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Dolph Johnson, chair of United Way of Rhode Island's board of directors.

Johnson named chair of United Way board

Providence Business News

"Dolph Johnson, executive vice president and chief global human resources officer for Pawtucket-based toymaker Hasbro Inc., was recently named the new chair for United Way of Rhode Island's board of directors."

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Side-by-side photos of Will Gilbert, co-host of The Rhode Show, and Mike Kirkwood, chairperson of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund 2021-2022 Campaign.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund keeps heat on

The Rhode Show

"Mike Kirkwood, Chairperson of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund 2021-2022 Campaign and General Manager and CEO of Pascoag Utility District[,] joined The Rhode Show this morning to talk about... the [help]... this fund provides to RI'ers in need and... seeking energy assistance."

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211 2.0: Forging a new social contract

ConvergenceRI

United Way of Rhode Island’s [president and CEO] Cortney Nicolato lays out plans for 211 2.0, developing a new tool to track how social services are delivered in Rhode Island.

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Cobranded Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and United Way of Rhode Island logos.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Studio 10

"Struggling to power or heat your home this winter? We had Mike Kirkwood of Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund on and he explained how there's help available to ease your mind."

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Featured image for Providence Journal Opinion Logo

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.

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Justin Thomas has made large strides toward building a new life in Rhode Island during and after his time in prison, but he remains saddled with court-related debt that will weigh on him for many years. He is among many people who may benefit from a new program that can reduce fines and fees, but not restitution. David DelPoio/The Providence Journal

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."

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Two Youthbuild Preparatory Academy students sealing a wooden floor. Youthbuild is one of many organizations that make up Rhode Island's nonprofit sector. YOUTHBUILD PREPARATORY ACADEMY

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."

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"Elizabeth took her daughter one Saturday and left her abusive partner of the last 13 years. She finally decided, she said, that it was wrong to have to get permission from him to visit her parents, or to go to the store or the bank. But that was at the end of June, and being on disability with a fixed income of $560 a month, she's now homeless." SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

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."

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Donna Wood lowered her 15 month-old son, Corey, who has severe disabilities, down into his stroller. Wood, Corey, and her older children are all living in a single hotel room in Warwick, R.I. They were evicted from their home in July after the landlord sold the property and are now struggling to avoid homelessness. JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF

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.'"

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Rhode Islanders Can Find Help With Medicare Open Enrollment

United Way of Rhode Island is offering assistance to those age 65 and older and adults with disabilities who need help enrolling in or reviewing their Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 coverage. The current open enrollment period ends on Dec. 7 and is the only time at which individuals can make changes.

Medicare Open Enrollment Events 2023

United Way of Rhode Island is offering free assistance to those age 65 and older and adults with disabilities who need help enrolling in or reviewing their Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for 2024 coverage. In addition to the community events listed here, individuals can find help with Medicare open enrollment by calling the Point at (401) 462-4444.

Statement on Rhode Island Afterschool Network Transition

United Way of Rhode Island is excited to announce that the Rhode Island Afterschool Network (RIAN) will expand its efforts effective October 1, 2023 with Rhode Island Foundation serving as its fiscal sponsor.

Sandra Mazo Appointed to Women United Global Council

The Washington Trust Company… today announced that Sandra Mazo, mortgage loan officer (NMLS # 269909), has been appointed to the Executive Committee for the Women United Global Leadership Council of United Way Worldwide. Women United® represents 55,000 members working with United Way in more than 200 communities across the globe. Sandra was nominated by United Way of Rhode Island.

Nancy Wolanski Hired as Director of Nonprofit Resource Center

United Way of Rhode Island has hired Nancy Wolanski as the inaugural director of the state’s new Nonprofit Resource Center. She assumed the role on Monday, July 31. Most recently, Nancy was executive director of the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island.

Power The Future Career Exploration Event Open to R.I. Students

Planned to be the state’s premier youth and family career exploration and workforce development event, United Way of Rhode Island will host its first annual Power The Future on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The empowering day is open to all local students and their families, at no cost.

United Way Investing $10 Million in Community Programs

With a focus on achieving the goals of its LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island is investing $10 million in the work of community organizations over three years. These latest grants have been awarded from United Way’s Community Impact Fund and received by… 45 local nonprofits.

Power The Future

On Aug. 19, 2023, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, the area’s premier youth and family workforce development and career awareness event will be brought to you by United Way of Rhode Island. It’s called Power The Future. Power The Future will be an annual empowerment event aligned with the 2030 plan of raising incomes, […]

Director Sought for New Statewide Nonprofit Center

A new, first-of-its-kind statewide resource center for Rhode Island nonprofits is becoming a reality. United Way of Rhode Island, which has convened the state’s nonprofit community to establish the center, today announced it has opened the hiring for the center’s inaugural director.

401Gives Sets New Highs Across the Board

401Gives has reached new heights, setting record highs in every way in its fourth year. Powered by United Way, Rhode Island’s premier philanthropic effort to support the state’s nonprofits closed at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 3, having raised more money for more nonprofits than ever — the result of more donors making more gifts than any previous year.

401Gives Returns in Just Two Weeks

Not only has United Way of Rhode Island set the effort’s most ambitious goal yet, aiming to raise $4.01 million. 401Gives also will enjoy its first ever “Weekend Edition” and take over the Ocean State beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 31.

United Way Hosts 11th Children’s Book Drive

United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! From April 1 – May 24, we’re teaming up with Women United and Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.