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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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Thumbnail: Cortney Nicolato of the United Way discusses the proposal for $500 million for affordable housing.

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.'"

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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."

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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."

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Members of Forbes Nonprofit Council offer advice on balancing accountability with empathy in the workplace.

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."

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MolinaCares donates $105K to RI nonprofits

Providence Business News

"United Way of Rhode Island received $50,000 from the MolinaCares Accord for its Nonprofit Innovation Lab, designed to promote innovation within nonprofits to create programs focused on housing, health equity and solutions to racial disparity."

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Students participating in Reading Reaps Rewards examine sea creatures at Save the Bay.

Reading Reaps Rewards celebrates 20 yr.

What's Up Newp

"The Reading Reaps Rewards Summer Learning Initiative welcomed 199 Newport students this summer at three learning sites... Students have daily literacy and math activities taught by certified teachers, engage with peers in learning activities, and enjoy field trips and guest presenters from local partnering organizations."

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Forbes Nonprofit Council members share advice on how nonprofits can entice new talent.

15 Ways Nonprofits Can Entice New Talent

Forbes Nonprofit Council

"As employees… embrace new ways to work, certain industries have suffered a recent labor shortage... To make sense of this shift in hiring practices, a panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members, including United Way of Rhode Island’s president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato, laid out some practices nonprofits can weave into their hiring efforts to entice new talent."

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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.

RI House of Representatives Housing Package

Contact: Michael J. Cerio | michael@ceriocommunications.com | (401) 743-8269 United Way of Rhode Island Statement on RI House of Representatives Housing Package From Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island:  “Progress toward addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis is what our state needs now, and we are grateful to Speaker Shekarchi and the […]

David Cicilline to lead RI Foundation

Today’s announcement that David Cicilline will be the next president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation is good news for all who call the Ocean State home. United Way of Rhode Island has enjoyed a strong, longtime relationship with David, who has been a ferocious advocate for the critical issues our state faces.

Final Pitch Event for Nonprofit Innovation Lab Set for Feb. 1

The stage is set. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the latest Nonprofit Innovation Lab will culminate as 10 Rhode Island organizations make their final pitch for a chance to secure seed funding to help bring their unique program idea to life. The program showcase and pitch night will be held at The Guild in Pawtucket beginning at 5 p.m.

Local Nonprofits Can Register Now to Participate in 401Gives

After a record-breaking year that saw more than 13,000 Rhode Islanders come together to make donations totaling $3.1 million in support of hundreds of local nonprofits, 401Gives is gearing up for a return on April 1 with sights set higher than ever. Nonprofits that wish to participate and raise funds for their work are invited to register now.

Nonprofit Executives Complete United Way Learning Circle

Leaning into an innovative opportunity to better their organizations and… strengthen the ability of the state’s nonprofit sector to serve Rhode Islanders, a group of 11 nonprofit leaders recently completed United Way’s Executive Director Learning Circle… The fellows spent a year in the program, and their achievement was celebrated on Dec. 16 during a gathering at United Way’s Providence office.

BCBSRI Commits $1.5 Million to Expand Impact of 211

As part of an effort to improve the health of all Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island has upgraded the capabilities of its 211 service with a focus on linking health and social care providers around individuals with complex needs. In support of this work… Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has committed $1.5 million in funding.