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BankNewport Grant Supports Genesis Center Bridges to Career Opportunities (BCO) Program

04.03.25

NEWPORT, RI (April 3, 2025) – BankNewport has awarded a $15,000 grant to the Genesis Center in Providence, RI, to support its Bridges to Career Opportunities (BCO) program, which provides career-specific education, financial coaching, and workforce development services for low-income individuals in Rhode Island. The funding will help expand training in high-demand fields such as culinary arts and healthcare, empowering participants with industry-recognized credentials and career pathways.

Through the BCO program, participants engage in contextualized adult education, career training, and financial coaching via the Genesis Financial Opportunity Center. Students receive support in banking, budgeting, credit building, resume writing, and interview preparation. In addition, 1:1 coaching sessions help individuals develop personalized career and financial plans.

“At BankNewport, we believe in investing in programs that create lasting economic opportunities for individuals and families,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO of BankNewport. “The Genesis Center’s Bridges to Career Opportunities program is an outstanding example of how education, financial literacy, and workforce training can empower individuals to achieve economic independence. We are proud to support this initiative.”

During the year 2024-2025 program, the Genesis Center aims to:

  • Enroll 180 individuals in workforce training programs.
  • Achieve an 80% completion rate, with graduates earning industry-recognized credentials.
  • Place 82% of graduates into livable-wage careers with an average starting salary of $19.50 per hour.
  • Provide financial coaching to 250 individuals, helping them improve credit scores, increase net income, and build net worth.

 

 

Photo Caption:

From left to right: Kathleen Charbonneau, Senior VP, Director of Community Relations & Charitable Giving, BankNewport; Shannon Carroll, President and CEO, Genesis Center; Amy Riccitelli, Senior VP, Director of Retail Sales, BankNewport; Christopher Ackley, Vice President of Partnerships & Strategies, Genesis Center; and Annisha Vasquez, Vice President, Community Development Officer, BankNewport.

About the Genesis Center:

Founded in 1982, the Genesis Center is a Providence-based nonprofit committed to workforce development, adult education, and economic empowerment. Its Bridges to Career Opportunities program integrates career training with financial literacy, ensuring participants not only gain employment but also build sustainable financial futures. The Genesis Center collaborates with state agencies, corporations, and philanthropic partners to maximize impact. For more, please visit: Genesis Center – Providence, RI.