All Pawtucket All The Time

By Ken McGill, Registrar of Voters

City of Pawtucket 

In these troubling times more and more people are asking for help to make ends meet. There are several groups throughout Rhode Island who help people but I can think of none better than the Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) right here in Pawtucket. BVCAP is a non-profit agency whose mission is to assist low-income people and empower them so that they may become self reliant, responsible citizens. BVCAP serves over 12,000 families in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln and Woonsocket.

So how can BVCAP help you in these tough times? BVCAP has several programs that may help:

Basic Needs – BVCAP runs a food pantry and is available to assist with the application for food stamps.

Energy Assistance – BVCAP has several programs to help with energy concerns including; the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program which helps with paying for ones oil, gas and electric; Residential Energy Assistance Challenge which help clients 55+ access energy assistance; Weatherization Program which will help with everything from boiler replacement to new windows.

Housing – BVCAP develops housing for low-income ownership or rental and does housing counseling & education for the first time homeowner.

Senior Programs – which is one of the agencies most popular helps with much needed social services for seniors who live in facilities run by Pawtucket Housing. In addition, the agency runs the Retired Senior Volunteer Program which provides seniors 55+ the opportunity to keep busy and share their time, experience, knowledge and interest with a plethora of local groups.

Educational Programs – each year BVCAP offers a variety of GED and English as a Second Language programs. At the end of each school year BVCAP holds a graduation ceremony for those who have passed their GED requirements giving participants the opportunity to feel the happiness one feels on graduation day.

These are just a few of BVCAP’s many, many programs. BVCAP is a safety net for those who are struggling during these very difficult times. If you would like to know more about their programs you can call at 723-4520.

Times are tough for everyone and some are not going to make it without a hand up and that is why the Blackstone Valley Community Action Program is part of Pawtucket – Your Hometown.

-           Until next week.