan
As the Vice President Clinical Strategy and Implementation at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Rena leads initiatives to support Health Equity with a focus on maternal health, opioid overdose and childhood obesity. She also oversees quality, population health and behavioral health ensuring members have access to high quality services. Prior to joining Neighborhood, Rena worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), where she developed and championed the organization’s youth behavioral health strategy to improve access to care. She also led the development and implementation of BCBSRI’s Duals Special Needs care management program, insourcing behavioral health services, and designing behavioral health alternative payment models. As a community mental health leader, she championed clinical teams by integrating primary care within behavioral health, implementing open access, and transitioning to the Medicaid health home model. Rena is deeply committed to improving the healthcare system for vulnerable populations
Suresh Swaminathan
Suresh Swaminathan joined Teknor Apex as a process engineer in 1987 after receiving his MSc degree in polymer engineering from the University of Akron. Subsequently he served as a technical manager, then as a plant manager, before taking on business development responsibilities for the company’s TPE products. Eventually he took charge of the TPE business and was instrumental in making it a global enterprise, playing key roles in three acquisitions. Suresh currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer where he continues to oversee the TPE and color businesses while supervising all operations in Europe and Asia.
Community Advisory Board
Rena Sheehan (Co-Chair), VP Clinical Stategy and Implementation, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Yahaira "Jay" Placencia (Co-Chair), SVP, Private Client Advisor, Bank of America Private Bank
Jillian Balzano, AVP, Community & Public Relations, The Washington Trust Company
Denise Barge, Principal, Barge & Associates, LLC
Sandra Cano, New England Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Liz Catucci, President & CEO, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
Patrick Crowley, President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO
Rilwan Feyisitan, President & CEO, Eastbay Community Action Program
Lisa Guillette, Executive Director, Foster Forward
Robert Hughes, CEO (Retired), Missouri Foundation for Health
Linda Lulli, Strategic HR Executive (Retired), Self-employed
Kelly Nevins, CEO, Women's Fund of Rhode Island
Ray Nuñez, Co-Founder, The People's Agency
Dorca Paulino- Smalley, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, University of Rhode Island
Kelly Ramirez, Director, Ryan Incubator, Providence College
Lisa Ranglin, President & CEO, RIBBA- Rhode Island Black Business Association
JJ Silvia
Kerci Marcello Stroud, Executive Vice President & Education Practice Partner, The Perry Group
Edward Tavarez
Juan Wilson, CEO & Founder, The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc
Kasim Yarn, Director of the RI Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Affairs for Rhode Island
Nina Pande, Executive Director, Skills for Rhode Island's Future
Diana Capellan, Operations Manager, The Capellan Group
Frank Flynn
Weayonnoh Nelson Davies, Executive Director, Economic Progress Institute
Melissa Sanzaro, Executive Director, Providence Housing Authority
Mary Jo Callan, Vice President for Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Swearer Center for Public Service, Brown University
Iain Bamford, Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Rev. Patrick Faulhaber, Senior Pastor, Central Congregational Church
Jennifer Hawkins, Founder, Farnum Associates, LLC
Omar Reyes, Director of Adult Programs and Student Success, Rhode island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
Helena Moronta, First Vice President Community Development, Diversity Equity Inclusion Officer, BayCoast Bank
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive.
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
Signing of Minimum Wage Bill is a Win for Rhode Island Workers and a Step Forward for the Ocean State
Earlier today, Monday, August 4, United Way of Rhode Island had the honor and the privilege to be represented at the ceremonial signing of the legislation that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour by 2027,
Lawyers’ Committee for RI seeks Volunteer Attorneys to help Nonprofits Navigate the Evolving Regulatory and Funding Landscapes
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island
United Way Gearing up for “Back to School Celebration of RI”
Event on August 23, Volunteers Needed to Help
Free Backpacks and School Supplies : beloved annual event expected to draw 1,000+ children and their families to the organization’s Valley Street headquarters for a day of community & fun
Providence, R.I. (August 11, 2025) – As children across Rhode Island prepare to return to the classroom, United Way wants to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed and is looking to the community to lend a helping hand.
On Saturday, August 23, United Way’s 50 Valley Street headquarters in Providence will be one of 12 “Back to School Celebration of RI” sites across the state distributing free backpacks full of school supplies to students. The sprawling community event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is expected to draw 1,000+ children and their families, and volunteers are needed for various roles.
Among the volunteer opportunities are:
• Family Registration: greet guests, manage entrance line, and provide “Backpack Passport”
• Vendor Registration: welcome exhibitors and provide table signs
• Backpack Distribution: collect stamped passports and distribute one backpack per child
• Food Area Support: help distribute food, water, and snacks
• Children’s Play Area: supervise play zones and encourage safe play
• Book + Supplies Table: organize books and school supplies for children to choose from
Those interested in volunteering may sign up online or by emailing Jennifer Remmes at jennifer.remmes@unitedwayri.org. Volunteers must be aged 13 or older and accompanied by an adult, and available to arrive prior to the start of the event.
In addition to the backpack and school supplies giveaways, United Way’s “Back to School Celebration” event will feature entertainment, food, music, and a robust assortment of social service partners.
Attending families are encouraged to visit the partners’ stations to learn about available community resources such as utilities assistance, SNAP benefits, education and workforce opportunities, afterschool programs, 211, and more. There also will be a dedicated area with kids activities, including coloring, face-painting, hula hoop, and other fun treats.
50 Valley Street. Providence, Rhode Island 02909 | (401) 444-0600 | unitedwayri.org“We could not be more excited to once again host this incredible event at United Way – it’s all about ensuring every child starts the school year not only with the supplies they need, but with the confidence that their entire community stands behind them,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of RI. “As we celebrate the start of a new school year, we’re also reaffirming our deep commitment to building stronger, more resilient families across Rhode Island, because when families thrive, our entire community thrives.