Charitable Foundation Spotlights

Youth Build Preparatory Academy | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:20 GMT

We are committed to strengthening Rhode Island through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, especially those taking on our state’s most pressing challenges.

In addition to investing in services and programs across Rhode Island, we believe it’s important to recognize the value of helping to strengthen Rhode Island’s nonprofit community.

We can be more successful in addressing important social issues if the community organizations we support are stable and can have the ability to focus on how to enhance their organizational effectiveness. That is why we have also made a commitment to fund capacity building grants that are focused on addressing fundamental organizational needs and improvements.

Capacity Building Profile: YouthBuild Preparatory Academy

Nonprofits are not just programs; they are businesses and we need to make sure they are running efficiently. That can be hard to do when we are focused mainly on delivering quality programs. How can I make this organization great for years to come and help as many young people as possible, while sustaining program quality? That is what’s constantly on my mind!

– Anthony Hubbard, YouthBuild Prep Academy Executive Director

YouthBuild Preparatory Academy (YBPA) is the second recipient of a capacity building grant from the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation to support the development of a strategic plan that will serve as a blueprint to grow and sustain the organization. Having recently secured its own standing as a nonprofit after 22 years under the auspices of another organization, YouthBuild Preparatory Academy is ready to look internally and map the future for the organization to successfully transition from a program to becoming a school.

YBPA is an umbrella organization which is authorized to operate both a school and a YouthBuild program (YouthBuild Providence). An affiliate of YouthBuild USA, a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income young people become educated, productive adults in their communities, they are one of roughly 226 YouthBuild programs in the country.

The focus of the organization is to work with students in Providence who struggled in a traditional school setting or have left school, ensuring attainment of a high school diploma and demonstrate college and career readiness. YPBA’s YouthBuild program improves career readiness for the most at-risk and underserved youth, preparing them with practical work experience and helping them earn industry-recognized Home Builders Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Certifications.

Students can acquire skills and knowledge through hands-on experience at real work sites, as well as learning construction skills, strengthen decision-making and time-management skills and adopt stronger work habits. The program runs Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week and includes academic, service learning, and 450 hours of community service.

When thinking about the future of YouthBuild Preparatory Academy, Anthony Hubbard has big aspirations “I want to change the narrative. I want to change the perception of these young people as high school drop-outs to engaged young people in a program of choice where they can build a prosperous future for themselves. I want to take our program to the next level so we can support entrepreneurship and business plan development for those students ready to continue in their journey. I want us to be a true community development organization planned and operated by young people – as benefactors, they need to be at the table, take ownership of their futures, lead, encouraged to identify issues that impact them and supported in taking constructive action to create positive change.”

Planning for this vision requires commitment and time. Together, with a newly elected board of directors the organization is ready to formulate a plan that will strategically position YBPA to achieve long-term sustainability and world-class programming for years to come. “We are so grateful to Centreville Bank for valuing the significance of this work and the support to get this important effort in motion.”

The Manton Avenue Project | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:19 GMT

We are committed to strengthening Rhode Island through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, especially those taking on our state’s most pressing challenges.

Students have a greater chance of reaching their full potential when parents, families, educators and community organizations work together to provide the support and resources needed for success.

In 2022, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation first provided funding that helped Read to Grow purchase its Bookmobile. Since hitting the road, the Bookmobile has become a vital literacy resource on wheels, visiting schools, childcare centers, and community events across all eight counties of Connecticut.

In one year it made more than 140 stops and distributed over 11,700 free books to children and has expanded that reach into communities that need it most. Our Charitable Foundation grant didn’t just put a vehicle on the road. It helped break down barriers to reading and ensure children have books of their own at home, fueling early literacy and a love of learning

Our Charitable Foundation grant didn’t just put a vehicle on the road. It helped break down barriers to reading and ensure children have books of their own at home, fueling early literacy and a love of learning 2025 marked one year since we announced our support of the Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Zoomobile, a traveling classroo

Thundermist Health Center | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:18 GMT

Thundermist Health Center has redefined primary care and will continue to do so.

Thundermist is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center serving Woonsocket, West Warwick, and South County for more than 50 years.

In addition to investing in services and programs across Rhode Island, we believe it’s important to recognize the value of helping to strengthen Rhode Island’s nonprofit community. We can be more successful in addressing important social issues if the community organizations we support are stable and can have the ability to focus on how to enhance their organizational effectiveness. That is why we have also made a commitment to fund capacity building grants that are focused on addressing fundamental organizational needs and improvements.

