YWCA Rhode Island, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Veterans & Military Families.

The award, announced jointly by Citizens Bank and NBC10, includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as promotional and volunteer support for the organization’s outstanding work.

YWCA RI serves more than 100 veterans each year through its Gateway to Independence program, which provides alcohol and drug free transitional housing and case management services to address the issues and causes of homelessness.

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. In partnership with NBC10, the program provides support for nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout the state.

“YWCA provides homeless veterans the keys to stability through access to housing, education, transportation, advocacy and employment,” said Barbara Cottam, Rhode Island market executive at Citizens Bank. “Their program is aptly named, as these critical tools and resources form a true gateway to independence.”

“YWCA demonstrates the spirit of the Champion in Action award by providing services that empower veterans to achieve greater self-determination in their lives,” said Vic Vetters, vice president and general manager of NBC 10.

To date, the Champions in Action program has awarded 337 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint more than $9 million in contributions and promotional support. In Rhode Island, 53 nonprofits have been honored as Champions in Action, receiving more than $1.4 million.

“The lack of housing and unemployment rates disproportionately impact veterans transitioning out of homelessness,” said Deborah L. Perry, president and CEO of YWCA Rhode Island. “YWCA views providing services to veterans as a key component in promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The Champions in Action award will help YWCA further this mission.”

As a Champion in Action, YWCA Rhode Island will receive a $35,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank; media coverage from NBC 10, including public service announcements and television profiles; volunteer support from Citizens’ colleagues; promotional support highlighting the Champion in Action in Citizens Bank branches; and exposure on the Citizens Bank and NBC10 websites.

For more information about the Citizens Bank and NBC 10 Champions in Action program, visit citizensbank.com/community/champions-in-action.aspx. 1 (photo in herald folder)

CHAMPION IN ACTION:

YWCA Rhode Island has been named a 2019 Champion in Action in the category of Veterans & Military Families by Citizens Bank and NBC10. Pictured, from left, are NBC10 anchor Mario Hilario; Barbara Cottam, head of corporate affairs at Citizens Bank; retired Col. Robert Germani Jr., YWCA’s Rhode Island director of veterans affairs; Deborah Perry, YWCA’s Rhode Island president and CEO; and NBC10 station manager Vic Vetters. (Submitted photo)