'There is need everywhere': Foundation is trying to help Rhode Islanders with $89 millio

The Rhode Island Foundation awarded a record $89 million in grants last year, a reflection of the tremendous need in the state and 'the extraordinary generosity of Rhode Islanders.'

Jack Perry

Providence Journal

PROVIDENCE − The Rhode Island Foundation awarded a record $89 million in grants last year, a reflection of the tremendous need in the state and "the extraordinary generosity of Rhode Islanders," said David N. Cicilline, the agency's president and chief executive officer.

Among the roughly 2,500 nonprofit organizations receiving grants last year was Westbay Community Action, a charitable organization that helps residents of Kent County with food, housing, utilities and other needs.

Westbay's CEO and President Paul Salera, who has worked for the agency since 2003, says the need now is greater than he's ever seen as people struggle to pay bills, their paychecks battered by inflation.

"I can honestly say since the pandemic there's been a huge increase in basic needs across Kent County," Salera said. "People are living paycheck to paycheck."

The $150,000 grant helped Westbay stock its food pantry, which is open five days a week, and also helped pay housing costs for people who'd fallen behind.

Addressing immediate needs and finding long-term solutions

Cicilline said the Rhode Island Foundation helps Rhode Islanders in immediate need with problems like paying for food or rent and also addresses long-term solutions by providing access to education and training.

"We have to do both," Cicilline said in a telephone interview.

Started in 1916, the foundation identifies itself as "the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island." At the end of 2023, the foundation's total assets were about $1.4 billion. Total fund investment return for the year was 14.2%. The foundation raised $46 million in gifts last year. 

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The foundation's previous record award was $87 million in 2020. Last year, it awarded $84 million in grants.

The foundation said many of the grants fit the organization's three strategic priorities: educational success, healthy lives and economic security. "Aid brought relief to Rhode Islanders coping with hunger, surging housing prices and rising behavioral health problems," the foundation said.

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Cicilline said, “Together with determined nonprofit partners and key community stakeholders, our work helped reduce achievement gaps in education, addressed health disparities across diverse populations and boosted true economic opportunity for all Rhode Islanders."

About two-thirds of the grants were directed by the foundation’s donors; only about a third of the grants can be made at the sole discretion of the foundation.

Teaching job skills in key areas of the workforce

The Genesis Center in Providence received a $150,000 grant to support its workforce training programs for medical assistants, dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, certified nursing assistants and culinary workers.

Started in 1982 to assist refugees from Southeast Asia with English and life skills, the Genesis Center has expanded its services over the years and now works with immigrants from 40 countries, as well as native Rhode Islanders, according to Shannon Carroll, executive director.

The agency works with employers to ensure they're providing the right training and their students are prepared for fields that need employees, Carroll said.

"We've really expanded and part of that expansion has been responding to community needs," Carroll said.

"These are jobs that are critical to our functioning society," she said.

Carroll said that many of the students are adults in their late 20s to early 40s who can receive training for free or for much less than the thousands it would cost in other settings.

Posted on March 13, 2024 .

Reed Delivers $263,000 Boost for Genesis Center to Expand Health Care Workforce Training Programs

PROVIDENCE, RI – As more Rhode Islanders seek out opportunities to gain in-demand skills to enter the workforce, the Genesis Center (GC) in Providence is stepping up to expand and enhance their health care workforce training programs. 

In an effort to prepare more health care professionals to enter the workforce in Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined GC President & CEO, Shannon Carroll and students actively enrolled in GC’s health care training programs to deliver a $263,000 federal earmark to boost training for certified nursing assistants (CNA), medical assistants, dental assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other entry-level health care professionals. 

“The Genesis Center does outstanding work helping people on their path to becoming American citizens and preparing them to enter the workforce with skills that meet the needs of employers. Our nation faces a shortage of health care professionals, and Rhode Island is grappling with similar challenges. This federal funding will help Genesis Center prepare more nurses, more assistants and techs to become key members of Rhode Island’s health care workforce,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “I was proud to secure this earmark to support Genesis Center in offering more classes and expanded opportunities for students to get hands-on experience and to learn from experienced health care professionals.” 

Senator Reed secured this federal earmark in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations law. The funding will support GC in expanding the capacity of their workforce development programs by acquiring new clinical equipment, upgrading technology infrastructure, and adapting programs to provide new opportunities for even more Rhode Islanders.

“We are so grateful to be receiving this funding that signals a recognition that community members who traditionally lacked access to career opportunities have the cultural and linguistic competencies, skills, and motivation to add tremendous value to a critical segment of our workforce, specifically the care economy,” said Shannon Carroll, President & CEO of Genesis Center.

With the success and popularity of GC’s various adult education programs, the organization has seen growing demand from people across Rhode Island who are looking to gain new skills and enter the workforce ready to meet the needs of employers. 

