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 | Anthony Maione
President & CEO |
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I'm often asked what is United Way of Rhode Island doing to make a difference? It's a fair question. So, let me get right to the point: we are helping to provide our friends, families and neighbors with the building blocks of a good life: Education, Income and Housing. And through United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island, our 24-hour information and referral helpline, we are helping people in crisis get the help they need.
Here are some other ways we're helping people in need now and helping to reduce the number of people in need for the long term.
In Education, BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System, initiated by United Way of Rhode Island and supported by CVS Caremark, is helping to improve the quality of care for pre-school children in our state. Right now, 50 early childhood programs and family child care homes in Rhode Island participate in BrightStars, which means that more than 1,000 children will have a greater opportunity to be successful in school and in life.
In Income, United Way of Rhode Island worked with voluntary income tax preparers and a wide range of community partners to assist thousands of Rhode Islanders access the Earned Income Tax Credit, leveraging more than $50 million dollars for lower income workers since 2005. Last year alone saw a 32% increase in the program, as more people qualified in this poor economy.
Also, since 2005, United Way of Rhode Island has invested $1.65 million in Skill Up, a workforce development initiative targeting the needs of economically disadvantaged Rhode Islanders and Rhode Island businesses. Approximately 1,500 people have been placed in jobs to date as a result of the job-skill development programs supported by United Way of Rhode Island.
In Housing, United Way of Rhode Island helped to pass the historic bond that is providing $50 million dollars for affordable housing in our state. In a tough economy, the bond also helped to create or save 3,000 jobs. With over 900 units built and a 16:1 return on investment, this initiative has been called a huge success by The Providence Journal. We are grateful to HousingWorks RI, Rhode Island Housing and The Rhode Island Foundation for their collaboration in helping to make all of this happen.
We're also continuing to help Rhode Islanders in crisis. Funded by United Way of Rhode Island and Hasbro Children's Fund, and administered by Family Service of Rhode Island, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island has handled more than 385,000 calls since its launch in June 2007, including 33,000 calls in 30 days as a result of the March 2010 flood disaster. In addition, 15,000 people were called back to check on their status and to see if more help was needed. Our Olneyville headquarters also served as the base of operation for local and national volunteers who were mobilized to help with needs, assessment and recovery efforts.
Additionally, we established the Rhode Island Flood Recovery Fund. In response, Rhode Islanders donated more than $860,000! The money is being invested back in the community, to help people affected by the flood, some of whom will need years to fully recover from this disaster.
So, that's what we're doing to make an impact.
We know that we did not do any of this alone. When we invested in a program or agency, we know that you made it possible. When the affordable housing bond passed, it was your advocacy and your vote that made it happen. When volunteers came together to help people affected by the flood or donated supplies for summer learning programs, it was your time and effort that made all the difference.
This is what it means to Give, Advocate and Volunteer. This is what LIVING UNITED can accomplish. Together, we can do more than any of us could do alone. So, I ask you to get involved. Join us in this work. You already know that times are tough but so is our spirit. As Rhode Islanders, we can work together, united, to make our community the best possible place it can be-for all of us!
Sincerely,
Anthony Maione
President & CEO
United Way of Rhode Island
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