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Rhode Island
Nonprofits win big $$$ to serve Newport County residents – Newport Buzz
Nearly $340,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation will be distributed among dozens of nonprofit organizations serving Newport County residents. The funding aims to support a diverse array of programs, ranging from educational initiatives for schoolchildren and disaster recovery preparation to food pantries and arts activities.
“We are grateful to be able to help these organizations carry out their crucial work,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are fortunate to partner with passionate donors who make it possible for us to support nonprofits that are on the frontlines of serving the needs of their communities.”
The announcement, made Monday afternoon at the Newport County YMCA, gathered about 50 attendees. Among the 44 organizations receiving funding from the Foundation’s Newport County Fund are the YMCA, East Bay Community Action Program, and the Jamestown Arts Center.
The Newport County YMCA in Middletown was awarded $5,000 to support RhodySquash, an after-school program for middle school students that combines squash instruction with mentorship, tutoring, and character-building opportunities.
“The focus is on recruiting rising 5th graders who would otherwise be unable to access this program due to family financial constraints,” said Mike Miller, the Y’s CEO. “Through this program and with the support of funders, at-risk youth develop new skills and make connections that allow for a healthier and brighter future. In a community where after-school programs are lacking and often costly, RhodySquash provides a safe place for kids to play, learn, and thrive at no cost to families who need financial assistance.”
The East Bay Community Action Program in Newport received $10,000 for its Baby Steps program, which provides family education sessions and enrichment activities to engage family members as partners in the education of children through age four.
“Parents and caregivers are the most instrumental people in a child’s life, so developing effective parenting skills is vital,” said Rilwan Feyisitan Jr., president and CEO. “By promoting positive relationships and enhancing engagement, we can better prepare children and their families for the future.”
The Jamestown Arts Center was awarded $10,000 to support its Arts Experiences program, which offers a year-long series of free arts experiences, including artist-led workshops, Family Days, and public outdoor artworks. More than 500 Newport County residents are expected to participate in at least one of the activities.
“Our Arts Experience Initiatives open doors to creative expression and learning for all Newport County residents, particularly children and families,” said Christine Cocca, executive director. “By removing barriers and showcasing our many voices, we aim to foster a more inclusive and vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to engage with arts experiences of the highest caliber.”
Other recipients include Aquidneck Community Table, the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, Conexion Latina Newport, FabNewport, Girl Scouts of Southeast New England, Jamestown Food Pantry, Katie Brown Educational Program, Little Compton Community Center, Live and Learn in Jamestown, Lucy’s Hearth, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Newport Contemporary Ballet, newportFILM, Newport String Project, Rhode Island Black Storytellers, Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, Sail Newport, St. John’s Lodge Food Bank, St. Lucy’s Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Turning Around Ministries, and Washington Square Services Corporation.
The Newport County Fund awards grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen or expand established programs, support policy or advocacy efforts on behalf of community concerns, fund new projects addressing significant problems or opportunities, and leverage strategic collaborations and partnerships. An advisory committee comprised of residents from every community in Newport County assists in the funding decisions.
Established in 2002, the Fund has awarded over $6 million in grants for programs and services for residents of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. It is one of the grant programs that enable the Foundation to serve Newport County communities. Since 2022, the Foundation has awarded more than $10.9 million in grants to Newport County nonprofits.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island, working through civic leadership, fundraising, and grant-making activities to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.
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Related
Why is the flag at half staff? These are possible reasons
The flag of the United States of America is flown at half-staff on several occasions, generally marking that the country is in mourning
On Friday, May 15, flags will be flown at half-staff across the United States to commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Recognized each year since 1962 as part of May’s National Police Week, the national observance pays tribute to United States law enforcement officials who gave their lives in the line of duty, whether at the local, state or federal level.
“United in gratitude, we recommit ourselves to supporting those who keep the peace in our neighborhoods, and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the service they render to community and country,” reads a proclamation from President Trump. “Their steady presence brings calm to our streets, their dedication preserves the order that allows our Nation to flourish, and their unwavering vigilance is the reason families across America can rest under the promise of a safer tomorrow.”