Capacity Building Grantee Profile: Thundermist Health Center

"Everyone deserves access to excellent, comprehensive, and compassionate care, regardless of background, employment, or insurance.” -Jeanne LaChance, Executive Director

For more than 50 years, Thundermist Health Center has focused on one of the most critical issues in our country – providing high-quality health care to all. What started as a single building in Woonsocket, has grown into three full-service health centers serving the communities of Woonsocket, Warwick, and Wakefield. As a patient-centered medical home, Thundermist provides a circle of care to meet patient needs including primary medical care, dental services, behavioral health care, and social services. Thundermist serves many of the most vulnerable populations in our State ensuring access to health care for all and never turns a patient away for inability to pay.

No longer able to adequately serve patients in the existing office which needs substantial repairs and lacks the capacity to meet the patient demand, Thundermist will expand their services to a new location on Main Street in West Warwick. The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has awarded the organization a grant in support of a new facility to house the Dental Program. Hal Horvat, President and CEO of Centreville Bank states “As a community bank in Rhode Island, we understand the many areas of need that exist in the communities we serve. We are proud to support Thundermist as they embark on this new project to expand access to dental services right here in West Warwick.”

The new dental facility will expand services, dramatically increasing the number of patients seen annually from 5,000 to 9,000, increase the number of operatories from 12 to 18, and provide full accessibility for patients with limited mobility. Jeanne LaChance, Executive Director at Thundermist emphasized the importance of community support and the significance of the grant “Centreville Bank’s support of this project will provide high-quality dental services to those who need us most – the underserved, those without insurance, and those who face barriers to care such as seniors and people with disabilities.”

The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to invest in the new Dental Facility at Thundermist Health Center and support their work to expand access to important oral health services for so many in our community.

Northeast Placement Services | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:17 GMT

Trust, respect, and dignity are keys to the success of our agency.

In addition to investing in services and programs across the communities we serve, we believe it’s important to recognize the value of helping to strengthen Rhode Island and Connecticut's nonprofit community.

We can be more successful in addressing important social issues if the community organizations we support are stable, and can have the ability to focus on how to enhance their organizational effectiveness. That is why we have also made a commitment to fund capacity building grants that are focused on addressing fundamental organizational needs and improvements.

Workforce Development Profile: Northeast Placement Services

Northeast Placement Services (NEPS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 with a mission to provide integrated placement opportunities and services for adults with intellectual disabilities, ages 21 to 70+, so that they may be successful members of the community. Services and Programs offered range from independent supported employment and residential supports to community-based excursions and educational and creative arts experiences.

In 2020, NEPS launched a capital campaign to erect a barn, “The People’s Barn”, that would serve as an education/training center for individuals to expand their knowledge and skill-base in janitorial and landscaping services. The facility will provide the space to learn about the various pieces of equipment, their purpose, and how to operate, maintain and repair them. Participants will be taught how to make a basic business plan, work schedule and how to execute it, with the goal of making all individuals NEPS serves feel confident and reach their potential.

Putnam Bank was the first bank to donate to the Barn raising, and after the acquisition by Centreville Bank, the final donation was made by the Charitable Foundation to complete the project. The Barn was dedicated in July of 2021. The Foundation has made it one of its priorities to support organizations with capacity building grants so they can focus and direct resources to support and expand operational effectiveness. “We believe it is now more important than ever to support community-based organizations by investing in operating support to help provide the stability they will need during these uncertain times.” - Centreville Bank President and CEO, Hal Horvat

We are proud to be able to support Northeast Placement services and their mission to provide those receiving services with individualized support, tailored to what they need to achieve their goals and attain the highest level of independence.

College Crusade Of Rhode Island | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:16 GMT

Preparing and inspiring Rhode Island students to become the first in their families to attend and complete college.

Education Success Profile: The College Crusade of Rhode Island

The College Crusade of Rhode Island is the state’s most comprehensive college readiness program for middle school and high school students in our state’s urban school districts. They reach out early to motivated students and encourage their commitment to learning. No other organization in Rhode Island provides as much long-term guidance and support for students from these communities. The College Crusade was inspired by the idea that the consistent involvement of caring adults helps young people overcome economic and educational disadvantages.

The relationship began in 2019 when the bank was the Host Sponsor of the 30th Anniversary Gala and has continued to evolve in earnest. As the Crusade continues to support first-generation students in Rhode Island on their higher experience, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has pledged the bank’s commitment to this important work with a grant in the amount of $250,000 over two years. The grant will support general operating costs and a redesign of their family engagement model. It is the largest Rhode Island-based corporate grant in the College Crusade’s 31-year history.

