Prevention Coalition helps spread ‘kindness’ throughout the East Bay

Local non-profit distributes 650 free balloons with notes about mental health awareness

Posted 12/26/22

EAST BAY — The East Bay Prevention Coalition recently celebrated World Kindness Week with activities in each community that brought smiles and more to many residents and businesses.

In East …

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Prevention Coalition helps spread ‘kindness’ throughout the East Bay

Local non-profit distributes 650 free balloons with notes about mental health awareness

Posted

EAST BAY — The East Bay Prevention Coalition recently celebrated World Kindness Week with activities in each community that brought smiles and more to many residents and businesses.

In East Providence, Bristol and Barrington, 650 free balloons were distributed with notes such as “kindness matters” and information about free mental health awareness trainings.

The Warren Prevention Coalition worked with their youth to distribute 160 meals to older adults in their homes.

The East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPCC) met a mother of a young child with special needs who was in need of housing whose day was cheered when her son received a balloon.

Through this event, the EPPC partnered with the East Providence Health Equity Zone, East Bay Community Action Program, East Bay Recovery Center and R.I. Coalition for the Homeless to link this family to resources to obtain stable housing and access food assistance.

Members of the Bristol Prevention Coalition noted their visits to local businesses such as Borealis Coffee and places like the Veterans’ Home where they were greeted with such joy by staff, customers and residents alike. They didn't know a simple balloon could mean so much.

Denise Alves, coordinator of the Barrington Prevention Coalition (The BAY Team) said, “We so enjoyed watching people’s faces light up when presented with a balloon that we, in turn, were elevated. What a great multi-generational experience!”

Businesses asked if balloons could be left with them so they could hand them out to customers.

To learn more about mental health awareness trainings for community members or organizations, visit East Bay Mental Health Awareness Training visit eastbaymhat.com).

The East Bay Regional Coalition is one of seven community coalitions funded by the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. It is composed of members from municipal prevention coalitions and other community stakeholders from Barrington, Bristol, East Providence and Warren.

To get involved with your local coalition, visit East Bay-Rhode Island Regional Prevention Coalitions call 247-1900 or visit www.riprevention.org.

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