The Jonnycake Center Inc

Economic security: the center provided $90,000 in financial assistance to help local households avoid eviction and utility shut-offs, secure new housing, and keep the family car on the road. The center hosts a volunteer income tax assistance (vita) site. Volunteers filed 378 tax returns that resulted in close to $400,000 in refunds and credits, and thousands of dollars saved in tax preparation fees. Our community health workers assist countless members with applications for government benefits, including snap and childcare assistance, that help households make ends meet. Housing: the center helps local households gain access to affordable housing in two ways. First, our community health workers spend considerable time helping displaced families apply for new housing and secure financial assistance for security deposits. The center also owns and operates five multi-unit apartment buildings which are used for service-enhanced housing. Families are provided with utilities and wireless internet at no cost, as well as case management and wrap-around services. Significant renovations are planned, or have been completed, for almost all the units. Fifteen units are expected to be available by 2027.child and youth enrichment: the center has expanded its program offerings to children and youth over the past five years. Most recently, we partnered with the university of rhode island and south kingstown school district to offer after school and summer academic and enrichment opportunities to economically disadvantaged students. The center also sponsors children to attend summer camp, provides specialized tutoring for children with language-based learning needs, and in the coming year will launch a youth center at the site of its former thrift store.