YMCA VETERAN, BOB CIOFFI, TO STRENGTHEN THE KENT COUNTY Y

WARWICK, RI – February 3, 2020 – The YMCA of Greater Providence announced Monday that Bob Cioffi, has been named Executive Director of the Kent County YMCA, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, filling a key role as the organization aims to amplify the member experience and continue the Y’s vital work of improving the well-being of the community.

Cioffi, a Johnston, Rhode Island resident, previously served as Executive Director at the MacColl YMCA in Lincoln, Rhode Island for eighteen years where he was instrumental in the rapid growth and expansion of the childcare and summer camp programs. He also oversaw the planning and development of the MacColl YMCA’s new 52,000 square foot facility which opened to the public in 2012.

“What every YMCA has in common is a dedicated group of people: volunteers, staff, members and donors—all of whom are committed to our mission,” said Cioffi. “It is the people of the YMCA who build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities—and I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible team at the Kent County Y,” Cioffi said.

“Bob brings decades of Y experience and is a tremendous addition to the Kent County YMCA and the Warwick community,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, YMCA of Greater Providence CEO. “His leadership and proven track record of success will serve as a catalyst for positive change in our community,” O’Donnell said.

In his new role, Cioffi will oversee and direct all aspects of the organization’s fundraising, operations, management of staff and consultants, and outreach to the community.

About the YMCA of Greater Providence

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility with a mission of nurturing the potential of children and families, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also deliver, lasting personal and social change. Learn more at https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

Connect with the YMCA of Greater Providence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

NEW ROLE WILL FOCUS ON DRIVING EQUITY AND INCLUSION THROUGHOUT THE ORGANIZATION

PROVIDENCE, RI – January 20, 2020 – YMCA of Greater Providence announced today that it created a new Diversity and Inclusion position, and has hired Kobi Dennis for the role. As the Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Dennis will focus on developing comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiatives at the YMCA of Greater Providence, and continue building a culture that values all employee contributions and diverse perspectives. He will be deeply involved in fostering strong community relations and assisting in the Y’s Urban Initiative. Dennis will report directly to the CEO, Steven G. O’Donnell.

“My dream has always involved impacting the lives of youth and families through positive change,” said Dennis. “This new appointment at the YMCA of Greater Providence will allow me to continue that quest up close and personal.”

“We have known Kobi for over a decade through his dedicated work in the community and we’re excited to bring him on board,” Steven G. O’Donnell, YMCA of Greater Providence CEO said in a statement. “Kobi was instrumental in developing the Y’s Urban Initiative taskforce which aims to revitalize the urban core with the development of state-of-the-art Y facility in Providence. Kobi’s innate ability to connect with those in our community will be instrumental as we continue our critical mission in bringing Y programs, services, and jobs to those who need it the most,” said O’Donnell.

Workplace diversity is an important predictor of profitability, according to the American Sociological Association. Dennis will be responsible for attracting, recruiting, promoting diverse talent, and creating a workplace culture in which employees feel valued, respected, and accepted.

Kobi has dedicated his entire professional life working to promote diversity and inclusion, said O’Donnell. “Diversity isn’t something we do – it’s who we are. Every day we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure everyone regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive,” said O’Donnell.

Mr. Dennis started his career traveling the world serving in the United States Navy. He studied Elementary Education at Rhode Island College and Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island. Over the years, he has received numerous leadership awards throughout his military and civilian careers. In 2012, Mr. Dennis received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award by the City of Providence and was voted the “Top 10 People to Watch” by Providence Monthly. Mr. Dennis will assume this new role effective February 10, 2020.

About the YMCA of Greater Providence

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility with a mission of nurturing the potential of children and families, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also deliver, lasting personal and social change. Learn more at https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

Connect with the YMCA of Greater Providence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

HEALTHY LIVING LEADER NETS OVER $3 MILLION IN ELECTRICITY SAVINGS THROUGH VIRTUAL NET METERING

PROVIDENCE, RI and SPRINGFIELD, MA – December 17, 2019 – Balanced Rock Energy, a leader in energy procurement strategy and execution, today announced it has helped YMCA of Greater Providence secure a long-term reduction in electricity costs across its network of gyms, camps, and administrative buildings through National Grid’s Virtual Net Metering program.

