NEWSROOM
Form Symbiotic Nonprofit Relationships
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"If not done carefully, a business relationship has the potential to hinder rather than help the work being done by both organizations. To prevent collaborations that hinder nonprofit work, 11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council, including Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, share how nonprofit leaders can form mutually beneficial relationships with a partner or another organization."
Nonprofit Center Design Team Announced
GoLocalProv
"United Way of Rhode Island announced on Tuesday the... members of a 'Design Team' that will be tasked with co-creating a vision and plan for... a Nonprofit Resource Center... 'We had a strong application response, and [these] individuals particularly stood out for their collection of unique insights and commitment to collaboration,' said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way."
401Gives raises $3.09M for 507 nonprofits
Providence Business News
"This year's 401Gives Day raised the bar, once again, in supporting the state's nonprofit sector. As of Monday afternoon, the annual online fundraising initiative raised $3.09M, breaking last year's record total by close to a million dollars. It also saw a record number of donors – 12,850 in total as of 2:15 p.m. Monday – and number of organizations supported at 507, exceeding last year's mark by 87."
Support youth literacy by donating books
The Rhode Show
"This morning on The Rhode Home we welcomed NIROPE – Ron & Pete Cardi – along with Lori DiMatteo, Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement for United Way of Rhode Island, and Jocelyn White, Executive Director of Books Are Wings. We learned about the upcoming [Children's] Book Drive starting in April, [hosted by United Way, Women United, and Books Are Wings]."
401Gives 2022 // ‘Car Pooling with Ben’
Ben DeCastro
"Cortney Nicolato joins 'Car Pooling with Ben' to chat about the excitement that is 401Gives as well as other ways that... United Way of Rhode Island supports anyone and everyone through their wide range of programs & services!"
FCARI: A Guide to Senior Storage
Moving into a new home is always a challenge. For seniors, there's more to consider beforehand. The transition into smaller homes or senior living arrangements often leads to a need to store a houseful of furniture and a lifetime's worth of keepsakes. Here are some of the things you should look for when choosing a storage facility for seniors:
- Flexible pricing, or even a veteran's discount, can be helpful for seniors moving on a budget. Flexibility is important as seniors may move items out of storage once they settled in their new homes. The option for a monthly rental instead of a fixed-term lease is also recommended.
- Valet service, free or discounted truck delivery will make the move easier
What are the warning sights to watch out for?
- Rigid pricing or unit policies that impose a one-size-fits-all approach to senior storage
- Long-term lease requirements that force seniors to rent more space than they're likely to need in the near future
- Inadequate security at the site, given the cash value of expensive items and heirlooms that are being stored
- Restricted access or bad site layouts, which can make it difficult for movers to get close to the unit when moving bulky items such as couches
- Poorly sealed units that are not ventilated or climate-managed, which can expose irreplaceable items to moisture, mold and other hazards
- Puddles of water inside public areas of the building, which indicate that leaks might be present within the units themselves.
You can learn more about finding the best storage options for your needs here.
United Way Launches Network Advisory Council
United Way
"United Way Worldwide (UWW) announced... the creation and membership of the United Way Network Advisory Council, a new advisory body that will engage with UWW leadership to ensure that local and state United Way voices inform UWW decisions... Local United Way CEO members of the Network Advisory Council [include United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, Cortney Nicolato]."
FCARI: CareBreaks, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, & Nursing School Respite Programs
CareBreaks Program
The Diocese of Providence CareBreaks Program offers a program of respite services to the primary caregivers of eligible individuals through Information, Referral and Service Coordination, and a respite break. This is a cost-sharing program with services available on a statewide basis.
CareBreaks provides short-term relief to primary caregivers who care for a friend or loved one on a day-to-day basis. Respite breaks for a primary caregiver are often necessary to allow that person to continue providing care over a long period of time. CareBreaks allows the primary caregiver time off either to take a vacation, shop, attend to personal business, or just rest.
The objectives of CareBreaks are:
- to preserve maximum independence of the care recipient and the primary caregiver by preventing or postponing institutionalization of the care recipient;
- provide the least restrictive lifestyle for both the care recipient and primary caregiver;
- and to maintain or improve the quality of life of both the care recipient and primary caregiver.
