NeighborWorks Named Champion In Action For Neighborhood Development

NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley has been named a Champion in Action by and NBC 10 for their work in neighborhood development, an honor that comes with a $35,000 grant from the former and PR support from the latter. 

The grant will be used to aid NeighborWorks' after-school programs, said Joe Garlick, the program's Executive Director. The programs run year-round and cost about $175,000 annually.

The award, grant and public relations support were announced today at 1 p.m. at 120 North East St., the site of one of NeighborWorks' two community development facilities (the second is on Sayles Street). This one, Garlick said, provides free housing for the teachers of the program's after-school services on the second floor. The first floor houses a community center, including a computer lab for kids in the after-school program. 

NeighborWorks also provides job training, financial coaching, home buying education, community planning forums and community gardens.

"After-school programs are really important for a lot of working families,"Garlick said. Having safe, constructive activities for kids are a bonus for parents, he said, and they're good for the kids. Computers, for instance, are a big part of learning at the Middle School and High School, he said, and kids have access to become acquainted with computers at the lab during the after-school program.

Hector Pineiro, 15, said the after-school program is fun, and he's learned to be a better student. "They changed me," he said, and now his grades are a lot better.

Neighborworks was last named a Champion in Action in 2003. Citizens Bank has donated about $45 million to the program over the last 10 years, Garlick said.

"Neighborworks first received this award in 2003 and has continued to demonstrate that neighborhood revitalization goes beyond bricks and mortar," said Ned Handy, president of Citizens Bank RI.

Vic Vetters, WJAR General Manager, said they've worked with Citizens Bank for the last 11 years to provide these grants to community programs. Their contribution to NeighborWorks will be providing free public relations support for the balance of the year on their TV station. "NBC 10 is proud to recognize NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley for its programs that promote financial education and housing counseling services through its Home Ownership Center. "Through these programs, families regain control of their finances and build assets, creating neighborhood stability."

NeighborWorks will also receive volunteer support from Citizens Bank and NBC 10, as well as promotional support on Citizens Bank ATMs.