Community Works Rhode Island (formerly Elmwood Foundation and Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services) will host a public celebration to announce the completion of its recent merger. The event will introduce Carrie Marsh as the first Executive Director of new organization.
Community Works Rhode Island is a community development corporation that recently formed through the merger of the Elmwood Foundation and Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services (GENS). These organizations served Providence’s South Side for over 30 years, during which time they undertook numerous community development initiatives, created nearly 1000 units of affordable housing and mixed use development, and invested more than $60 million in the local community. This merger is intended to create efficiencies of operation, and open opportunities to expand throughout the city and state to areas currently underserved by community development corporations.
The momentum at Community Works Rhode Island is building – Carrie M. Marsh has been hired as the Executive Director. The offices have been consolidated at 693 Broad Street in Providence. The new Board is completing a strategic planning process. The organization currently owns and manages more than 200 units of housing, and has affordable condos for sale. Community Works Rhode Island will soon begin development of the Broad Street Revitalization project with 47 rental housing units, and commercial and community space.
Community Works Rhode Island will play an important leadership role in the current economic climate, to mitigate the foreclosure crisis, and create opportunities for innovative development and collaborative partnerships that will lead to safe, stable and sustainable neighborhoods throughout the state.
WHEN: THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2009 from 5:30-9:30.
WHERE: Firehouse 13, 41 Central Street, Providence, RI
Please note that Mayor David Cicilline will attend the event.