The 25-year agreement, signed with Green Development, a Rhode Island solar and wind project developer, enables the YMCA to purchase renewable energy credits from local offsite solar projects and apply those credits to the YMCA’s monthly electric bills, a move projected to save it more than $3 million over the term.

“As a mission-driven non-profit, we are always looking for ways to promote the health of our members, the local community, and our environment, while also keeping a close eye on our costs,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence. “Balanced Rock Energy showed how we could advance our mission by supporting clean power generation and leverage our status as a non-profit to reduce our overall energy expenditures. The virtual net metering agreement we have entered into is a big win for us and the Greater Providence community.”

With the agreement driving annual savings in excess of $130,000, the YMCA of Greater Providence will continue to invest in energy efficiency measures to further reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs, as well as in new programs for its members.

“As one of Rhode Island’s largest renewable energy developers, we are very pleased to provide the YMCA with a solution to reduce their utility costs,” said Mark DePasquale, Chairman, and Founder, Green Development LLC. “It is critical that Rhode Island continues to encourage the development of renewable energy projects to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels and out-of-state energy generation.”

Added Dan Joyce, President, Balanced Rock Energy: “Steve is a visionary leader and change agent who understands that energy can be more than a line-item expense – making the right energy choices can benefit the community, the environment, and the bottom line. It is a pleasure working with him and the entire team at the YMCA of Greater Providence to help advance their community-focused mission.”

About the YMCA of Greater Providence

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility with a mission of nurturing the potential of children and families, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also deliver, lasting personal and social change. Learn more at https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

Connect with the YMCA of Greater Providence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

PROVIDENCE, RI – December 3, 2019 – The YMCA of Greater Providence is launching its annual holiday “Gift of Camp” fundraising campaign in partnership with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) to help reduce the summer learning gap by sending 400 children in need to the Ys’ transformative camps in 2020.

“Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence. “In addition to being the place where children learn to swim or adults go for their daily workout, we’re also constantly responding to the needs of our community. We’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors—all to create a better us.”

Every day, the YMCA of Greater Providence works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, health and wellness, and food insecurity. This year, the YMCA of Greater Providence hopes to raise $100,000, which will send approximately 400 campers to both day and residential camp next summer.

“Neighborhood is especially proud to support camp experiences for these kids as many of them are also our members, which makes our partnership with the Y an extension of our mission to serve at risk populations,” said Brenda Whittle, Chief Marketing Officer of Neighborhood.

Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors raised over $80,000 and made it possible for 320 children to attend various camps across five locations throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts where they create friendships, build confidence, and foster leadership skills.

“Summer camp at the Y was one of the happiest moments of my life. I am a lot more thankful for my parents and I can also make more friends easier now,” said Carlos, 2019 YMCA Camper.

“Together, we can make a transformative impact in the life of a child. Every gift, of every size, truly matters,” said O’Donnell.

About the YMCA of Greater Providence

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility with a mission of nurturing the potential of children and families improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymcagreaterprovidence.org.

About Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is a not-for-profit health insurance company (HMO). We currently serve about 200,000 members in the state. About 80 percent of our membership is Medicaid eligible through our ACCESS and TRUST plans. Just under 10 percent of our members utilize our INTEGRITY Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP). More than 10 percent of our membership represents individuals, families and small businesses who select one of eight Neighborhood commercial plans available through the health exchange, HealthSource RI. Of these members, about 85 percent qualify for federal subsidies to cover a portion of their costs.

In December 1993, Neighborhood was founded in partnership with Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers. We served our first 1,490 members in 1994, and by 2000, we grew to 50,000 members. Starting in November 2013, Neighborhood doubled its membership, revenue, and staff through the introduction of the Affordable Care Act and state leadership’s decision to extend coverage to more Rhode Islanders.

