This past January marked the 57th anniversary of Westbay Community Action. We continue to provide much-needed financial support to individuals and families living in Kent County, RI, and beyond. Our employees go above and beyond daily to offer a hand-up to those seeking assistance. I am so happy to have them be a part of the Westbay family and provide individuals and families with emergency food, utility assistance, rental assistance, childcare, adult education, nutrition, and case management. Our agency’s operations rely heavily on our dedicated staff of over 90 individuals.
As an agency, we rely so much on our community, and like every year, they step right up to the plate eager to offer support. Local businesses and volunteers never cease to amaze us with their generous financial contributions, food drives, participating in our Holiday programs, and sharing their time with us at our food pantry or the farm. Thanks to their continued support, we are better able to meet the needs of the people seeking our help.
This year saw many firsts for Westbay. We opened the first-ever statewide Medical Respite Facility in Providence, RI, and a Westbay Mobile Wound Care Unit is starting. Both programs provide a critical need to the unhoused population by keeping them safe and housed during an acute medical emergency. Westbay also reached agency high levels in employees and budget, and we continue to be the premier social service agency in Kent County.
Westbay will continue to be the safety net for all those in Kent County who are in a financial crisis. I assure you that Westbay’s team will continue to respond to all requests and provide assistance to households in need. Westbay will always pivot our programming to meet the needs of the changing environment.
As I state every year, I am unsure of what the future holds, but I do know that whatever comes our way, Westbay will be there for our community to meet any obstacle or challenge.
Thank you again to all the staff of Westbay, Westbay’s Board of Directors, and each funder and partner that works with us in “Helping People. Changing Lives.”