Program areas at The Jonnycake Center
Food and nutrition: The Jonnycake market is The Center's food pantry which replicates a true grocery store experience where shoppers can select food items including fresh produce, frozen proteins, fresh dairy items, bread, and other non-perishable items. The pantry also supports our school vacation meals program and deliveries for homebound seniors and households. The Center routinely offers healthy cooking and nutrition education classes for our member households in partnership with The ri community food bank, south county health, thundermist health Center, and The university of rhode island. The Center now hosts The women, infants, and children (wic) program in partnership with wood river health services three days every month.
Economic security: The Center provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance to 203 households (574 individuals). Payments are made to landlords, energy companies, and mechanics to prevent eviction, utility shut-offs and disruptions in transportation. Our volunteer income tax assistance (vita) continues to provide free tax preparation to more than 200 filers, returning more than $250,000 in tax refunds and credits to these households. Our member services staff also helps households with budgeting and enrolling in government assistance. Housing: The Center continued to assist households in housing search, including completing applications and securing new housing. In addition, The Center has eight families living in a jonnycake-owned, service-enriched housing unit. These families receive a host of wrap-around services to ensure families can meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. Community health: The Center employes a community health worker who is responsible for helping local households meet basic needs, address health disparities, and work to improve The social determinants of health and empower local leaders to become leaders and decision-makers.children's enrichment: The Center supports local youth in a variety of ways including facilitating and paying for summer camp, hosting a summer youth drop-in program and after school initiatives such as ri food, fitness, and fun.