In 2019, we celebrate 25 years of service. Since 2004, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has rated Neighborhood one of the top Medicaid health plans in America, and our commercial plans have earned NCQA’s highest accreditation level in 2017. Today, Neighborhood – with 500 employees and $1.4 billion in revenue – serves one out of every five Rhode Islanders.

Learn more at nhpri.orgn.

You can connect with Neighborhood on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

To Our Y Family,

As we wrap up 2019 and prepare to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, I want to take a moment to thank you for all your support this year. Together, we were able to advance our commitment to our communities by leveraging the power of the Y’s network to reinforce our positioning as a vital community asset for all. Please join me in celebrating just a few of our many shared accomplishments in 2019.

• Provided $1,500,000 in financial assistance to those who need it most
• Helped 38,000 members maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Conducted 65,000 swim lessons
• Led 35,000 exercise classes
• With the help of generous grants provided 60,000 meals to children in need
• Trained over 2000 youth athletes through various sports programs
• Opened our doors to hundreds affected by the government shutdown + extreme heat
• Honored six extortionary heroes from our community
• Sold out Dancing Under the Stars event
• Sold out Annual Charity Golf Tournament

In 2020 we’re on a mission to develop a new generation of change-makers who will create communities we all want to work in. While our organization has changed a lot over the past few years, one constant is that we’re all at our best when we work together.

We’re proud to be your partners. Thank you for all you do every day to ensure the Y remains a vital community asset for all. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and safe holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year. Merry Christmas!

With Dignity and Respect,

Steven G. O’Donnell
Chief Executive Officer
YMCA of Greater Providence

EXPANDS ACCESS TO UNIQUE, EFFECTIVE FES THERAPY THAT IMPROVES FITNESS IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE OR INJURIES

February 20, 2019

Wakefield, RI: The South County branch of the YMCA of Greater Providence today marked the installation of a new functional electrical stimulation (FES) bike, which uses pulses of electrical current to stimulate peripheral nerves evoking muscle contractions and patterned muscle activity to help those who suffer from neurological disease or injury.

“At the end of the day, this is what the YMCA is all about,” said Steven G. O’Donnell, CEO, YMCA of Greater Providence. “This is a place where people of all abilities can improve the quality of their lives and connect with the community.”

Tori Lynn Andreozzi, who sustained a devastating brain injury in 2003 when she was hit by a drunk driver at age 12, demonstrated the bike at the special event today. The FES bike enables muscles to work and perform activity even if they are weak or paralyzed.

“I want to thank the YMCA of Greater Providence for its work to make this therapy accessible,” said Cathy Andreozzi, Tori’s mother. “Life as you know it can change in a minute, as it did for Tori. Today, we work to make sure Tori has as many opportunities as possible. The ability to use the FES bike has made an incredible difference—providing the chance for her to move and to improve her muscles.”

Congressman Jim Langevin, who uses an FES bike to strengthen his muscles and cardiac core, applauded the Greater Providence YMCA’s work to make the therapy available to Rhode Islanders.

“It is great to see the YMCA continuing its rich tradition of inclusion and togetherness with the installation of this new FES bike,” said Congressman Jim Langevin at today’s event. “The Cranston YMCA was the first in the state to offer the use of an FES bike, and I am thrilled South County members will also now have access to this remarkable equipment.”

The purchase of the FES bike was made possible through donations from the YMCA of Greater Providence’s 2018 Dancing Under the Stars event and an unexpected $25,000 donation from Joe Nagle, President, and CEO, Delta Dental.

“When I saw Tori at the Dancing Under the Stars event, I was so touched by her spirit and her potential,” said Nagle. “She touched my heart and I knew that I wanted to help her and others who could benefit from an FES bike.”

“We’re here today because of people like Joe Nagle,” said O’Donnell at the Tuesday event. “Without hesitation, Joe stepped up—and his generosity will make a difference for so many of people.”

This is the fifth FES bike installed at a YMCA of Greater Providence branch. YMCA of Greater Providence members can use the bike free of charge.

Photo credit: Cathy and Tori Andreozz