Our guest speaker today was Kate Brewster, Executive Director for Jonnycake Center for Hope in Wakefield.
What started out as a small food pantry and clothing thrift store has expanded, under Kate's leadership, into a well stocked grocery with facilities to provide healthy eating and cooking classes, affordable housing opportunities and a youth center.
All of the food is donated with 45% coming from the RI Community Food Bank and the rest from individuals and local organizations including Wakefield Rotary Club, with fresh produce coming from local farms.
The Center recently purchased and has received a state grant to renovate 5 multi-unit properties. Currently these homes provide 10 families and 26 children with safe, affordable housing.
The Youth Center is located at the original property at the Peace Dale rotary and provides a pre-school program, tutoring for grades 1-12 and a summer program in conjunction with camp Fuller.
Financial assistance for housing, utilities and transportation along with free tax filing are other avenues that the Center provides for families & seniors.
Together these services ensure that the Center's mission to Nourish, House and Thrive are met!
