FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Woonsocket, RI, May 31, 2024 — Celebrating a remarkable milestone, NeighborWorks America marks 45 years of fostering vibrant communities where individuals can access sustainable, affordable housing and enhance their neighborhoods and lives. With a commitment to addressing housing challenges nationwide and expanding pathways to homeownership, NeighborWorks stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. As a proud member of the network, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley joins nearly 250 organizations across the nation during NeighborWorks Week (June 1-8) to honor the incredible impact of community collaboration in creating meaningful change and improving lives.
During this week, our community is invited to join us at the following events:
Front Street Family Center BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, June 1, 12pm – 4pm, 719 Front Street, Woonsocekt, RI.
Held in partnership with Connecting for Children and Families, this 2nd Annual Block Party is FREE and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy live music and a drumming workshop by Cornell Coley, face painting, carnival games, bounce houses, food trucks, raffles, and more. There will be a brief speaking program at 1pm including Erin Spaulding (Executive Director, CCF), Mayor Christopher Beauchamp, and Kathryn Watts (Senior Vice President, Field Operations Division, NeighborWorks America)
Performance & Workshop with Cornell Coley, Saturday,
June 1, 1:30pm Performance, 2:30pm Workshop, 719 Front Street, Woonsocket, RI
Esteemed musician and educator, Cornell Coley hails form Jamaica and currently resides in MA. As a gifted dancer and percussionist, Cornell will perform and then facilitate a community drumming workshop. This event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of the New England Foundation for the Arts.
Volunteer Day
Tuesday, June 4, 10am – 4pm, 40 S. Main Street, Woonsocket, RI
The community is invited to join NWBRV’s Accessing Home AmeriCorps program for a day of service. Projects include: gardening, painting, preparing for the upcoming Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series, and community outreach. Sign up by e-mailing bsoum@nwbrv.org
Songwriting Basis with Lisa Bello and Friends
Thursday, June 6, 4pm – 5:30pm, Woonsocket, Registration required
Teens aged 14-18 are invited to join Lisa Bello & Friends for a songwriting workshop. During the session you’ll learn the process for writing a song, recording, and distributing original music. This event is free and open to all 14-18 year old youth thanks to the support of the New England Foundation for the Arts. Sign up by emailing tdennis@nwbrv.org
Throughout the year, NeighborWorks network organizations empower people to take steps to reach their goals, such as making their community safer, finding and maintaining secure housing, and ensuring financial stability, which leads to thriving, healthier communities. In fiscal year 2023, the NeighborWorks network provided 428,021 housing and counseling services; created 16,269 new homeowners; and owned and/or managed 204,563 rental homes.
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About NeighborWorks Blackstone
River Valley
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley (NWBRV) – Formerly the Woonsocket
Neighborhood Development Corporation – is a nonprofit community development
corporation that has worked with residents, businesses, partners, and
communities since 1987 to enrich neighborhood life and make affordable housing
opportunities available throughout Northern Rhode Island.
Learn more at www.neighborworksbrv.org
CONTACT: Meg Rego, Director Resource Development & Communications at mrego@nwbrv.org or 401-762-0993 x234.