The College Crusade navigates the educational journey alongside students, offering support at every step of the way, and continues with that support throughout their college career. The success of the College Crusade determines the future success of young people, and ultimately, the strength of our community. Our priorities are mutually aligned in this regard, so we consider supporting the College Crusade as a strategic way to invest our Charitable Foundation dollars while also investing in the future workforce of Rhode Island.

The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has made it one of its priorities to support organizations with capacity building grants so they can focus and direct resources to support operational effectiveness. It is now more important than ever to be investing in operating support to provide the stability these organizations will need during these uncertain times.

Centreville Bank President and CEO, Hal Horvat, states “The most notable work is making college a real possibility for all young people in Rhode Island. The organization’s priority of engaging, inspiring, and supporting students and their families as they work to fulfill their dreams is what we see as the foundation of the College Crusade’s success and we are happy to support the great work that they do”.

We are proud to be able to support the College Crusade of Rhode Island and their mission to prepare and inspire young people in Rhode Island to become the first in their families to attend and complete college.

Jonnycake Center For Hope | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:15 GMT

We believe our community has a shared responsibility for ensuring that our neighbors can meet their basic needs.

Jonnycake Center For Hope treats those seeking assistance with respect and dignity. They provide timely and reliable service in an environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported.

We can be more successful in addressing important social issues if the community organizations we support are stable, and can have the ability to focus on how to enhance their organizational effectiveness. That is why the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has made a commitment to fund Economic Security grants that are focused on addressing fundamental organizational needs and improvements.

Economic Security Profile: Jonnycake Center For Hope

The Jonnycake Center provides basic needs, resources, and hope to low-income residents of South Kingstown and Narragansett. Their vision is a community without hunger and poverty where everyone can reach their full potential and improve their quality of life.

Originally known best for its food pantry, one of the largest in the state, Jonnycake Center today offers a host of services that help individuals and families meet their basic needs and get on a path towards economic security. The needs among low-income residents in South County are significant. There is a severe shortage of affordable housing, lack of transportation and a part-time, seasonal economy leaves hundreds of households unable to make ends meet. In addition, the local Native American community faces extreme rates of childhood poverty, significant health and education disparities, and feelings of isolation.

In recent years the Center expanded beyond its traditional services to get at the root causes of food insecurity and poverty. Today they provide emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness, avoid utility shut offs, and help get the family car back on the road. They continue to focus on the social determinants of health, knowing that an individual’s well-being is dependent on having access to healthy food, affordable housing, a good education, and a safe environment.

To better serve the community, the Center recently embarked on a $1.7 million capital campaign to renovate the former Peace Dale Grammar School into a place where individuals and families can get healthy food and support services under one roof in a safe, welcoming environment. The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation awarded a Grant of $150K to help build out the Jonnycake Market.

“Our HOPE is that our commitment to the new building, and the Jonnycake Market in particular, helps to ensure that all members of our community can meet their basic needs, have access to resources, and are able to envision a path towards economic security.” Hal Horvat, President and CEO, Centreville Bank

This Market will recreate a true grocery store experience, allowing “shoppers” to select and handle their own food items. The social service staff will be co-located with the Market, allowing for regular interactions and timely assistance with visitors. Cooking classes, wellness initiatives, community meetings, and tax assistance will be provided. Partners will be offered much needed space for job training, education initiatives, WIC enrollment, housing navigation, and other needs that may arise in our community.

Meals On Wheels | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:14 GMT

Helping homebound Rhode Island seniors stay healthy, safe and happy at home.

In 2020, Meals on Wheels nutrition programs served 3,353 homebound Rhode Islanders across the state from Woonsocket to Westerly.

At Centreville Bank we believe that helping to improve the economic security of Rhode Islanders is an important and fundamental investment in our communities. Our community investment priorities are focused on programs that work to increase the stability for low-income individuals and families through wrap-around programs and supports , specifically in the areas that focus on food insecurity and elderly safety and well-being.

Economic Security Profile: Meals on Wheels

Since 1969, Meals on Wheels of RI programs have worked to address the issues of food insecurity and social isolation that increase risk factors for loss of independence amongst older adults.

Now in its 52nd year, the Home-Delivered Meal Program remains the only nonprofit meal delivery program of its kind in Rhode Island, serving seniors statewide with complete and nutritious, fully prepared meals, five days per week. Each home-delivered meal is accompanied by a vital well-being check that provides a critical opportunity for socialization with friendly drivers, and in many cases has saved a life.

