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Women United Award
This award recognizes a woman who through her selfless dedication to increasing childhood literacy in Rhode Island, and the generous contribution of her time, talent, and treasure, has empowered young minds, fostered a love of reading, and opened doors to brighter futures. Her efforts not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen the community. The recipient of this year’s award is Nancy Serpa. 

Nancy is the co-chair of the Women United Executive Committee. She joined the group in 2015 and has been an active member of the Community Engagement Committee since its inception. She has facilitated the Women United “Young Minds in Motion” afterschool program at local libraries and clubs. She has also organized community partner learning series events, served as a skills-based volunteer mentor, and advocated for afterschool and summer learning programs.

Nancy has always been a dedicated ambassador for United Way’s annual Children’s Book Drive, and she currently serves as the Board Chair of Books Are Wings. She has also served on the United Way’s Community Advisory Board.

Dante F. Mollo Award

The partnership between organized labor and United Way of Rhode Island has lasted over seven decades. The Dante F. Mollo Labor United Award recognizes a leader who has provided exceptional dedication to our community. This year’s awardee is Frank J. Flynn. 

Francis J. “Frank” Flynn has been an AFT vice president since 2011. Flynn had been the president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals since 2010. Prior to that, he served as president of the Cranston Teachers’ Alliance, Local 1704, for eight years. Flynn began his career in 1977 as a special education teacher. His 34-year career included working at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He was involved in developing and implementing several highly effective inclusion models to better serve the special needs student population in Cranston. Over the years, Frank served as negotiations chair, grievance chair, vice president, and president. During his tenure, he was instrumental in negotiating such education reforms as a professional development institute, a new teacher mentor program, and a teacher evaluation model.  Flynn previously served on the AFT Teachers program and policy council. He currently chairs the AFT Legal Defense Fund; and serves on the AFT Constitutional Amendments and Convention Committee as well as other committees in the leadership of AFT, as well numerous educational, labor, and civic boards and committees. He sits on the executive committee of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Working Rhode Island, and the Providence Central Labor Committee. He chairs the state’s Certification Policy Advisory Board and is a board member of the Occupational and Environmental Health Center of Rhode Island.

Tocqueville United Award

This award is given to outstanding people whose values and commitment reflect the United Way of Rhode Island’s mission, and whose extraordinary concern, foresight and dedication inspire and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. This year’s recipients are Frances and Peter Trafton. 

Frances and Peter met while they were both studying in Boston. After Frances graduated from Boston University and Peter from Harvard Medical School, they moved to San Francisco for Peter’s surgical training. Following a couple of years at an Army hospital in Alaska, Peter joined the UC San Francisco faculty at San Francisco General Hospital. Frances soon retired from teaching grade school. In 1984 they moved to Providence and Peter joined Brown University’s Orthopedic Surgery Department at RI Hospital, where he worked for 20 years, until he stepped back to focus on international education with the AO Foundation and Health Volunteers Overseas, eventually becoming Emeritus Professor of Orthopedics at the Alpert Medical School in 2015.

Frances had the primary role in raising their three children, while Peter had long shifts at the hospital. Despite this, Frances found time for singing, tennis, debate club, and leadership and volunteering roles at the Gordon School.

Peter and Frances are impressed by United Way of Rhode Island’s focus on identifying needs and opportunities for improvement in their communities, and they have given regularly through United Way. They devote much of their time and energy to helping Rhode Island achieve a just and equitable transition to renewable energy and a resilient, joyfully livable environment for all Rhode Islanders. 

Community United Award 

This award honors the collective impact needed to make progress in our state, and illustrates the power of the many to address key issues. This year’s awardee is the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation. 

This delegation is a dedicated assembly of individuals who are approachable, present, and always fighting to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. They are true strategic partners to the United Way, and have worked with us over the years to reduce the barriers that Rhode Islanders often face when seeking stability, health, and prosperity. This past year, they partially funded the 211 and the Point call centers.    