This funding will allow GC to modify and improve classroom space to mimic clinical settings and provide hands-on learning spaces that better prepare students for the realities of their future work spaces. Furthermore, tech upgrades will include the purchase of a new server, WiFi hotspots, and laptops for both student and staff use to allow for more hybrid class formats and expand GC’s reach across the state.

Reed is a leading champion in the U.S. Senate in strengthening effective adult education programs that help Americans gain new skills and pursue new careers in high-demand fields, like health care. He is the author of the bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act and the Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act, which would improve on adult education programs and ensure more Americans can access opportunities that help unlock in-demand skills and jobs. 

Since 1982, Genesis Center, a community-based organization in South Providence, has been providing essential educational, occupational, and supportive services to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable adults and children.

Rhode Islanders who want to learn more or apply for Genesis Center’s health care workforce training programs can visit: www.gencenter.org/job-training or call 401-781-6110. 

Posted on March 13, 2024 .

Reed & Whitehouse Announce $250,000 Citizenship & Integration Grant for Genesis Center

PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to assist immigrants on their path to citizenship, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that Genesis Center is receiving a $250,000 federal grant from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Office of Citizenship. 

The federal funds will expand Genesis Center’s citizenship preparation services available to lawful permanent residents and those with a pathway to lawful permanent residency.

Based in Providence, Genesis Center is a multi-service organization offering a full range of services to immigrants, refugees and low-income families.  Founded in 1982, Genesis Center now serves over 1,000 students annually from nearly 40 countries. Genesis offers day and evening adult education classes at its facility and offsite at local businesses.  Classes are designed to fit the changing needs of motivated adult learners.

“The Genesis Center does outstanding work helping people on their path to becoming American citizens.  This federal funding will help the Genesis Center continue their important mission and promote prospective citizens’ integration into American society and civic life.  It will enhance citizenship-preparation classes, offerings, and support services and help us build a stronger community,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“The Genesis Center provides life-changing support to refugees and immigrants on their path to becoming American citizens.  This federal funding will strengthen and expand the Genesis Center’s existing citizenship preparation services, and help build a more diverse and inclusive community,” said Senator Whitehouse.

“We are excited to have been awarded this grant that will allow us to plan, develop, and implement innovative approaches to helping our Rhode Island residents on their path to U.S. Citizenship through an integrated model that includes essential components of everyday life, such as financial coaching and digital literacy. This award is a continuation of our mission to provide the highest quality education, job training and support services to people of diverse cultures so that they may achieve economic independence and participate fully in society,” said Shannon Carroll, President and CEO of Genesis Center.

The Genesis Center is one of 65 organizations nationwide to receive a competitive Citizenship and Integration Grants from USCIS this fiscal year.

There are approximately 9.2 million legal permanent residents nationwide who meet the eligibility requirement to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Posted on November 1, 2023 .

 40th Anniversary Community Block Party

Our community block party would not have been possible without our amazing staff members, partners and generous sponsors. Thank you!

 For more information on our 40th Anniversary visit https://www.gencenter.org/40th-anniversary

Posted on October 26, 2021 .

RI Governor signs 2023 Educational Budget at Genesis Center

Genesis Center was honored to host Governor Dan McKee, students, teachers, and legislators this morning as part of the ceremonial signing of Rhode Island’s 2023 children’s budget. These investments include statewide pre-K expansion, childcare assistance, and more. We are grateful for the opportunity to highlight the importance of access to affordable, high-quality childcare.

Posted on October 26, 2021 .

Keys to Success: Congratulations to Sastia!

Congratulations to Sastia, our newest Keys to Success participant!

Sastia graduated from the Pharmacy Technician program in April of 2021 and was immediately hired at the CVS Pharmacy in Smithfield. She enjoyed her job but without a car, transportation was a struggle. Sastia was relying on the bus, rides from friends and expensive ride hailing services.

She enrolled in Keys to Success and just completed her savings goal in time to purchase a 2012 Honda Accord. At the same time, Sastia received a raise at work which will help her to maintain her vehicle.

Congratulations, Sastia!

Keys to Success is a matched savings program that allows low-moderate income Rhode Islanders to save money for reliable transportation. Thank you to our partners and funders- Pawtucket Credit Union, Harbor One Bank, Rhode Island Foundation, and BayCoast Bank.

If you would like to apply or learn more about the program, please contact Chris Ackley at cackley@gencenter.org

Posted on September 16, 2021 .

Thank you to BayCoast Bank!

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Thank you to BayCoast Bank for their generous support of our Keys to Success Program! Keys to Success is a matched savings program that allows low-moderate income Rhode Islanders to save money for reliable transportation.

With this grant, we will be able to expand this program to serve more members of our community!


Posted on August 26, 2021 .