Since 2015, the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation has funded the Emergency Meal Program at Meals on Wheels, which provides clients with a box of food that supplies five complete and nutritious meals. The meals ensure every home-bound senior in the program has access to healthy food during the harsh winter months should unforeseen circumstances such as, inclement weather, prevent daily meal delivery. It offers the peace of mind they will have enough to eat if drivers cannot safely deliver a meal to them. The meals come in easy-to-open containers, do not require refrigeration, and have at last a six-month shelf life. Meal items include canned pastas, soups, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruits.

“The pandemic has unfortunately exacerbated the ongoing challenges already felt by so many to meet basic needs, and in particular, food insecurity for an already vulnerable population. We are very proud to continue to partner with Meals on Wheels in this work, making sure that seniors in our state do not go without. “ Hal Horvat

Meals on Wheels delivers thousands of meals in Rhode Island every year from Woonsocket to Westerly allowing seniors to safely age in place, living in their own homes, with dignity, increased health, and care. “It is because of strong partnerships such as ours with Centreville Bank that our work within the last year to build awareness, both of our critical work, and the need for funding to support it, that we have been successful in serving our clients who are homebound, and unable to safely leave the home on their own, and safely shop for and/or cook a meal for themselves. We’re thankful for Centreville Bank’s commitment to Meals on Wheels and ongoing support” - Meg Grady, CEO

North Kingstown Food Pantry | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:13 GMT

We are committed to strengthening Rhode Island through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, especially those taking on our state’s most pressing challenges.

At Centreville Bank we believe that helping to improve the economic security of Rhode Islanders is an important and fundamental investment in our communities.

Our priorities are focused on programs that work to increase the stability for low income individuals and families through wrap-around programs, specifically in the areas that focus on adult education, housing (home ownership and counseling, eviction and homelessness prevention), affordable housing development, financial education and coaching, food insecurity and elderly safety and well-being.

Economic Security Profile: North Kingstown Food Pantry

The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation recently awarded a grant to the North Kingstown Food Pantry to fund their Vacation Nutrition Program. The program was created to help families with school children who qualify for free or reduced school breakfast and lunch during the months when the children are not in school.

According to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, food insecurity affects one in eight Rhode Island households and the out-of-school time periods can be even more challenging for families. The Vacation Nutrition Program started four years ago with approximately 60 families when volunteers noticed a significant increase in families coming in to the pantry looking for help during the out-of-school time sessions. Today the program serves hundreds of families, with this year setting a record of 130 families registered and about 250 children in total for the summer.

The summer months are not the only time the pantry works to fill the food gap. The Program runs five times per year including the December break, spring vacation, at the end of the school year, and twice in August. The mission of the program is to ensure that families have enough food when children are home, so they don’t have to worry and stress about how to fill the gap.

“This Program is made possible because of the generosity from Centreville Bank and we are so grateful to be a recipient of the Foundation’s investments." says Nancy Champagne, Program Coordinator. "With this support we can strategically plan for this period of need and provide families with healthy food during a time that can be so stressful.”

In addition to the Vacation Nutrition Program, the food pantry is led by over 70 core volunteers who make sure the pantry is ready to serve families five times per week and on the last Saturday of the month.

Centreville Bank and the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation are proud to support the North Kingstown Food Pantry and the work they do to help local families in need.

TEEG | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:12 GMT

TEEG works quietly behind the scenes to give individuals and families the support they need to live independently and thrive.

At TEEG, we have always believed that the quality of our service rests on two things: compassion for those who seek our service, and accountability to those who fund our programs.

One of Centreville Bank’s main priorities focuses on funding programs that help students achieve educational success. We know there are important and positive benefits for those that obtain a college education, including career opportunities, better paying and higher skilled employment, and increased financial stability. Our “Education Success” grants are reserved for community programs that ensure that at every age, schoolchildren are ready to learn, are engaged learners, and supported in their academic progress while building self-confidence, leadership skills and social-emotional competencies.

Education Success Profile: TEEG

TEEG’s mission is to empower people to live independently

TEEG has been working to meet the needs of low-income individuals and families in Northeast Connecticut since its inception in 1988. The organization has established itself as a vital resource to the community offering basic needs programs which include food assistance, heating assistance, homelessness support, summer camp scholarships and client coordination to name a few.

TEEG has long recognized that moving a family towards independence requires empowering the family members with the skills and resources to get there. No problem is as simple as “I am hungry” or “I am homeless.” They created and delivered programming with the goal of supporting families in their child’s school success. All students in their service area, regardless of income, have access to education and enrichment programs including youth mentoring, attendance mentoring, parent education, restorative youth justice, early childhood programs, back to school programs.

