Dear John,

After last week’s difficult week for our city, I want to address the links between crime and youth opportunities and the actions I have taken to remedy this situation. 

Many of you know that I have worked closely with Wendy Nilsson, Superintendent of Parks, Michael Stephens,  Director of Recreation, Laurie Moise Sears, Director of the Healthy Communities Office, and other partners to launch the return of in-person summer programming included in the EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD 2021 campaign. 

We have created work opportunities for our youth. The City is offering over 1,300 jobs to Providence youth starting at $15/hour. Youth can find out more and apply online at www.PVDSummerJobs.com. 

Our nationally-recognized program is either low-cost or free of cost to remove barriers of entry and to ensure affordable participation for families in Providence. Through the Summer Meal Program, all youth ages 18 and under will receive healthy meals when school is out. Last summer, the City distributed over 1 million free summer meals to Providence families and youth at schools and recreation centers.

As part of the EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD series, recreation centers will once again offer all-day summer recreation opportunities starting at just $5/week beginning Monday, April 12, 2021. The City is offering numerous affordable camp opportunities for Providence youth including sports, day, and specialty education camps. For a full list of summer recreation activities and to register, visit www.EatPlayLearnPVD.com. In addition to recreational programming, Providence residents are encouraged to explore Providence Parks through PlayCorps, Fitness in the Parks and the City’s Park Finder. 

The City of Providence once again partnered with the Providence Public School District (PPSD), College Visions Summer Prep Program, Inspiring Minds – Kidsbridge Summer Learning Program, Boys and Girls Club Providence, The Center for Dynamic Learning, YMCA of Greater Providence, Sylvan Learning, and Generation Teach to increase access to year round learning opportunities. In collaboration with the Providence Community Libraries, all children who attend Providence Recreation Camps will participate in literacy programming to help enhance reading skills. Students are encouraged to use the Passport to Summer Learning they received in school, or download their own, to track their summer reading.

All of these programs were created to prioritize the needs of our City’s youth and ensure that they have opportunities to thrive during the summer time. Together we can reduce crime and violence and create a warm and supportive community for everyone. Your support is key in allowing me to lead these important efforts. 

Would you consider donating $15, 25, 50, 100 or however much you can afford to support our vision for Providence? I truly appreciate your consideration and ongoing support.

Sincerely, 

Jorge

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