We’re so lucky at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley to have a staff 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 work.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi everyone! My name is Holly Abney. I’m a born and raised Rhode Islander, and live in South Kingstown with my husband, seven year old son and King Charles Spaniel, Honey! I graduated from Salve Regina University with a double major in English Communication and English Literature. I met my husband young, and always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom–but it was important to me that I maintain the ability to work from home as well. Similarly, I always knew I wanted to be a writer because it was something I loved and knew I’d have the flexibility of doing from home with a young family. I feel really lucky that I’ve been able to do just that! Today, I substitute daily in my son’s school and write for this amazing organization!
What do you do at NWBRV?
I feel incredibly lucky to be NWBRV’s journalist! Every month I write and help publish stories that are posted on our website and circulated on our social media. The stories cover a variety of topics. They range from staff and Millrace Kitchen business profiles, to grant and funding appreciation stories and event highlights. It’s been so wonderful getting to know the organization from this vantage point! I’ve written for a variety of publications over the years, with varying objectives. Being able to write for NeighborWorks has been above and beyond my favorite!
How long have you been working with NWBRV, and how did you start working with the organization?
I started writing for NeighborWorks in February 2021! I can’t believe its been almost two years. I owe this job to my lifelong best friend, NeighborWorks Director of Resource Development and Communications, Meghan Rego. Since I’ve graduated from college in 2008, I’ve always tried to maintain my writing career. The field has evolved a lot since I graduated, and it’s been important to me that I stay relevant with the direction that journalism has gone. I had recently stopped writing for a wedding magazine in late 2020 when Meg asked me if I’d be interested in writing weekly for NeighborWorks. I said yes immediately! I’ve gotten so much experience writing about the non-profit world that I didn’t have before, and I have Meg to thank for that.
What inspires you to do this work?
Honestly, several things! I feel really strongly that the work NeighborWorks does is incredibly important and valuable–and not for nothing, it’s also just downright impressive. The feature story we wrote about Joe and NeighborWorks’ accomplishments throughout the years absolutely blew my mind. Seeing all that has been accomplished laid out in front of me, ready to be worked into a story, was amazing. This is such an admirable organization that helps an endless number of well deserving people. I would also say that my mom and husband have always inspired and encouraged me to write. Nothing is more inspiring than when someone supports what you love to do.
What is your proudest accomplishment working with NWBRV?
I think that being a part of highlighting the incredible work that NeighborWorks does is my proudest accomplishment. I’m grateful that through the generous support of the Robinson Family Trust, NWBRV has been able to hire me to help share all that we do in the community. So many good people in the world contribute so much to society, and nobody knows or hears about it. Being a part of highlighting the good in people and in our state, is really amazing–whether that’s NWBRV employees, area partners, local establishments, whoever it may be. We need more light shining on all of the positives, because there are so many. Over the course of a single month I’ve had the privilege of learning about everything from thriving women-owned startups, and free, live music concert series, to affordable housing opportunities and college readiness classes for kids. I really love being able to be a part of sharing that there’s this kind of joy and positivity in our state.
