NEWSROOM
Providence Equity Fund
United Way of Rhode Island is collaborating with the City of Providence to address the inequities that still exist in all areas of our society, and to help create a community where every Rhode Islander can thrive.
Through a historic allocation of 10 million dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), initially by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, with a continued commitment by current Mayor Brett Smiley, United Way of Rhode Island is helping administer the granting and allocation of $3 million over 2 years through the Providence Equity Fund.
This initiative closely follows the work and recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This is a pivotal milestone for our state in addressing the systemic racial inequities and injustices that have persisted for generations, holding back our BIPOC communities.
These efforts represent one of the most significant commitments to repairing the harm done to these communities anywhere in the United States. This fund and its grants fully align with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and reinforce our commitment to advancing racial and social equity and inclusion throughout Rhode Island.
The fund is designed to address the most pressing inequities within Providence, like systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. It also creates ways to achieve sustainable development and social justice, with an emphasis on communities of color, which have been historically underserved and disadvantaged by the existing structural systems. The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of the disparities that already existed.
United Way of Rhode Island is collaborating with the City of Providence to address the inequities that still exist in all areas of our society, and to help create a community where every Rhode Islander can thrive.
Through a historic allocation of 10 million dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), initially by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, with a continued commitment by current Mayor Brett Smiley, United Way of Rhode Island is helping administer the granting and allocation of $3 million over 2 years through the Providence Equity Fund.
This initiative closely follows the work and recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This is a pivotal milestone for our state in addressing the systemic racial inequities and injustices that have persisted for generations, holding back our BIPOC communities.
These efforts represent one of the most significant commitments to repairing the harm done to these communities anywhere in the United States. This fund and its grants fully align with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and reinforce our commitment to advancing racial and social equity and inclusion throughout Rhode Island.
The fund is designed to address the most pressing inequities within Providence, like systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. It also creates ways to achieve sustainable development and social justice, with an emphasis on communities of color, which have been historically underserved and disadvantaged by the existing structural systems. The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of the disparities that already existed.
United Way of Rhode Island invests in organizations that support entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and job training to foster lasting economic change. Recognizing the long-term damage caused by urban renewal projects, this investment area also supports advocacy and housing initiatives aimed at rebuilding and restoring communities that have been disproportionately affected. By empowering residents and championing fair housing policies, the fund contributes to healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Additionally, through programs that promote arts, advocacy, and education and serve the needs of diverse communities, the Providence Equity Fund helps build a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
Annual Celebration
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.
Board Chair Fernandez
It’s truly a humbling moment for me to write as the newly appointed chairperson of the board of directors. This is the continuation of a personal journey that began over 20 years ago, when I first joined United Way of RI as an administrative assistant with the Community Investment team.
As a staff member, I didn’t just witness the incredible work being done, I lived it!
We didn’t always get to see the faces of the people whose lives were changed by the organization, but we all felt a deep sense of purpose that drove every staff member, volunteer, and community partner. The mission of this organization isn’t just something I support in words; it’s woven into who I am, and the values and the community spirit I found here helped shape me, both professionally and personally.
Moving into the role of chairperson is not just about leading the organization—it’s about giving back to a place that has given so much to me. I am not just returning to a role but to a family—a community of people who share a commitment for helping others.
It is an exciting time at United Way! And as we prepare to reach the 100th year in Rhode Island, we invite you all to be part of the journey --- which is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to honor our past while ensuring we’re ready for the future. And continue the important work of changing lives, pushing even further to meet the needs of those we serve. UNITED IN ACTION and driven by progress, our potential to impact lives is limitless.
Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity, and I look forward to working alongside all of you to continue making a difference in the community we care so deeply about.
Finally, I want to recognize my predecessor as board chairperson, Dolph Johnson.
Dolph has beautifully served as board chair over the last 3 years, during a time of much growth for United Way of RI. Dolph’s expertise, along with his compassion to serve our community has catapulted our Live United 2025 Plan and will leave an incredible legacy that I am so proud to carry on.
Dolph, I, and all of us on the board are inspired by you. You have a way of making all of us feel heard and cared for. You lead with love and a generous spirit. You have taught us all so much of what it means to live in service to others.
Rhode Island and United Way of Rhode Island are better because of you!
Paola Fernández
Board Chair, United Way of Rhode Island
A Conversation with Dawn Apajee
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.
