Westbay, now in its 58th year, continues to provide vital financial support to individuals and families in Kent County, RI, and beyond. We aim to provide a hand-up to those in need, offering emergency food, utility and rental assistance, childcare, adult education, nutrition, case management, and medical respite care for the unsheltered. In 2024 alone, these services made a significant impact, helping over 20,000 individuals and families overcome financial crises.
2024 saw many firsts as an agency, with us now employing over 100 staff who provide integral work to support every individual seeking assistance. I am proud to say that each staff member of our Westbay family strives daily to meet the needs of those seeking our services and goes above and beyond every time. Westbay has exceeded our highest annual budget, surpassing the $21 million mark. During this fiscal year, Westbay partnered with Rhode Island Energy to manage the statewide appliance program for replacing refrigerators, stoves, and dryers, added a Rhode Island Centralized team for statewide online heating applications, and became the state’s first certified Conflict-Free Case Management agency. Lastly, the Rhode Island Department of Education recognized one of our Adult Education instructors as the Adult Educator of the Year 2024.
Westbay will continue to be the safety net for all Kent County residents in financial crisis. Our team will continue to respond to all requests and provide the assistance needed to get the household back on its feet. We will also continue to pivot our programming to meet the needs of the changing environment.
As I state every year, we never know 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. Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Westbay team, including our dedicated staff and Board of Directors, as well as our invaluable funders and partners. Your unwavering support and commitment to ‘Helping People, Changing Lives’ is genuinely appreciated.