We’re so lucky at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley to have a Board of Directors comprised of hardworking, committed team-players who work tirelessly at our mission of building affordable housing and enriching community life.
In this series, you’ll get to know the people behind the NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley Board.
Let’s get to know current board Vice President, Nancy Giambusso.
Tell us about yourself.
Hello! My name is Nancy Giambusso. I’m retired from the Woonsocket Education Department where I worked as a Family Literacy Program grant director for many years. I am originally from Framingham, Massachusetts and have lived in Woonsocket for 36 years. I have three grown children and three grandchildren. I also serve on two other community boards and have always enjoyed being active in the community
How long have you served on the board?
I’ve been on the board for 25 years! Watching the progression of NeighborWorks has been amazing. I’ve loved seeing it grow and expand from the Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation that it started out as, to the NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley that it is today!
What inspired you to serve on the NWBRV board?
I was just starting my career in the community and NWBRV was a collaborative community agency that served many of our families. I also lived in the neighborhood and on a personal level truly embraced their mission of affordable housing.
What would you like your friends and family to know about NWBRV?
I would love for more people to know and understand NeighborWorks’ mission of creating affordable housing opportunities in Northern Rhode Island. It encompasses so much. The mission surpasses just obtaining housing and extends to reaching many levels of family support. Opportunities exist in everything from home ownership and sustaining that home, to involvement in youth programs and community partnerships and engagement.
Can you share something that NWBRV has accomplished during your time on the board that you’re particularly proud of?
There are so many things that I’m proud of. I would say that one of the things that sticks out immediately is the Fernwood project. It was amazing to watch people involved in building their own homes through the Mutual Self Help Housing project and fulfill their dream of home ownership. The NWBRV Homeownership Center does an amazing job, not only providing affordable housing opportunities, but also offering all of the necessary support that goes with buying, owning and maintaining a home.
Another NeighborWorks accomplishment that I’m so proud of has been the Levitt AMP Summer Concert Series. It brings so many people together throughout the summer and is a fantastic weekly event. The Millrace Kitchen incubator space also supports so many small businesses. It’s such a unique space in the sense that new business owners can build their business without the overhead that is so often prohibitive for people just starting out. The Millrace space is also used for community events which is great.
There are many things I’m proud of!