Champions in Action grant to help Operation Stand Down expand services

Posted 7/21/15

Citizens Bank and NBC 10 have selected Operation Stand Down Rhode Island as a 2015 Champion in Action in the category of strengthening communities through veterans support. Operation Stand Down Rhode …

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Champions in Action grant to help Operation Stand Down expand services

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Citizens Bank and NBC 10 have selected Operation Stand Down Rhode Island as a 2015 Champion in Action in the category of strengthening communities through veterans support. Operation Stand Down Rhode Island will receive $35,000 in unrestricted funding, media coverage and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) strives to combat homelessness among veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces by providing housing, education and employment services, financial assistance, as well as connections to vital resources. Each year, the organization serves more than 2,000 veterans and their families, directing clients to supportive social services, as well as developing, operating and servicing transitional and permanent housing throughout the state. In addition, OSDRI is known for their annual, three-day Stand Down weekend, which provides on-site medical, legal, housing and counseling services.

The organization will use the Champions in Action award to renovate and expand the organization’s Veteran Service Center in Johnston, which will provide additional space for intake counselors to work privately with clients, as well as meeting space for programs and training.

Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank’s program designed to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in local communities. It provides support for small nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout Rhode Island.

“Operation Stand Down Rhode Island has made an enormous impact in our state and in the lives of veterans and their families. By providing access to safe housing and a network of support services, Operation Stand Down ensures that veterans have the resources they need to rebuild their civilian lives,” said Barbara Cottam, RI Market Executive, Citizens Bank. “We are proud to embrace our next Champion in Action, Operation Stand Down, as they expand their services and outreach to support more deserving veterans in Rhode Island.”

“NBC 10 is honored to be presenting this award to the Operation Stand Down Rhode Island with Citizens Bank,” said Vic Vetters, vice president and general manager of NBC 10. “We are thrilled to lend our support to their work providing comprehensive care to veterans.”

To date, the Champions in Action program has awarded 45 nonprofits more than $1.2 million in grants and promotional support in Rhode Island. Applications for the first 2016 Champion in Action in the Workforce Development category are being accepted from July 6 through July 24. The winner will be announced in January of 2016. Eligible nonprofits should apply online at www.citizensbank.com/community/champions.

“We are grateful to Citizens and NBC 10 for their generous support of our mission,” said Erik Wallin, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island Executive Director & General Counsel. “Their Champions in Action recognition is a critical endorsement of our work and we thank them for their partnership which will ultimately benefit thousands of veterans throughout the area.”

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