Grant Expands Healthy Youth Program in Providence Parks

PROVIDENCE, RI – Providence PlayCorps, a collaboration between the City of Providence, the Providence Children’s Museum and the Partnership for Providence Parks, today received $36,000 from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield BlueAngel Community Health Grant program to expand its park-based youth programs this summer.

“I thank Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island for helping expand the PlayCorps program to provide more school-aged youth with the opportunity for safe, creative play and healthy nutrition options this summer,” said Mayor Elorza.

PlayCorps promotes healthy lifestyle by providing safe opportunities for active play, creative expression and healthy eating for school-aged youth during summer months. In 2014, Providence PlayCorps served approximately 500 children at five parks throughout the City. Three or more additional parks will be selected for PlayCorps programs this summer.

“PlayCorps strengthens our neighborhoods and parks by providing safe and healthy play activities for our children,” said Wendy Nilsson, Director of the Partnership for Providence Parks. “It is great to have Blue Cross join and support this unique partnership.”

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield BlueAngel Community Health Grant program is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of The Rhode Island Foundation.

Leave a comment