POC Foundation

Thank you to the Women's Fund of Rhode Island for having the POC team at Women Leading Change last week!

It was an inspiring evening celebrating leaders who are leveling the playing field for women and girls across Rhode Island. Congratulations to this year's honorees: Representative Julie Casimiro, Amy Romero, and Bev Wiley. Your work moves our state forward.

We're grateful to be part of a community that believes in a more equitable Rhode Island, and we're proud to stand alongside the Women’s Fund of RI in this mission.

Opportunity starts with listening. At the Papitto Opportunity Connection, we let Rhode Island communities tell us what they need, then back the organizations already doing the work on the ground.

That looks like investing in school-based health clinic for Central Falls . It looks like standing alongside The ELISHA Project as they provide food to neighbors who need it. And it looks like job training, small business support, and classroom programs that open new doors across the state.

Our youth have big ideas, too. This year, Met School sophomore Rio VieraSpears earned the 2026 Transform RI Scholarship, and we're putting $1 million behind Rio's plan to make a difference.

Now we want to hear from you. Whether you're an individual with a story to share or an organization looking for a partner, visit https://pocfoundation.com/ to connect with us or learn about applying for a grant.

Brotherhood In Wellness – Fatherhood Engagement Dialogue We invite you to join us for an impactful morning session dedicated to Fatherhood Engagement.Together, we will share perspectives, highlight effective…

POC checks in with PVD Things!

Since 2020, PVD Things has been building something special in Providence: a community-powered space where neighbors share tools, skills, and knowledge. With an inventory of over 1,500 items, they're making it easier for everyone to borrow, reuse, and create together.

This summer, members rolled up their sleeves for free workshops on electrical basics, natural dyeing, woodworking, and more. Every session is an opportunity for the community learn and grow together.

We're proud to celebrate the neighbors, volunteers, and organizers who make PVD Things possible.

Want to get involved? Stop by to borrow, learn, or volunteer! Visit PVD Things to learn more.

Celebrating 16 Years of Impact with RIBBA!

Papitto Opportunity Connection Founder Barbara Papitto was honored to celebrate RIBBA’s 16 years of showing up for community and driving change.

Their impact tells the story:
✅ 1,700+ small business clients served through the Small Business Development Program, with 3,000+ individuals employed across the RIBBA network
✅ The Workforce Development Program has provided 1,300+ training hours, hosted 250+ participants, and delivered 2,100+ mentorship hours

RIBBA’S 16th Annual Awards Gala drew community leaders from all sectors and communities of Rhode Island, including, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Ty'Relle Stephens, and Kelly Nevins (Women's Fund of Rhode Island). For POC, it is a privilege to connect with Rhode Islanders who are shaping the future of our state.

Congratulations to all of tonight's honorees! Here's to 16 years of impact, and many more to come.

Photos Courtesy of RIBBA/Justincase Media Inc.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Papitto Opportunity Connection is inspired by the contributions of Latinos in the U.S. This remembrance invites us to honor the stories, traditions and hard-won progress that continue to shape our communities. In the words of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor: "You cannot value dreams according to the odds of their coming true. The real value is in stirring within us the will to aspire." This is a reminder that dreaming boldly, even against the odds, is what pushes us forward.

25 years have passed, but the memory never fades. Today, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the first responders whose courage we will never forget.