BankNewport’s “Kind Heart Fresh Start” Drive Collects New Bedding for Organizations Serving Rhode Island’s Homeless Population

NEWPORT, R.I. (January 5, 2023) – As part of its All In Giving program, BankNewport is pleased to announce that its “Kind Heart Fresh Start” drive to benefit organization’s serving Rhode Island’s homeless population resulted in the collection of hundreds of pieces new bedding, including pillows, pillowcases, pillow protectors, twin and full-size sheet sets, and crib sheets, from its employees and members of the community who made donations at each of BankNewport’s 18 branch locations around Rhode Island between October 17th through November 12th.

Representatives from BankNewport recently delivered the collected items to seven organizations that provide services to underserved populations: Crossroads RI in Providence; Welcome House of South County in Wakefield; Lucy’s Hearth in Middletown; the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Central Falls; Operation Stand Down Rhode Island in Johnston; the Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties; and Community Care Alliance in Woonsocket.

“We’re very proud of both our employees and our customers for stepping up to help supply the essential bedding necessities that are needed to provide comfort and warmth to our less fortunate neighbors this holiday season,” said Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport. “Our goal with ‘Kind Heart Fresh Start’ is to support those in need while empowering those in our communities to make a difference in theirs.”

Photo Captions (pictured from left to right):

Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (Central Falls): Toni Marie Gomes, Executive Director, Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center; Carmen Diaz-Jusino, Vice President, Community Development Officer, BankNewport; and Meredith Cote, Community Relations Specialist, Officer, BankNewport.

Community Care Alliance (Woonsocket): Julie Solan, Lead Case Manager, Community Care Alliance; Meredith Cote, Community Relations Specialist, Officer, BankNewport; and Colleen Joubert, Director of Communications and Development, Community Care Alliance.

Crossroads RI (Providence): Ric Wild, Community Outreach & Volunteer Manager, Crossroads RI; Meredith Cote, Community Relations Specialist, Officer, BankNewport; and Erin Mallo, Vice President, Branch Manager, BankNewport.

Lucy’s Hearth (Middletown): Mckenzie Dodd, Community Relations Intern, BankNewport; Ashley Carpenzano, Lucy’s Hearth; Patrick Burns, Branch Manager, BankNewport ‘s Middletown Branch.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (Johnston):Mckenzie Dodd, Community Relations Intern, BankNewport; Brian Sullivan, Associate Director of Veteran Outreach, Operation Stand Down; and Evan Rose, Branch Manager, BankNewport’s Newport Branch.

Welcome House of South County (Wakefield): Russ Partridge, Executive Director, Welcome House of South County; Sarah Hazelton, Shelter Program Manager, Welcome House of South County; Lynn Wagner, Vice President/Branch Manager of Narragansett branch, BankNewport; and Christina Taylor, Case Manager, Welcome House of South County.

Women’s Resource Center (Bristol & Newport Counties): Megan Whelan, Systems Advocacy Manager, Women’s Resource Center; Becky Knight, Office Manager, Women’s Resource Center; Mckenzie Dodd, Community Relations Intern, BankNewport; Victor Correia, Portfolio Relationship Manager, BankNewport; Peter Salvadore, Vice President/Portfolio Relationship Manager, BankNewport; Jessica Walsh, Executive Director, Women’s Resource Center; and Misty Jackson, Court Advocate, Women’s Resource Center.

About BankNewport:

Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. BankNewport is one of the longest-standing community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and communities. BankNewport has 18 branch locations and a

commercial lending office in Providence. OceanPoint Marine Lending, a business line of BankNewport, specializes in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs.

Through its All In Giving program, BankNewport is committed to supporting nonprofits with areas of impact focused on basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, healthy lives, arts and culture, and the environment. BankNewport has awarded over $7 million in grants, sponsorships, and donations over the past 11 years to a wide range of nonprofits to help strengthen and enrich lives and communities throughout Rhode Island. Financial education and community service performed by employees totals 7,300 hours annually. For more information, please visit www.banknewport.com.