In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the flag of the United States at all public buildings and grounds across the country and its territories – including in Rhode Island – will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15.
Why are flags flown at half-staff?
According to the official website of the U.S. General Services Administration, flags typically fly at half-staff when the country or specific state is in mourning. Observances include national tragedies, days of remembrance and deaths of government or military personnel.
The president, the state governor or the mayor of Washington, D.C., can order flags to fly at half-staff.
Half-staff vs. half-mast
While half-staff refers to lowered flags on land, half-mast refers to those at sea. Both refer to a flag being flown beneath the top of its staff as a sign of respect.
RI’s Verdi Productions films ‘Bad News On The Doorstep’ in Providence
Verdi Productions wrapped filming of Tom DeNucci’s “Bad News On The Doorstep” early on May 23 in Providence.
Verdi Productions’ secret horror movie, “My Boyfriend is a Demon,” now filming in Rhode Island, is no longer a secret as Chad A. Verdi, the East Greenwich production company’s president, has announced the cast and given an outline of the movie’s plot.
The ensemble cast comprises veteran actors and rising young talents. The story follows Mary, a lonely, small-town girl who creates a fake Instagram account that pretends to be boyfriend, a guy too perfect to be real. Mary puts so much effort into making him “real” that he shows up at her door one day.
The cast includes:
- Mattias Ferrell, son of comic actor Will Ferrell and known for “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” and “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.”
- Coco Arquette, daughter of Courteney Cox and David Arquette and known for “Cougar Town.”
- David Arquette, known for his work in the “Scream” film franchise.
- Rosanna Arquette, David’s sister and Coco’s aunt, known for “The Moment.”
- Bailey Sloan, known for “Ragamuffin.”
- Jack Champion, known for “Avatar.”
- Ever Anderson, known for “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
- Vinnie Hacker, known for “Euphoria.”
- Josephine Reitman, known for “Juno.”
- Savannah Lee Smith, kown for “Tunsel Town.”
- Lisa Yamada, known for “Elle.”
- Ty Law, known for “Friday Night Lights.”
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is written and directed by first-time director mishka.
“My Boyfriend is a Demon” is filming in Providence
The movie began filming in Rhode Island in April and has rented Providence’s Cranston Street Armory for the month of May to use as a studio.
The producing team for Verdi Productions includes Chad A. Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., Paul Luba, Michelle Verdi and Sera Verdi. Executive producers include Ketchup Entertainment and Kinolime.
Good morning! Happy Thursday! Today will be pretty unsettled with the chance for showers and t’storms. Friday will still be damp with showers and drizzle, but the weekend still looks amazing!
The one good thing with the rain, for allergy sufferers at least, the pollen levels will be lower. In fact, both today and tomorrow, the tree pollen counts will be low locally. Do expect a spike in the pollen count for Saturday and Sunday with the dry weather.
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Live Pinpoint Weather 12 Radar »
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” FLIGHT TRACKER
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” POWER OUTAGES
TODAY
Hour-by-hour forecast for today…
We’ll have some showers around during the morning commute today, but the greatest chance for showers and t’storms will be after 9AM and before 5PM.
Showers and thunderstorms could slow travel around mid-day. Rain could fall heavily at times.
A line of showers and t’storms will be sweeping across the area through the afternoon as a slow-moving weather systems moves through the region.
Highs today will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with southeast to east winds of 5-15mph.
“https://www.wpri.com/weather-now/weather-now-for-thu-5-14-26/” BEACH AND BOATING FORECASTS
TONIGHT
Showers are still possible this evening; although they won’t be as numerous.
TOMORROW
That low center will be nearby Friday morning, and we’ll be stuck with a damp, cool windflow. Expect drizzle and showers in the morning and possibly some lingering showers in the afternoon.
Highs Friday will only be in the 50s. The average high this time of year is in the upper 60s.
LOOKING AHEAD
Then…there’s the weekend. Saturday looks amazing with lots of sunshine and dry weather. It’ll be warmer, too, with highs in the 70s.
-Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo
T.J. Del Santo (tdelsanto@wpri.com) is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for 12 News. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Threads and BlueSky.
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