My father, who would have been 88 yesterday, learned how to speak English in second grade. Years later he became the first in his family to attend, and graduate from, college. (To the right is the “freshman beanie” he wore at Providence College in the Fall of 1957.)
In 2020, higher education remains one of the most certain paths to the American Dream - like it has been for my family - and it is more important than ever to make sure that path remains available to everyone. Recently, New Harbor Group was lucky enough to work with Providence Promise, a local non-profit that helps students and families in the City achieve their higher education goals.
Providence Promise is the only program in Rhode Island focused on early planning for post-secondary education starting at birth. In just two years, they have helped Providence families save over $250,000 in college savings accounts. Over 360 students are in the program - 87% are from low and moderate-income families and 75% will be first generation college graduates. They also provide a wide range of support and preparation for students and families, as well.
Our country is always changing, but there has been one constant for over 200 years – that hardworking families remain committed to the ideal that their children's future can be limitless. The families and students in Providence Promise are preparing for the future – not just their own, but our country’s too. It is an inspiring story at a time when we need all the inspiration and reaffirmation we can get.
Best
|
|
Camp Yawgoog Launches the Netflix of Summer Camps
When the pandemic prevented the Yawgoog Scout Reservation from holding its 105th season in person this summer, camp staff responded by launching the Netflix of summer camps - The Yawgoog Network.
With over 1,000 paid subscribers so far(!), this innovative use of social media provides access to campfires, Scout programs, behind the scenes footage, history, cooking, faith services, scavenger hunts, trivia contests, staff interviews and lots more. New episodes are released daily. Check out The Yawgoog Network at www.yawgoog.org – it’s a real tribute to the Scouts, their ingenuity and resilience.
|
|
From Sanitizer to Spirits: South County Distillers Launches First Batch of Gin, Vodka
Before releasing its first batches of gin and vodka, South County Distillers made a little detour – pitching in to produce hand sanitizer for frontline workers during the height of Rhode Island’s COVID-19 outbreak in the spring.
“We are excited to share our first batch of spirits, a true labor of love,” says Jennifer Brinton, co-owner of South County Distillers and Grey Sail Brewing. “South County Distillers is unique in that we produce everything on site starting with the mashing of the grains, fermentation and distilling – all on the way right to your glass.”
South County Distillers vodka and gin is available for pickup or order ahead at Grey Sail Brewery in Westerly and in select liquor and package stores throughout Rhode Island. The Beer Garden at Grey Sail’s campus in Westerly also offers new, creative craft cocktails. It’s a great summer place to spend some time, so stop by if you get a chance!
RI Monthly
What’s Up Newp
Johnston Sunrise
WPRI
|
|
Providence Scout Supports Moms and Babies during the Pandemic
As the pandemic continues to strain Rhode Island families, new moms and expectant mothers sometimes struggle to gather the items they need.
Local Scout Jake Medeiros (right) is helping support these families with an Eagle Scout project focused on collecting items for St. Gabriel’s Call Ministry, the Diocese of Providence’s mission supporting expectant mothers.
“As the son of a single mom, I know how important these necessities can be,” said Medeiros. “My mom and I struggled far into my teens — imagine being a single mother with a newborn baby. When the time came to do my Eagle Project, I knew I would want to give back to a cause so dear to me.”
Rhode Island Catholic
|
|
‘Worcester Together’ Reaches Historic $10 Million in Gifts
Worcester Together recently passed an unprecedented milestone - $10 million in gifts to support Greater Worcester’s pandemic response. Created in March by combining the existing efforts of The Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Fund is supports Worcester County nonprofits as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group has already distributed $8.6 Million to more than 140 non-profits.
“Reaching this milestone is a historic achievement for the Central Massachusetts community,” said Barbara Fields, President and CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “From Leominster to Worcester to Dudley, the generosity of the community and the ability of so many local nonprofits, foundations, leading businesses, and local government to come together to meet the communities’ needs has been truly amazing.”
Daily Breaking
Worcester Business Journal
Worcester Telegram and Gazette
This Week in Worcester
|
|
C-PACE Helps Projects Move Forward Throughout the Pandemic
In an uncertain economy, access to affordable capital is more important than ever. Throughout the pandemic, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program has helped Rhode Island businesses with cost-efficient funding for a range of ongoing projects.
The Preserve Club & Residences in Richmond, the Providence Marriot Downtown, and the Aloft Hotel (above) in Providence are using their combined financing of over $13 million in C-PACE loans to finance state-of-the-art, highly efficient HVAC systems; energy-efficient windows; above standard building envelopes; and LED lighting throughout their facilities. These critical investments in clean energy will both attract consumers looking for clean spaces and generate energy savings upwards of 40% compared to their current usage.
“The PACE funds helped us install state-of-the-art HVAC and lighting systems that provide our guests with superior guestroom comfort,” said Richard Jabara, CEO of Meyer Jabara Hotels, owners of the Providence Marriott. “The associated environmental benefits of the PACE funded improvements are also very important to us and to our many valued individual and corporate guests. We are grateful for the assistance provided by the Infrastructure Bank.”
New England Real Estate Journal
Providence Business News
New England Real Estate Journal
|
|
Mackey Auto Group Expands into Vermont
The family of Mackey Auto Group dealerships is growing with the acquisition of Denecker Chevrolet in Middlebury, Vermont, the state’s largest franchised Chevrolet dealership. The 9.5 acre, state-of-the-art dealership will be the New York-based group’s first venture in Vermont. The dealership will change its name to Middlebury Chevrolet.
“We are excited to have the Mackey Auto Group family join forces with the Denecker team, and build upon Tom Denecker’s respected legacy in Middlebury,” said Mackey Auto Group Managing Member Chris Mackey (above, right). “I have enjoyed working with Tom during the transition, and look forward to continuing his tradition of making a difference in the community - as he has done for the past 30 years.”
Sun Community News
Albany Business Review
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
