East Bay Community Action Program Announces 2026 Vision Award Honorees

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Vision Awards: Conexión Latina Newport, Middletown Public Schools, and Ed and Lyn Cameron, husband and wife, of Portsmouth. The honorees 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.

Conexión Latina Newport is being honored 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 paths to self-sufficiency. Since 2019, Conexión Latina Newport has coordinated services and connected families to resources, particularly within the Hispanic community.

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“Conexión Latina Newport has been an invaluable partner in our work to support families across our community,” said Rita Capotosto, Vice President of Family Development at EBCAP. “Their commitment to delivering services that reflect the cultural and linguistic needs of the families we serve has enabled us to reach those who might otherwise face barriers to care. Through this collaboration– particularly with our Baby Steps program, which has held a monthly Spanish-language session at Conexión Latina Newport since January 2023– we’ve been able to create meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and support that empower parents and help set children on a path toward success.”

Middletown Public Schools is being recognized as a Vision Award honoree for its dedication to supporting children and families through its partnership with EBCAP’s Middletown Child Opportunity Zone. This collaboration has expanded access to Out of School Time academic and enrichment programs, early childhood education, and critical support services for the community.

“For more than 13 years, Middletown Public Schools has been a committed partner in broadening access to high-quality programming for local children and families,” said Christine Arouth, Director of the Newport Family and Child Opportunity Zone and Middletown Child Opportunity Zone. “Middletown Public Schools hosts the Middletown Child Opportunity Zone at Gaudet Middle School, as well as EBCAP’s Head Start Pre-K program at Aquidneck and Forest Avenue Elementary Schools.” This partnership also includes the Beyond the Bell program which provides extended learning opportunities for children after school, during school vacation weeks, and throughout the summer. By working together to address barriers including lack of transportation, staffing supports for high-needs students, and language access for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking families, we are helping ensure that children can fully participate in these opportunities and that families feel supported and empowered.”

Portsmouth residents Ed and Lyn Cameron are being recognized as Vision Award honorees for their exceptional volunteer service and their lasting impact on the community members EBCAP serves.

“Ed and Lyn exemplify the true spirit of volunteerism through their combined 14 years of service with EBCAP’s AmeriCorps Seniors program,” said Kim Wetherald, Director of EBCAP’s Office of Volunteer Services. “Lyn’s compassion and 9-year commitment as a health education coach with EBCAP’s A Matter of Balance falls prevention program has empowered older adults to build confidence, reduce their fear of falling, and maintain their independence. Ed has volunteered for the past 5 years with EBCAP’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, providing accurate, no-cost tax preparation services to clients, while also mentoring student volunteers and sharing his expertise in tax law. Together, they represent the very best of what it means to give back – sharing their time and talent, to lift up the community.”

Phanida Phivilay, of Johnston, RI, Manager of Community Outreach at UnitedHealthcare, will also receive an EBCAP 2026 Vision Award in honor of her outstanding commitment to EBCAP and the broader community through her professional work and personal dedication to service.

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 exemplary dedication to supporting health equity and wellness for Rhode Islanders.

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.

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