Westbay has been proactive this past year, from the COVID-19 pandemic causing adjustments to how we provide services to updating our workforce policies to align with other businesses and providing some programs within the agency to work a hybrid schedule. We provide the people we serve different opportunities to reach out to us and obtain the much-needed services they are seeking from us, from increasing our food delivery to the continuation of online applications and telework.
Westbay provided services to more than 20,000 people living in Kent County, providing them with a “Hand Up” to overcome their financial crisis. Westbay was the first agency in the State of RI to assist residents with water bills that saw a 300% increase in usage and caused many to fall behind. This program then became a statewide program funded through the State of RI’s heating program. This year also saw the state asking Westbay to assist them with a statewide Quarantine and Isolation program for homeless individuals and families that were COVID-positive. This program was a success, and Westbay continues to administer this program, which is transitioning to a Medical Respite Program and maintaining the QI program. Westbay’s food program is as extensive as ever as the continued need for food security was heightened with the lack of supplies and the most significant increase in food cost seen in a long time. People come to us because they know we can assist them.
Westbay is an organization that local and state leaders can count on to get the job done. We will continue to meet the needs of our community as they arise and look for new programming to meet better the needs of the people we serve. None of us know what next week, next month, or next year will bring, but I can say that whatever it is, Westbay will be THE agency to assist that needing assistance.
I continue to be humbled by the staff that works for Westbay, as they are the true champions and I cannot thank the Board of Directors enough for believing in me and continuing to be a positive voice for Westbay. Westbay will continue to be the go-to social service agency in Kent County and provide much-needed services to those in need in a nonjudgmental and caring delivery.
Thank you to all our donors, partners, and staff, as without you, none of our great work would be possible.
Read the full 2021-2022 Annual Report.