MARCH 2023

10-Year Vision for Central Providence Released

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, top photo, said she is committed to ensuring that State will provide resources to support the success of the Roadmap. Anusha Venkataraman, bottom left, the new Managing Director of CPO-HEZ, spoke about the importance of community organizations and civic engagement. Bottom right, Jennifer Hawkins, Executive Director of ONE|NB, said: “The Central Providence Roadmap is not just a plan, it's a promise." Photos by Stephen Ide/ONE|NB

ONE Neighborhood Builders and Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone have released the Central Providence Roadmap, a 10-year vision for collective community impact.

About 50 people attended the March 27 event, which took place at the WaterFire Arts Center and was the culmination of a yearlong effort of more than 60 organizations, residents, and civic leaders in Central Providence. (Click here or image at right to download or read the Roadmap.)

Dozens of stakeholders from Central Providence, including nonprofits, businesses, and residents, crafted the Roadmap, which is fundamentally about collectively imagining – and working together to realize – a future with greater health and economic equity. It recognizes and aims to build upon the assets and the potential in Central Providence – dedicated community members, innovative programs and services, and a shared commitment of organizations and residents to work together toward shared goals.

Speakers discussed the importance of community partnerships, collaboration, and community voice in making progress. Jennifer Hawkins, Executive Director of ONE|NB, spoke about the plan being a promise to ensure that every resident, regardless of their zip code, has access to the resources they need to thrive.

The Roadmap's release represents a significant opportunity to build economic opportunity and chart a course for growth together with residents impacted by structural inequity. It focuses on key goals, including providing stable and affordable housing, access to resources for health and wellness, readiness for children to learn, opportunities for starting businesses, sustainable employment, and empowering everyone to take action to affect change in their community.

Click to Download the Roadmap

#401Gives

Support ONE|NB this weekend

Join us this weekend for #401Gives and support ONE|NB in our mission to develop affordable housing and cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities in Greater Providence.

Since 1988, we have developed 466 affordable apartments, 130 for-sale homes, and developed nearly 35,000 square feet of commercial and community space. Our work also extends to promoting health in our communities through outreach programs and initiatives like Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone.

Visit our #401Gives page to donate starting on Saturday.

Click to Donate for #401Gives

ONE|NB in DC

Above, from left, Joe Garlick, from NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Congressman David Cicilline, Candace Harper from West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation join Jennifer Hawkins at the NeighborWorks America Symposium in Washington, DC. Below, they are joined by U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Hawkins in DC for NeighborWorks America symposium

ONE|NB is a proud chartered member of NeighborWorks America (NWA). ONE|NB's Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins, joined by NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley's Joe Garlick and West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation's Candace Harper, visited RI's Congressional Delegation in Washington, DC on March 28 to advocate for increased congressional appropriation funding for NWA. NWA provides ONE|NB with critical funding to support our housing and comprehensive community development work.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Mission Program graduates, mentors, and program leaders pose for a photo

at CIC Providence on March 3. Photo by Stephen Ide/ONE|NB

Smiles, tears, and hope mark beginning

of program for community health workers

In a March 3 ceremony filled with emotions and hope, a dozen people graduated from the Mission Program pre-apprenticeship program, designed to kick-start careers as a community health workers.

The Mission Program is the first of its kind, offering a five-week pre-apprenticeship course supported by five mentors and six additional collaborating organizations. The graduates expressed their gratitude and hope for the future, and several shared their personal stories of how they came to be a part of the program.

One graduate, Leah Andrade, shared how her personal experiences led to a career helping others. She was hired by Crossroads RI, the nonprofit she chose to mentor with during the program, and she will be one of the first faces people will see when they come through the door.

NEW AT ONE|NB

ONE|NB has named Anusha Venkataraman as the first Managing Director of Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone.

With a background in urban planning, Anusha's work has focused on community development, public policy, political organizing, and the arts. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the NYC Racial Justice Commission, where she stewarded a public process of reviewing the city’s charter, resulting in three successful ballot initiatives advancing racial equity.

Anusha also held positions in the NYC Office of the Mayor, including Chief Service Officer and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Mayor for Housing & Economic Development, as well as in the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development.

To learn more about Anusha, you can read her full bio here.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

Thank you, RI Commerce, for your recent grant to expand the work of the Biz Bodega and increase support for Central Providence Community Loan Fund applicants.

Thank you to Washington Trust for your ongoing support of ONE|NB, helping us cultivate healthy, vibrant, and safe communities. Click to visit their website