ABOUT

After the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston saw success and progress with the Working Cities Challenge in Massachusetts, they expanded the challenge to Rhode Island.

Newport was 1 of 13 cities to win funds to design a plan for the Working Cities challenge and was 1 of 3 to win the final implementation funds.

Why would the City need funds to make Newport more prosperous?

Most people visiting Newport drive off the bridge and go to the right towards the breathtaking vista, where the glamour of America's prosperity can be seen through the mansions, homes, shops and hotels.

However, if you drive to the left from the bridge, you will see a hidden neighborhood, a neighborhood manufactured to house and segregate built during the 1930s.

It is a square mile, cut off from the rest of Newport by 4 highways where thousands of families have been living in poverty for generations.

The neighborhood has a rich culture and history fighting for civil rights, building a community, residents who are hard workers, first and second generation Americans working 2-3 jobs to give their children better chances and opportunities.

The Newport Working Cities Challenge seeks to strengthen the ties of residents and activate systems change between sectors across the City to lessen the needless barriers for residents to achieve their dreams.

We strive to achieve our goal by building pathways for adults and students at the Florence Gray Center so every family can reach their career and neighborhood dreams.

Promote changes to policy to address the 'Cliff Effect' where families lose benefits more quickly without income to replace the cost.

Promote networking, collaboration, and civic leadership for residents and nonprofits across Newport and Aquidneck Island.