Equity Challenge
United Way of Rhode Island’s mission is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Our Equity Challenge is designed to help individuals and organizations engage with topics surrounding equity. This year’s topics included Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Advocacy, and being an Accomplice.
Equity Challenge 2024 launched on June 19 (Juneteenth) and lasted seven days. This year’s challenge was shorter than previous years’ and required a daily time commitment of 30 minutes. Each day, we offered three activities that participants could read, listen to, or view. We also offered three curated pop-up experiences for folks seeking in-person connection. These experiences included panel discussions with topic experts and other interactive opportunities.
All elements of Equity Challenge 2024 were designed to reduce physical and systemic barriers. It was offered at no cost, and all activities were available to anyone with an internet connection and a smart device. A total of 1,388 individuals participated in the challenge.
Organizations who engaged at least 75% of their employees earned an Equity Challenge Champion certificate. 53 organizations participated in the challenge and, of these, 16 earned certificates. These certificates are a tangible recognition that they have moved beyond buzzwords and into living the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Organizations also received a digital badge to showcase on their website, across social media, and in email signatures.
In addition, Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan Health System) earned the Trailblazer in Equity Award. We are grateful to them for encouraging their thousands of employees to take part in Equity Challenge 2024.
Interested in joining Equity Challenge 2025? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok. You will be the first to know when registration opens!
Financial Highlight FY 2024
Community Impact Fund
The Community Impact Fund from United Way of Rhode Island supports initiatives that address the root causes of systemic inequalities and improve economic, educational, and health outcomes for communities across Rhode Island.
By pooling donations from community members, the fund targets programs that promote social justice, equity, and basic needs such as housing, food security, and quality education. It also invests in workforce development, helping individuals gain job skills, find employment, and achieve financial stability. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations, the fund aims to create sustainable change and empower under-resourced communities throughout the state.
Our funding supports the LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan, which guides United Way of Rhode Island’s work in four focus areas:
Lift United
We’re investing in affordable housing, improving care coordination, expanding access to adult education and job training, and supporting the growth and stability of women- and minority-owned businesses.
Achieve United
We’re working to ensure all Rhode Island children go to school with the tools to learn, increasing literacy levels, and expanding access to afterschool and summer learning programs.
Invest United
We’re building nonprofit resiliency and leadership development, empowering donors, engaging corporations, and connecting Rhode Islanders with volunteer opportunities.
Advocate United
We’re driving systemic change through public policy and research, training Rhode Islanders to be advocates, and working to increase voter turnout throughout the state.
Legislative Highlights
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.
211 Impact on Rhode Island
Through the generosity of our donors, last year United Way’s 211 and the Point (Rhode Island’s aging and disability resource center) handled over 190,000 calls, emails, texts, and walk-ins from Rhode Islanders seeking help, stability and resources.
Any Rhode Islander, regardless of income, is welcome to contact our two call centers. The 211 call center is staffed 24/7, every day of the year. 211 also answers any calls to the Point that come in after business hours. We offer three walk-in rooms and our 211 RV — a mobile resource center that provides office hours at 15 locations and staffs over 250 outreach events annually. 75% of our staff is bilingual and bicultural, providing services in over 200 languages and dialects. Most importantly, we listen closely to what the community tells us, and we use the insights we gain to shape our programs and advocate for what Rhode Islanders need most.
211 is frequently activated to provide reliable information in collaboration with the RI Emergency Management Agency, or with our state partners, such as the Office of Healthy Aging, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health, and the Secretary of State’s Office. In 2023 alone, we were activated for food box distribution; supported callers during a government shut down; helped people find shelter and report damages during localized flooding events; and helped folks locate COVID vaccine and testing locations, as well as quarantine and isolation centers.
Our call centers also serve Rhode Islanders eligible for Medicare and Medicaid services. In 2023-2024, we received 6,342 Medicare-related calls, and 4371 Medicaid-related calls. Of these, 647 were for Medicare enrollment and 689 were Medicaid applications. Below is a breakdown of the Medicare and Medicaid-related services we provided:
We have more than 20 members on our team, who collectively hold the following certifications: Community Resource Specialist; Aging and Disability Specialist; State Health Insurance Program Enrollment Specialist; Certified HealthSource Navigator; Certified Community Health Worker, Person Centered Options Counseling Specialist, and SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) Specialist. 211 is in the process of obtaining Accreditation from Inform USA –the agency which accredits organizations that demonstrate excellence in information and referral services across North America.
