NeighborWorks BRV named ‘champions’

WOONSOCKET – Citizens Bank and WJAR-TV NBC 10 have named NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley in Woonsocket a 2012 Champion in Action in the category of neighborhood development. NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley will receive a $35,000 unrestricted grant, media coverage, and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work in providing homebuyer education classes and job training seminars to local residents. NeighborWorks was named a champion in 2003 and is the first Rhode Island organization to be recognized for a second time since the program was enhanced earlier this year.
NeighborWorks will use the grant to continue its revitalization initiatives in nearby Woonsocket neighborhoods and northern Rhode Island to create mixed-use development, new housing and the expansion of the city’s commercial district.
“Citizens Bank is pleased to name NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley as the newest Champion in Action in the neighborhood development category,” said Ned Handy, president, Citizens Bank, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Launched in 2002, Champions in Action is a joint initiative to recognize and support nonprofit organizations for their contributions to Rhode Island communities. 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the program, which has awarded more than $1 million in grants and promotional support to 39 nonprofits in Rhode Island.