Taylor Britto, a Providence Police officer and Warwick resident involved in founding a faith-based community center for youth and families in Providence, has been named as one of the 2015 “Men Who Make a Difference” by the Women’s Resource Center.

Now in its 13th year, the annual “Men Who Make a Difference” event honors men in the local community who have had a positive impact in the lives of Rhode Islanders. Twenty honorees were chosen this year and they will be recognized on May 1 at a gala at the Viking Hotel in Newport.

Britto, who is also a youth pastor and community chaplain, is the founder of Journey Through Faith, a community center located in Providence that will reach out to the youth and families of the city to assist them in meeting a variety of needs. Additionally, he has done volunteer work in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, as well as locally, and is also a certified instructor for Rhode Island’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Curriculum Committee.

Britto received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Norwich University, and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Rhode Island College. He speaks fluent Spanish, can communicate well in Portuguese and has an understanding of Cape Verdean Creole. Taylor received his master’s degree in human services counseling from Regent University and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in ministry and theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

Britto credits his mother with developing his love for working with children and youth. He says that as a single mother, she raised him, his two brothers and two sisters, and also foster children from all walks of life.

“Being nominated is an honor and it demonstrates that the work we are doing is being noticed. My hope is that one day all victims of domestic violence will reach out and use the services available to them. Every person who suffers in silence needs to know that we are here for them and ready to help,” says Britto.

All proceeds from the “Men Who Make a Difference” gala benefit the Women’s Resource Center, a Newport-based nonprofit organization and member of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence that serves Newport and Bristol Counties by leading domestic violence prevention through the empowerment of individuals and the community by providing advocacy, education and support services. More information about the Women’s Resource Center can be found online at www.facebook/wrcnbc.