Every call is a story that reflects how 211 provides essential resources to help Rhode Islanders turn their lives around. Take Susan, for example. She came to Rhode Island as an international student with limited English skills and soon discovered she was pregnant with twins. Six months into her pregnancy, she visited our 211 mobile resource center at an outreach event. In pain and feeling desperate, Susan feared she might be forced to leave her host home, facing the real possibility of homelessness.
The community resource officer connected Susan with prenatal care, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and several local organizations that could provide essential support during her pregnancy, including clothing and food. 211 also put her in touch with her home country’s consulate office, as she hoped to return home. Sadly, due to her high-risk pregnancy, travel was not an option. With the support she received, Susan was able to stay in her host home.
A few months later, Susan gave birth to her twins, who faced medical complications and required care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 211 helped her secure a place at the nearby Ronald McDonald House, allowing her to stay close to her babies during their treatment. After nearly two months in the hospital, the twins were finally discharged. Susan returned to her host family and, eventually, to her home country. She still keeps in touch, grateful for 211’s help.
Support 211, the Point, and other critical United Way programs by giving today.
2021 Summer Learning Initiative Recap
“A year after COVID-19 turned summer learning programs upside down, youth in five communities reveled in a full return to engaging, in-person activities this summer — with recommended safety guidelines in place and the support of dozens of partners.”
Women United Invests $124K in OSTL
“Women United… has awarded… $124K in grants to three local organizations in support of increasing access to experiential learning for underserved K-3 students and to expand out-of-school time programs for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) youth.”
Uber, R.I., and 211 Partner for Vaccine Rides
“The partnership supports the State’s goal to vaccinate as many Rhode Islanders as possible by the end of summer by providing free rides to all R.I. vaccine sites for those with limited access to transportation.”
United Way Welcomes New Staff to Leadership Team
Robert Bush, Roshni Darnal, and Rob Hancock to play vital roles in delivering on organization’s LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity in Rhode Island.
7 Leaders Selected for Second-Ever Nonprofit Innovation Lab
Fellows will spend the coming months developing and honing new solutions to pressing social issues, culminating in a “Shark Tank-like” presentation to secure funding to bring their ideas to life.
United Way Kicks Off Children’s Book Drive
“In what’s become one of the state’s largest efforts in support of childhood literacy, United Way of Rhode Island and its Women United group have kicked off their annual Children’s Book Drive. Throughout the month of May, local businesses, community organizations, families and individuals are invited to participate in any one of a number of ways.”
United Way Awards $4.5 Million in Grants
“Three months after unveiling its LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan, United Way of Rhode Island is putting $4.5 million in grants to work in the community to create transformational change in the Ocean State. The funding, the first in a two-year grant cycle, was awarded to 72 organizations in support of programs targeting the root causes of… racial inequities.”
401Gives raises $2.2M for R.I. nonprofits
“[April 1] has been officially rebranded 401Gives in the Ocean State… Throughout yesterday, thousands of donors from Rhode Island and beyond came together to raise a total of $2.2M [$2,200,477] for local nonprofits during what’s become the state’s largest single day of giving. The generosity of the community helped the effort far surpass its $1.5 million goal.”
Second Nonprofit Innovation Lab Announced
“United Way of Rhode Island and Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) are launching the next iteration of the Nonprofit Innovation Lab and are inviting local executives to apply to the unique program that offers seed funding and much more. Applications open on March 18 and can be completed online; the deadline is April 23.”
401Gives Returns April 1 with $1.5M Goal
“Rhode Islanders will have the opportunity to support… more than 300 local nonprofits when 401Gives, the state’s largest… day of giving, returns on April 1. After exceeding the $1 million mark for the effort’s first-ever year, United Way of Rhode Island has upped the ante, setting a goal to raise $1.5 million for nonprofits across the… state in… 24 hours.”
United Way to Hold 21-Day Equity Challenge
“In alignment with the goals of its recently released LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan, United Way of Rhode Island today opened registration for its 21-Day Equity Challenge that kicks off February 24. All Rhode Islanders are invited to commit 15 minutes a day to equity with the goal of understanding how inequity and racism affect our lives and our communities.”
Larry Warner Promoted to Chief Impact and Equity Officer at United Way of R.I.
“As a key member of the executive leadership team, Warner will lead United Way’s efforts and strategies to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.”