NeighborWorks Week (NWW) was once again celebrated here in Woonsocket! Staff members at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley were excited to celebrate the nationwide impact that NeighborWorks network organizations have on people’s lives.
Founded in 1983, NeighborWorks Week is an annual week of service where NWBRV and other nationally recognized NeighborWorks organizations across the United States highlight neighborhood change and awareness. By hosting a variety of events, we celebrate the collective impact these groups have had on increasing access to affordable housing and enriching community life. In unity, NeighborWorks network organizations around the country celebrate the successes of how communities, NeighborWorks and residents work together to empower people to enhance their lives.
From June 4 to June 11, NWBRV held a number of our own events to celebrate this important week!
A Block Party was hosted by the C3 Center on Tuesday, June 7 from 3-6 pm. Taking place at the C3 Center in Woonsocket, this outdoor, family friendly, free event featured games, music and delicious food from Millrace Kitchen Member Bugg’d Out BBQ. Attendees met NWBRV’s afterschool program administrators, checked out our Youth Centers and enrolled their children in Summer Camp!
Wednesday, June 8 held special significance during this year’s NeighborWorks Week, as we celebrated the ribbon cutting of NWBRV’s newest homeownership development and first time homeowner, longtime Woonsocket resident, Rakema Williams!
The rehabilitation of Rakema’s new, two-unit affordable housing home, formerly an abandoned property, was made possible by the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), the Office of Housing and Community Development and the City of Woonsocket. As this year’s NWW theme was “Empowering Communities for Success,” we saw no better time to celebrate the triumph that this purchase has been for Rakema and her family.
With gorgeous weather pulling through in the nick of time, NWBRV hosted an All Staff cleanup day at 40 South Main street on Friday, June 10 from 10am-2pm! Staff also painted the Levitt Stage and planned for the Launch of Levitt AMP Woonsocket, a mutually productive and celebratory afternoon!
A virtual Fast Track to HomeOwnership Class, offered by the HOC, was held Saturday, June 11. Ideal for first time home buyers, this series ran through the basics of buying and maintaining a home. It was tailored to families who were pre-approved for a mortgage or already had a purchase and sales agreement.
“When neighborhoods and communities rise above their differences, nationwide issues become tangible problems,” said NWBRV Director of Resource Development and Communications Meg Rego. “NeighborWorks Week is an affirmation of what communities can accomplish when they come together. Empowered community members become able to empower others.”
