Two nonprofit organizations serving the LGBTQ community in Warwick, Rhode Island received grants from the Equity Action Fund, a Rhode Island Foundation program that has made more than $1.1 donations in grants to dozens of LGBTQ initiatives in the Ocean State since its inception.
“These organizations strive to ensure the health, safety and fair treatment of every LGBTQ Rhode Islander. As we begin recovering from the impact of COVID-19 on programs and services, the work of these organizations is more crucial than ever,” Adrian Bonéy, who oversees the grant program, told the Warwick Beacon.
Reports the Beacon:
The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre received $2,500 to support its free classes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexual- and gender-minority youth.
“The goal is to address issues and concerns unique to the LGBTQ+ population, including creating strong peer connection and a sense of belonging, exploration and acceptance of identity, practicing clear and effective advocacy skills, and addressing oppression and misrepresentation. We believe that using community-based theater in the context of a larger change-making strategy, will lead to healthy development for participating youth,” said Amy Gravell, managing director.
Thundermist Health Center received $10,000 to support its Trans Health and Wellness Program, which targets adults ages 18 to 25. The goal is to improve physical and mental health, increase community contentedness and reduce social isolation. The organization reports having more than 1,500 active patients.
“Wellness programming is vital to our trans and non-binary patients,” said Jayeson Watts, LICSW, Director, Trans Health, Thundermist Health Center. “These events provide socialization and community. They help patients meet new people, learn new things, and add joy and movement to their week.”
Also receiving Equity Action grants from Rhode Island Foundation this year are GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Haus of Codec, Project Weber/RENEW, the Providence Public Library, Queer Archive Work, RIOT RI, Sojourner House, Stages of Freedom, the Steel Yard and Youth Pride, Inc.
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