At the national level the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation has led the charge on encouraging the Bureau of Labor Statistics to release nonprofit employment data on a quarterly basis, just like every other employment sector does. This allows us to understand the sector’s landscape in real time as it changes, and to react in a timely manner when necessary.

Top Corporate Partners

Each year, about 70% of the funds we raise come from our Corporate Partners Workplace Campaigns. These companies have shown a consistent and generous commitment to the United Way and to Workplace Giving. Many of them have been United In Action with us for decades, and some of them for close to a century. The funds these companies help us raise truly help us move the needle towards a more equitable community.

These partnerships extend beyond financial support. Our Top Corporate Partners all run impactful employee giving campaigns, and support other United Way initiatives like 401 Gives. In addition, they engage deeply with the community through our volunteering programs and other initiatives like VITA.

Dawn Apajee exemplifies a dedication to strengthening Rhode Island’s workforce and community. As a new member of Women United at United Way of Rhode Island, Dawn blends her professional skills with a passion for community impact through philanthropy. Her recent accomplishment as a graduate of the 2024 Upsilon II Class of Leadership Rhode Island underscores her dedication to personal growth and social responsibility. For Dawn, being part of Women United is more than participation—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders.

The First Connection: How Did You Become Aware of United Way’s Impact?

The first time I truly understood the impact of United Way of Rhode Island was through a mentor who’s been an incredible influence in my professional career. She had volunteered with United Way for years, and whenever we’d talk, she’d share stories of the people she met, the impactful work she did, and the resilience she saw across the community.

One story she told me has stayed with me—a single mother who lost her job unexpectedly and was struggling. United Way was there with resources that could assist with her rent, childcare, and career training, which helped her secure a new job. Hearing how United Way stepped in at her lowest point made me realize you’re not just providing resources; you’re giving people hope and a way forward.

When I connected with United Way of RI, and attending an event in the spring about our education mission, I understood what my mentor had shared—United Way is a network of people lifting each other up. It’s not just an organization; it’s a true community.

Dawn’s “Why” and Why United Way?

For me, giving back isn’t just a part of my work—it’s something I’m deeply passionate about on a personal level. Growing up in a family with limited resources, I understand the importance of support and opportunity. As a small business owner in Rhode Island, I witness the challenges people face every day, from finding stable employment to building better futures for their families.

City Personnel’s mission is to connect people with meaningful opportunities, and United Way’s mission aligns beautifully with that. Your work addresses urgent issues like economic hardship, educational inequity, and access to healthcare. These are issues that impact everyone, directly or indirectly, and supporting United Way allows me to contribute to tackling these barriers head-on. 

My ‘why’ is simple: I want to see people in our community succeed, no matter their circumstances, and United Way is making that vision a reality. Knowing I’m part of your efforts is incredibly fulfilling.

A Call to Action: The Power of Volunteering

I’d encourage anyone who’s considering it to take that first step. It’s amazing how much one person can impact the lives of others through United Way. You have this incredible way of turning each volunteer’s time, expertise, or resources into real, measurable change. And it’s not just about what you give; it’s about what you gain. You get to connect with others who are equally passionate about making a difference, and you get to see the tangible results of your involvement. Getting involved with United Way is one of those experiences that stays with you. You’ll be surprised at how much your time and efforts mean to those who are on the receiving end, and you’ll come away with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

If you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it—
United Way provides an incredibly supportive space to do something truly impactful for our community. 

Lift United: Supporting the Nonprofit Workforce

Nonprofits employ nearly 1 in 5 Rhode Island private sector workers, many of whom lack access to retirement benefits. To address this, the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact led advocacy for the Secure Choice Retirement Savings Plan Act. This program will offer a public retirement savings plan to small businesses and nonprofits at no cost, helping close the retirement savings gap and reduce economic vulnerability for nonprofit employees.

Advocate United: 211

Advocating for 211 at multiple government levels has been instrumental in addressing equity gaps statewide. Our success in securing a $200,000 state investment underscores the importance of 211 data in educating policymakers and guiding equity-focused initiatives, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.

