Picerne charitable arm honored at White House

WASHINGTON – The Our Family for Families First Foundation received the “People’s Choice” award in the Joining Forces Community Challenge and was honored by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden at the White House on Wednesday.

The competitions recognizes organizations that demonstrate a “genuine and deep desire to be of service to military families.”

The foundation qualified as a finalist after being evaluated by a national selection panel composed of representatives from the service branches, the Department of Defense, experts on family well-being and community organizations

During the public seven-week voting period, nearly 17,000 supporters voted for the East Greenwich-based charitable arm of Picerne Military Housing, according to a release.

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“Our company is built on the pillars of success, heart and dedication. The Our Family for Families First Foundation is another way for us to show our respect for the service members and families that we serve every day,” John Picerne, president and CEO of Picerne Military Housing, said in prepared remarks.

The foundation provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of active-duty service members serving at any of the seven military installations served by Picerne Military Housing.

Since its inception in 2006, the foundation has awarded 10 four-year scholarships of up to $50,000 to graduating high school students and up to 20 $5,000 grants to spouses in any phase of education, coming to a total of more than $3 million to the families of service members seeking higher education.

“Our military families demonstrate such strength, service, and sacrifice every single day, and we’re so grateful for everyone who is stepping up to give back to these families,” the first lady said in announcing the five other finalists and Our Family for Families First Foundation.

“The challenge winners are leading by example, and showing that all of us can find a way to serve those who serve us,” she added.

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