CUMBERLAND — To ensure that their ministry of empowering people who are materially poor continues to reach a world in need, the Sisters of Mercy – Northeast Community has awarded $400,000 in grants to nearly 40 nonprofit organizations in the northeastern United States, where sisters serve on boards or as staff or volunteers, including several in Rhode Island.
This year marks the 11th year of the sisters’ Northeast Ministry Fund, which has given away over $5 million since 2007. The 2018‐2019 Northeast Ministry and Education Assistance Awards have been distributed to the following Rhode Island organizations through McAuley Ministries:
McAuley Village: To support about two dozen women (and their children) who are homeless, and are learning to access housing, job training, employment preparation, parenting skills, household budgeting and life skills, through a Housing Assistance and Parenting Program.
The Warde Robe: To support a thrift shop clothing ministry in Central Falls, including vouchers for clients in need.
McAuley House: To support basic medical and housing needs of up to 300 guests who come to this meal site daily for a hot lunch, breakfast or a take-away supper, through the Emergency Rental and Prescription Assistance programs.
Re-Focus, Inc.: To create a quiet, controlled space for adults in poverty who suffer from developmental disabilities. This new multi-sensory environment, located in the agency’s Gilbane Community Center, will help over 100 daily clients to better cope with their limitations of movement, vision, hearing, cognitive ability, perception issues, pain and other problems.
Salve Regina University, St. Mary Academy — Bay View and Sophia Academy: To provide financial assistance to students in need.
“Each year the Sisters of Mercy fund projects and organizations whose work supports our mission, which includes advocating for women and children, immigrants, and Earth, and overcoming racism and violence,” says Sister Maureen Mitchell, Northeast Community president. “These grants are one way of assuring that the work of Mercy continues into the future.”