Advocate United:
Civic Engagement

Ahead of the 2024 elections, we advocated for legislation that improves voter access, such as Non-Affiliated Party Voters in Primaries and the Mail Ballot Signatures and Deadlines reform, which eliminates outdated requirements, making voting more accessible for all Rhode Islanders.

Invest United:
Affordable Housing

Addressing Rhode Island’s affordable housing crisis is a priority for United Way. We advanced legislation reducing barriers to housing development, including Electronic Permitting for Development Applications and Zoning Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units. 

We championed the Utility Termination Moratorium Extension, which prevents shutoffs for essential services, supporting housing stability for vulnerable Rhode Islanders. We also partnered with the Family Caregiver Alliance on After Death of a Lessee legislation, providing security to families facing sudden financial instability after the loss of a leaseholder.

Lift United:
Economic Empowerment

United Way supports economic empowerment policies that drive small business growth and benefit minority-owned enterprises. In partnership with the Workforce Alliance, we advocated for enhancements to the RI Works Program, boosting cash benefits to enable completion of workforce training. We also advocated for increased Summer EBT Program funding, addressing seasonal food insecurity among families.

Our commitment to affordable childcare remains strong. Through the Summer Learning Initiative and efforts to expand eligibility in the Child Care Assistance Program, we’re advancing initiatives that empower families to secure family-sustaining employment.

Advocate United:
Racial and Social Justice

We achieved significant progress toward social justice, securing enhanced protections for crime victims, increased funding for domestic violence prevention, and simplified access to compensation for survivors of sexual crimes. The Crime Victim Compensation Program Modifications, developed with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, allow survivors to use funds for home modifications, helping prevent repeat violence. Streamlined access to compensation ensures that survivors receive timely support as they rebuild their lives.

Achieve United:
Equitable Education

We championed expanded access to higher education through Foster Youth Scholarship, Rhode Island Promise, and Hope Scholarship programs, removing financial barriers for vulnerable youth. Additionally, we supported increased Multilingual Education funding and codification of the Early Childcare Workforce Registry, ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to quality education, from early learning to higher education.

These legislative achievements underscore United Way of Rhode Island’s commitment to building a just, equitable, and thriving community for all. Through steadfast advocacy, we continue to drive transformative change across the state, ensuring every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to live a safe, healthy, and prosperous life.

Gifts to United Way of Rhode Island power the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This is a nationwide initiative supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which trains and certifies volunteers to provide free tax preparation services to low and medium-income individuals. Many seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency use this program. VITA services are often hosted by community organizations in accessible and comfortable locations. United Way of Rhode Island partners with VITA to manage and deliver these services in 23 sites across Rhode Island. 

Tax preparation can cost between $100 - $300 for the typical VITA user, which can be used instead to pay for other essential needs like rent, groceries, or healthcare.

United Way of Rhode Island’s investment of $300,000 in the VITA initiative returns $76 for each dollar invested.

In addition to tax preparation, United Way partner Progreso Latino is certified to assist individuals in applying for an ITIN, or individual tax identification number, a requirement to obtain a drivers’ privilege card or identification privilege card. 

The site at the Center for Southeast Asians helped a taxpayer who was about to get evicted from his apartment as his rent was past due. He had not filed taxes in seven years and had no supporting paperwork. VITA created an IRS online account and helped him request his transcripts from the State Division of Taxation. Even though two years of tax returns were withheld because he filed late, he was able to deposit about $10,000 in his bank account from his refund and stimulus and was able to stay in his apartment.

VITA volunteers can identify and help claim important tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC), which can add thousands to a family’s refund.  VITA’s guidance ensures they receive the maximum and most accurate refund possible, while minimizing audits. A volunteer at Jonnycake Center for Hope (JCH) identified an error in a client’s prior year return, and filed an amendment with a substantial refund for the taxpayer.