One of TEEG's newest programs is their Attendance Mentoring Program, which was developed in 2020, to assist the Thompson Public Schools reduce absenteeism. The program supports children from pre-school through grade 12. As students exceed the allowable amount of time out of school, TEEG staff works with the youth and their families to identify the level of support that would address the need. This newly created program soon proved to be critical as the pandemic forced schools to shut down in-person learning. The organization pivoted quickly to modify plans for remote and hybrid support to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on school attendance.

Funding from the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is helping to expand the program to serve students in the towns of Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock and Thompson. “With education as one of our pillars for community investment, we agree with TEEG in that absenteeism is one of the greatest obstacles to education success. We are proud to support the organization as they work to reduce chronic absenteeism in schools and re-engage students in learning.“– Hal Horvat, President and CEO of Centreville Bank

As a grassroots community service agency serving the northeast corner of Connecticut, TEEG works quietly behind the scenes to give individuals and families the support they need to live independently and thrive. It takes an informed and creative approach to address the core cause of an issue. Centreville Bank and the Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation are proud to partner with TEEG as they lead the way in connecting and supporting children in school reach their potential, and by providing the tools they need to become tomorrow’s community leaders.

PCF Development | Centreville Bank

Admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:11 GMT

PCF Development is laser-focused on helping Rhode Island families obtain affordable housing.

It takes more than housing to build & sustain strong neighborhoods

For many in Rhode Island obtaining an affordable place to live is out of reach. As the state continues to suffer from a shortage of affordable housing stock, there is one organization that is laser-focused on helping to change that. The Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with PCF Development with a grant in support of the First Time Home Buyers Program. The work of PCF Development aligns perfectly with Centreville Bank’s priority of supporting initiatives that increase affordable housing because we believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live.

“PCFD is a leading organization that successfully makes home-ownership a reality for many in Rhode Island. In keeping with the mission of increasing housing affordability and helping to prepare Rhode Islanders for a financially fit future, we are proud to partner and support their work.” – Hal Horvat, President and CEO Centreville Bank.

Pawtucket Central Falls Development Corporation (PCFD) develops and manages affordable housing in Pawtucket and Central Falls and is now expanding its work to other communities in Rhode Island. Since 1990 PCFD’s mission has been to build and support healthy neighborhoods where Rhode Islanders can afford to live and enjoy their community. In 2020, PCFD celebrated 30 years of helping dreams come true and in that journey has successfully completed more than 300 new rental units and over 75 new homes sold to first- time homebuyers.

By investing more than $40 million into the local community, PCF Development has created high quality affordable rental housing, new homeownership units, new pocket parks and has graduated more than 500 individuals from Homeownership and Financial Fitness education classes – all in communities that have a history of neglect and disinvestment. Today, these neighborhoods have stabilized and provide homes for thriving working class Rhode Island families. Most of these new homes replace former abandoned or foreclosed properties that were distressing the local community.

Once completed, the new, energy efficient and attractive homes drive tremendous interest, which helps support the organization’s HomeBuyer Education classes. At the same time, the 150 annual graduates from the HomeBuyer education, Landlord and Financial Fitness classes create a robust market in the for-sale homeownership opportunities. “Our real estate development has made a lasting impact in areas that were once notorious for transient housing and crime. Beneficiaries of our work are predominantly low to moderate income families with single-parent female head of households.

The Homebuyer Education Program is a major component of the success of the organization – PCFD believes it is critically important to equip first time homebuyers with the resources and skills needed to save for and acquire their first home. They offer classes and one-on-one counseling for first time homebuyers and landlord classes for existing homeowners looking to have their homes work for them. The program is led by a HUD-certified counselor and takes place at their main office in Pawtucket. The eight-hour program focuses on credit improvement or building, developing a family budget, resources and tools to understand the buying process and how to secure an affordable mortgage.

”We are very excited to receive the financial support from Centreville Bank for this program during such a critical time because it allows us prepare and educate buyers to ensure a family’s housing stability that they can count on for years to come. We thank Centreville Bank for recognizing the importance of this work and look forward to the opportunity to create a long-term partnership that both educates new homeowners and connects buyers to safe, quality and affordable homeownership housing.” .” – Linda Weisinger, Executive Director at PCFD.

We applaud PCFD for their work during the last 30 years in building and providing Rhode Islanders with an affordable place to call home and look forward to watching the organization continue to grow.