NEWSROOM
Invest in after-school and summer learning
The Providence Journal
"As Rhode Island’s policymakers allocate [American Rescue Plan Act] funding for education recovery and school districts determine how to spend those funds, it’s crucial that they partner with and fund after-school and summer learning programs," share Roshni Darnal, director of community investments at United Way of Rhode Island, and Maryclaire Knight.
RI opens path to break cycle of court fees
The Providence Journal
"Long after Rhode Islanders serve their time in prison, many are saddled with thousands of dollars in court fees and fines, even as they struggle to rebuild fractured lives... On Thursday, Nov. 18, a first-of-its kind event will take place to help people navigate their way back into society."
R.I. can no longer overlook nonprofit sector
The Boston Globe
"The pandemic has highlighted the essential, irreplaceable roles played by Rhode Island's nonprofit sector. And our state investments and attention to the sector needs to reflect that."
She ran from an abusive relationship. Now she’s homeless
The Boston Globe
"There's women out there that are making the strong, bold, and courageous move to leave their abuser. But then they do, and often are left homeless," said [Cortney] Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO. "We need to be better as a state."
Family struggles to avoid homelessness
The Boston Globe
"'I never thought I'd be in this situation," said Donna Wood, a single working mom. 'But there's nothing in the state that protects anybody in the situation that I'm in [against] homelessness, even with my four children. Even with one who is incredibly disabled.'"
Should R.I. Spend $500M on Housing?
GoLocalProv
"Cortney Nicolato… United Way of Rhode Island['s CEO] and one of the coalition members calling for the spending[,] said... the lack of affordable housing is the most critical issue now facing the state... 'We are proposing $500M of [Rhode Island’s American Rescue Plan Act funds] be utilized for the building [and] maintaining [of] affordable housing here in our state.'"
United Way of R.I. awards $175K in grants
Providence Business News
United Way of Rhode Island has awarded $175K in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations for their work toward creating long-term change in [Providence's] Olneyville neighborhood... The investments were awarded from its Olneyville Community Fund, dedicated to improve services for residents in the neighborhood, enhance public spaces and increase the capacity of community-based organizations."
ARPA a payment on bills long overdue
The Providence Journal
"The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) isn’t unexpected good fortune. It’s a past bill that’s overdue after decades of underfunding our communities," shares United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato. "It’s also an opportunity to get things right and position our state to thrive for generations to come."
Balancing Accountability & Empathy At Work
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"Striking a balance between accountability and empathy is crucial for creating a work environment where employees can thrive... Here, 13 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council, including United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato, share their expert tips on maintaining accountability and empathy in the workplace."
United Way Welcomes New Board Members
“United Way of Rhode Island has appointed a total of 10 community leaders across its board of directors and its Community Advisory Board, while also naming a new board chair. Assuming leadership of the board of directors is Dolph Johnson, EVP, Chief Global Human Resources Officer for Hasbro, Inc.”
Starkweather & Shepley: Annual Celebration Honoree
“Here at United Way of Rhode Island… we take great pride in our role as a convener, bringing community stakeholders together to address our state’s most important issues. And we are tremendously fortunate to have partners that support not only our work, but also our vision for a Rhode Island that is the best it can be.”
Homes RI: Annual Celebration Honoree
“It’s no secret that Rhode Island is in the midst of a housing crisis — one that began prior to COVID-19 and that’s since reached epic proportions over the past 18 months. As it’s estimated the Ocean State is short some 20,000+ units of affordable housing… one group in particular is leading the charge toward flipping the script.”
Linda Katz: Annual Celebration Honoree
“When someone receives an award named in honor of the revered, late U.S. Senator John Chafee as Linda Katz has this week, you know they’re a powerhouse for good. Chafee, who is likely best known for his work in the Senate, was also a Marine, a Secretary of the Navy, and Rhode Island’s 66th Governor.”
George Nee: Annual Celebration Honoree
“It’s been quite the ride for George Nee since he felt inspired to leave Boston College in 1969 to help organize the grape boycott for the United Farm Workers of America in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The decision would kick off a more than 50-year commitment to labor and the rights of workers.”
United Way Invests $175,029 in Olneyville
United Way of Rhode Island has sent a total of $175,029 in grants to 12 nonprofits for their work to create long-term change in the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence. The community investments were awarded from United Way’s special Olneyville Fund and… [support] the Lift United goals of its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
2021 Summer Learning Initiative Recap
“A year after COVID-19 turned summer learning programs upside down, youth in five communities reveled in a full return to engaging, in-person activities this summer — with recommended safety guidelines in place and the support of dozens of partners.”
Women United Invests $124K in OSTL
“Women United… has awarded… $124K in grants to three local organizations in support of increasing access to experiential learning for underserved K-3 students and to expand out-of-school time programs for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) youth.”
Uber, R.I., and 211 Partner for Vaccine Rides
“The partnership supports the State’s goal to vaccinate as many Rhode Islanders as possible by the end of summer by providing free rides to all R.I. vaccine sites for those with limited access to transportation.”
United Way Welcomes New Staff to Leadership Team
Robert Bush, Roshni Darnal, and Rob Hancock to play vital roles in delivering on organization’s LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity in Rhode Island.
7 Leaders Selected for Second-Ever Nonprofit Innovation Lab
Fellows will spend the coming months developing and honing new solutions to pressing social issues, culminating in a “Shark Tank-like” presentation to secure funding to bring their ideas to life.
United Way Kicks Off Children’s Book Drive
“In what’s become one of the state’s largest efforts in support of childhood literacy, United Way of Rhode Island and its Women United group have kicked off their annual Children’s Book Drive. Throughout the month of May, local businesses, community organizations, families and individuals are invited to participate in any one of a number of ways.”