Services and offerings: Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Catholic Social Services of Rhode Island offers the Powerful Tools for Caregivers training program, to give you the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver. Classes are led by experienced class leaders in both English and Spanish. In six weekly classes, currently virtual, caregivers develop a wealth of self-care tools to:
- reduce personal stress;
- change negative self-talk;
- communicate their needs to family members and healthcare or service providers;
- communicate effectively in challenging situations;
- recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings;
- and make tough caregiving decisions.
Class participants also receive a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class.
- Register for a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class:
Contact Jan Vargas at 401-421-7833 Ext. 202 or JVargas@dioceseofprovidence.org
Nursing School Respite
In addition to the Diocese’s cost sharing program for respite, respite services are available free of charge by junior and senior level nursing students from RIC, URI (pediatric clients only), CCRI, and Salve Regina University. The program is designed to provide respite for caregivers of children and adults who have long-term disabilities or complex medical needs and require the help of a care provider in order to remain at home. The program has been functioning since 2016 through CareBreaks, the participating colleges, and the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. It has provided an innovative addition to the ways in which home care is provided in RI. An option to access the nursing student program is included on the general application for respite services.
- Register for the Nursing Student Program:
Contact Ann McCarthy at 401-421-7833 Ext. 209 or AMcCarthy@dioceseofprovidence.org
For More Information
- Visit our website: www.dioceseofprovidence.org
- Contact Hector M. Munoz, CareBreaks Coordinator at 401-421-7833 Ext. 212
- Apply for respite services:
- Call Catholic Social Services of RI at 401-421-7833 Ext. 212
- Download an application from our website: www.dioceseofprovidence.org
- Mail completed application with the required documentation:
CareBreaks
Catholic Social Services
One Cathedral Square
Providence, RI 02903
‘Redlining never really went away’
The Boston Globe
While 62 percent of all Rhode Islanders owned a home in 2019, only 34 percent of Black Rhode Islanders did, according to a newly published report by Brown University researchers, funded by United Way of Rhode Island.
United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration
It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.
United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign
Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]
United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.
Paola Fernandez Appointed Chair of United Way Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has named a new chair of its board of directors, appointing Paola Fernandez to the volunteer leadership position. Fernandez is senior vice president, community development officer for Centreville Bank and succeeds Dolph Johnson, retired executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Hasbro, Inc., who recently completed his three-year term as chair.
United Way Hires Tiffany Reed as Chief Development Officer
United Way of Rhode Island has welcomed a new chief development officer (CDO) to its team. The organization today announced the hiring of Tiffany Reed, who officially began her new role on Sept. 5. Most recently, Reed served as CDO for Tufts Medicine after holding the position of vice president, development, at Tufts Medical Center.
United Way Announces $1.5M in Providence Equity Fund Grants
During a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 14, United Way of Rhode Island and the City of Providence announced the recipient organizations of $1.5 million in funding from the Providence Equity Fund. In total, 15 organizations have been awarded grants to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Hosting Equity Challenge
As part of United Way of Rhode Island’s ongoing commitment to and demonstration of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organization is preparing to host its 2024 Equity Challenge. All Rhode Islanders, individuals, and families, as well as local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to participate in the challenge, which is being offered at no […]
United Way Accepting Applications for Providence Equity Fund
In collaboration with the City of Providence and aligned with its mission to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Providence Equity Fund grant program. Available funding is to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Hosts 12th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with 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.
United Way Selects Leaders for Executive Director Learning Circle
Laser-focused on its work to support the needs of the state’s nonprofit community… United Way of Rhode Island has kicked off its latest Executive Director Learning Circle. The organization has selected 11 local nonprofit leaders to participate in the yearlong program that focuses on strategic development and increasing their organizations’ capacity to deliver their social impact work.
401Gives Registration Is Open to All Rhode Island Nonprofits
401Gives is returning on Monday, April 1, and United Way of Rhode Island invites all local nonprofits to participate and raise funds to support their mission-driven work. This year’s 401Gives is the fifth anniversary of what is the Ocean State’s largest single fundraiser to benefit and uplift the nonprofit sector.
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.