Accessing Home works to bring low to moderate-income families home through partnerships with affordable housing providers throughout Rhode Island. The Accessing Home initiative, launched in 2016, helps Rhode Island families acquire and maintain affordable, safe, and healthy housing.
Through this initiative, NWBRV partners with community development organizations, public housing authorities, and other non-profits to equip Rhode Islanders with the resources necessary to acquire and maintain affordable, high quality housing.
The Accessing Home AmeriCorps, Team along with AmeriCorps members from across Rhode Island, were officially sworn in at a ceremony celebrating 30 years of AmeriCorps excellence once again this October. We’re so excited to introduce you to this year’s members!
Kathleen Pratt (House of Hope)
My name is Kathleen Pratt. I am a mom and a grandmother. I was born and raised in Boston. I am a huge fan of all the Boston sports team. My all-time favorite sports team is the Boston Bruins! I was a CNA for over 20 years and had the opportunity to work with people of all ages, struggles and cultures. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others. I decided to switch careers and felt the best fit for me was to become an AmeriCorps member. This is my second year being part of AmeriCorps and I am excited for this new year. My first year as volunteer I had the opportunity to work with families that lived in a family shelter. During this time, I developed knowledge in different aspects of housing, mental health first aid (which is extremely helpful in this field of work), computer skills, professionalism in an office setting–just to mention a few! It is a gift to be a student. I am able to achieve anything!
Helen Ortiz (Providence Public Library)
Hello! My name is Helen Ileen Ortiz. I’m from Puerto Rico. I was born in Hartford Connecticut, but moved to Puerto Rico when I was 8 years old. I was raised there with my family. I went to college in Puerto Rico and worked for a employed agency for 15 years in the billing department. I also have three kids that are my life. I moved to the United Sates in 2017 to create a better life for my kids and to be closer to my family. I’m extremely close to them, family is everything to me. It’s truly been a journey since I moved to the United States. I love being in nature, so I enjoy outdoor activities. I also like to cook, go to the gym, read, travel and get together with friends and family. This is my second year with AmeriCorps. One of the reasons I joined them is because I love to help people in need. I consider myself very kind and empathetic.
Michelle Cox (Providence Revolving Fund)
I was an educator in innovative schools for over 20 years, and I am a lifelong learner myself! I enjoy learning about almost anything, but especially history, nature, public policy, economics, and infrastructure. I love spending time with my teenage daughter, my partner, and my friends, and I also enjoy time alone to read and shop at thrift stores. My other big pastime is hiking, and last spring I took an exciting trip to Germany to hike the “Painter’s Way” and to practice my German. This year I am excited to begin my career change with AmeriCorps, finding new ways to serve my community while learning about housing.
Rebecca Allen (West Elmwood Housing)
My name is Rebecca Allen, I am a retiree, with a background in law, real estate and resident services. I serve at West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation in Providence RI, my childhood neighborhood, where I grew up and raised my family. I chose to serve with AmeriCorps to
be on a team, where the vision is to see everyone in the community self sustaining, healthy and flourishing in every area of their lives, as well as to keep purposely active in mind body and spirit.
Dessi Vargas (The DaVinci Center)
I am a proud first-generation college graduate. I have a passion for travel and creating a positive impact in the communities that I am a part of. I recently moved to Providence, RI after living in the Midwest for over 10 years and deciding to pursue a career change. I moved here to be closer to my family and discover how to align my career with my values. Being able to serve with AmeriCorps has allowed me to discover a way to help others and be an active member in my community.
Megan Conway (Warren Health Equity Zone)
I am a long time resident of Rhode Island, having lived in both the East and West Bay. I got my start with AmeriCorps back in 2018 when I did a term at the Providence Children’s Museum as an educator on the museum floor and at afterschool programs. I remained at the Children’s Museum for three years but when the pandemic hit, I decided I wanted a change and sought out involvement in public health and housing. This led me to Accessing Home, a program where I use my skills in education for helping
people understand and navigate state systems. I’m proud to serve as an AmeriCorps member, especially under Accessing Homes. Few programs give me the flexibility to help people in as many ways as I can.
Christa Abatiello (Women’s Development Corporation)
My name is Christa Abatiello And I look at myself as a strong, motivated young woman maneuvering through life I was born in Rhode Island, but raised in Florida I am very passionate about cooking which I believe led me into the field of helping people I loved making lots of food to feed hungry people And my passion for helping grew stronger after many years of direct care and case management, I am now serving with AmeriCorps program, which gives me such a great opportunity to assist so many people in a variety of ways and receive a residential service coordinator certificate, which is just another bonus to further my career With assisting our community with resources.
Geraldine Sullivan (Crossroads RI)
My name is Geraldine Sullivan, and I am from Providence, RI. Before I decided to serve with AmeriCorps, I was a restaurant manager for years and was looking for a career change. I am looking forward to learning all about housing and helping people.
Stephanie Galio (Crossroads RI)
My name is Stephanie Galio. I live in Providence RI. I recently Graduated from a program at CCRI for Patient Support. I have four Amazing, and Beautiful Kids. They are my Pride and Joy. If I did anything right in this life, it was to set the best example possible and to be the best role model I can be, for them. I have always loved participating in work that serves the community. Building a non-profit organization, catered to helping mothers and children, is my dream! I am grateful to AmeriCorps for giving me the platform and knowledge, to be the voice, for the voiceless. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi. This quote personifies my life’s Mission to change Lives! I am a eager to see where this journey take me.
The Accessing Home initiative allows NWBRV to partner with community development organizations, public housing authorities, and other non-profits to equip Rhode Islanders with the resources necessary to acquire and maintain affordable, high quality housing. For more information or to join this program, please contact Tyler Martin at tmartin@neighborworksbrv.org or visit us online.
