Opiod awareness campaign coming to Barrington

A coalition of local organizations will take on opioid addiction thanks to nearly $10,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation. The project is 1 of just 47 statewide to win funding from the Foundation’s competitive Community Grants Program.

“We’re excited about these ideas for making community happen in more and better ways at the local level. Supporting community-building will improve shared places and quality of life, promote collaboration and increase community engagement,” said Jessica David, executive vice president of strategy and community investments. “We’re grateful to have donors who invest in our work and partners like these that understand the needs of their community.”

The Barrington Public Library received $9,700 to tackle opioid addiction in Barrington. The library will partner with Barrington's BAYTeam and other community groups to offer a series of programs addressing the opioid epidemic, mental health, child development, bullying, and health and wellness.

“This will increase awareness and decrease the stigma of opioid addiction as well as strengthen the community's over-all health and wellness. We will deliver information through speakers, films, community-wide book discussions, panel and public discussions as well as offer fun programs to promote family togetherness,” said Kristen Chin, director

The Barrington Library is just one of six East Bay organizations that will share nearly $47,000 in funding through the Community Grants Program.

The other area organizations that won funding include the Mosaico Community DevelopmentCorporation in Bristol, which received $10,000 for streetscape improvements in the Wood Street neighborhood; and the Historic Warren Armory, which will use its $3,000 grant to repair and restore deteriorating brick and mortar on the 176-year-old building.

“The Armory Hall and Public Hall was built in 1842 from funds given to the Warren Artillery Company by the state of Rhode Island and the town of Warren for their loyal support of Governor King during the Dorr Rebellion. Today, Armory Hall serves as a cultural center for the town of Warren hosting public events, meetings and celebrations,” said Edward Theberge, treasurer of the board of trustees.

The funding from the Community Grants Program is supplemented by a gift from long-time Foundation donor Anne Sage.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $38 million and awarded $43 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2017. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.