BankNewport Supports Establishment of El Centro, a Vital Community Center for Residents in Central Falls, with $25,000 Grant

NEWPORT, R.I –  December 11, 2023 –  BankNewport is proud to announce a $25,000 grant toward the establishment of El Centro, a transformative one-stop supportive community center designed to address critical needs within the Central Falls, RI community. El Centro aims to provide comprehensive support for residents, focusing on essential areas such as food and housing security, mental and behavioral health, and aiding families affected by domestic violence.

The future full-service community center will serve as a vibrant hub for community engagement, offering a diverse range of amenities and services. Among its features will be flexible spaces including a senior center, fitness facilities, a spacious community hall equipped with a kitchen, dedicated areas for teens, meeting rooms, and classrooms.

“This initiative is a testament to Mayor Rivera’s commitment to fostering a stronger, more resilient community in Central Falls,” said Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport. “El Centro’s multifaceted approach aligns with the pressing needs that Central Falls residents face, especially in light of the challenges brought on by the stress of the last few years. BankNewport is proud to support such a vital and worthy cause.”

The project holds a paramount focus on addressing the escalating behavioral health needs within the city. El Centro seeks to implement a proven wrap-around service model, aiming to uplift the most vulnerable members of the community and provide them with essential support.

“When I established our city’s first Office of Constituent Services and Health, it became overwhelmingly clear our neighbors need not only more health and housing services but need a central place to receive trusted support and resources right in our community. El Centro will more easily connect families to the services and support they need, from mental health services, to food and housing, to youth services, to domestic violence resources and beyond. I’m thrilled to see this vision coming to life,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “We’re grateful to BankNewport for its generous contribution towards making our proposed plan a reality.”

El Centro represents a significant step toward creating an inclusive and supportive environment, fostering community resilience, and addressing the growing challenges faced by Central Falls residents.

Photo Caption (from left to right):

Derek Collamati, Director of Development, The Learning Community Charter School; Robert (RJ) Kermes, Chief of Staff for Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera; Kathleen Charbonneau, Senior Vice President, Director of Community Relations and Charitable Giving, BankNewport; Maria Rivera, Mayor, City of Central Falls, RI; Wendy Kagan, Executive Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, BankNewport; and Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport.