Pages to Paychecks gets $12,000 grant

By Rebecca Keister
PBN Staff Writer

The Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community Leadership Team recently stopped by the Re-Focus Community Centers in Providence to present the organization with a $12,000 grant from the Mercy Ministry Fund.

The grant will support Re-Focus’ recently-created Pages to Paychecks workforce-development program.

Pages to Paychecks was developed after Re-Focus clients, those with differing physical and developmental needs, and their families began requesting assistance in securing part-jobs in their communities.

“In order to assist [clients] in moving towards greater independence, we need to hire a job developer who can research available positions in the community and assess clients’ skills and interests to determine appropriate matches,” said Christine Kavanagh, executive director of Re-Focus.

The grant from the Mercy Ministry Fund, along with other funding sources, will help put the plan into action.

Re-Focus supports nearly 200 individuals with developmental disabilities in two community centers, 14 group homes and a variety of supportive and shared living programs across the state.