East Bay Community Action Program Announces 2026 Vision Award Honorees

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is pleased to announce that Phanida Phivilay, Johnston resident and Manager of Community Outreach at UnitedHealthcare, has been chosen as a 2026 Vision Award honoree. She will be recognized at EBCAP’s 21^st Annual Seaside Gala, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Wyndham Newport Hotel. EBCAP Vision Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the agency and the communities it serves.

Phivilay is recognized for her outstanding commitment to EBCAP and the broader community through her professional work as an employee of UnitedHealthcare and her personal dedication to service.

“Phanida exemplifies what it means to be a true community champion,” said Rita Capotosto, Vice President of Family Development. “She consistently goes above and beyond her professional role to strengthen partnerships and expand access to resources. Her compassion, collaboration, and commitment have helped build meaningful connections that enhance our work and ensure that more individuals and families are able to receive the support they need.”

Other community members and organizations also being honored as EBCAP 2026 Vision Award recipients include: Ed and Lyn Cameron, of Portsmouth, RI, who are being recognized for their volunteer work through EBCAP’s AmeriCorps Seniors Program. Conexión Latina Newport is being recognized for its longstanding partnership with EBCAP programs including Head Start, Education & Career Pathways, and Baby Steps, as well as its commitment to supporting families on their path to self-sufficiency. Middletown Public Schools is being recognized for its dedication to supporting children and families through its partnership with EBCAP’s Middletown Child Opportunity Zone, a collaboration that has expanded access to Out of School Time academic and enrichment programs and strengthened critical support services for the community. Lastly, Nadine Tavares, Lead Project Officer, Rhode Island Department of Health, Health Equity Zone Initiative, will receive EBCAP’s 2026 Public Service Award in recognition of her dedication to the public good.

The Premier Sponsor for EBCAP’s 21^st Annual Seaside Gala is Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. The event will feature an online auction with a wide variety of items including dining experiences, hotel stays, family activities, sports tickets, and more. Auction items are available for preview at www.biddingforgood.com/EBCAP. The top auction item is a seven-day Holland America Line Cruise for two people to either Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Canada/New England. The auction opens for bidding on May 28 and closes on June 11. All are welcome to register and bid. Additional event details are available at: www.ebcap.org.

East Bay Community Action Program is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation that provides a wide array of health and human services to the residents of Rhode Island’s East Bay, including the municipalities of Barrington, Bristol, East Providence, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren.