Woodlawn CDC Programs

Through the Woodlawn Community Development Incubator, the Woodlawn CDC offers and hosts ten to twenty programs in the Woodlawn Community Center each month.  All of these programs are free or nominally priced for Woodlawn and Pawtucket residents. 

Our regular programming schedule includes…

·         Woodlawn Resource Center:  The center offers case management support to adult residents in achieving self-sufficiency in all areas of their lives such as jobs, education, and health.  This program is open to all Pawtucket residents on weekdays 4-6pm and by appointment.  Contact Joan Somoza at 401-475-7632 or joan@woodlawncdc.org to set up your personal meeting. 

·         Woodlawn Minority Health Promotion Center (MHPC):  This Office of Minority Health funded program will increase health education, access to health services, and promote behavior change in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and obesity.  We have partnered with The Family Van, Farm Fresh RI, and Pawtucket Farmers’ Market to offer free health screenings, workshops, referrals and events that advance healthy lifestyle decisions.  Visit the Woodlawn Community Center or contact Joan Somoza at 401-475-7632. or joan@woodlawncdc.org for more information about our free health services.

·         Pawtucket Youth Center:  This program supports 14-24 year old, in and out-of school youth in programs to promote and enhance academic achievement, successful graduation, GED or alternative graduation options, awareness of and readiness for post secondary graduation, career preparation, summer employment opportunities, occupational skills training opportunities, work readiness, and connections to employment.  Youth interested in taking advantage of these services should contact Melissa Orpen-Tuz at 401-475-7968 or melissa@woodlawncdc.org for details.

·         Woodlawn Youth Future Attainment of Success Starts Today (FASST):  The goal of the Woodlawn Youth FASST program is to reconnect misdemeanor and status offending  youth with participation and success in school, a career, their community, and beyond.  This program is run by Rose Amato who can be reached at 401-475-7632 or rose@woodlawncdc.org. 

·         Woodlawn Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Center (VITA):  Free-of-charge electronic tax filing, tax advice, and assistance with opening a bank account through partnerships with Pawtucket Weed & Seed and the Woodlawn Federal Credit Union.  Scheduling for appointments begin the first week of January 2010.  Call 401-475-7632 to schedule your free tax filing appointment.  Joan Somoza is the contact person for this program. 

·         Woodlawn Computer Lab and Training Center:  Classes and workshops provide residents the necessary technological skills to fulfill personal and professional requirements.  Classes are tentatively planned to resume in Fall 2009.  Dates and times are TBA. Please contact Joan Somoza at 401-475-7632 or joan@woodlawncdc.org for information. 

·         Woodlawn’s Financial Literacy for Individual Economic Success:  Providing sound financial education in the areas of budgeting, savings, banking, credit, avoiding predatory lending, and homeownership through a partnership with the Housing Network.  Please contact Joan Somoza at 401-475-7632 or joan@woodlawncdc.org for information. 

·         Community Development Incubator:  The goal of the CD Incubator is to increase the capacity of the approximate 20 groups and initiatives that serve the low-income and diverse residents of Woodlawn by providing programming and administrative support, and free or below-market rental space.  If you are in need of rental space and support for your local organization please communicate with Joan Somoza at 401-475-7632 or joan@woodlwawncdc.org.

Other Programs at the Woodlawn Community Center

·         Pawtucket Leadership and Mentoring Program (PLMP): This program is for Pawtucket youth with a focus on community based projects, leadership training and mentoring. 

·         Knowledge Is Power (KIP): A resource for the community that targets teens and addresses relevant challenging issues, such as violence. KIP is an outlet for community members to come together and plan events, such as candle vigils or teen dating awareness education. Contact Melissa Darosa at KnowledgeIsPower401@gmail.com for more information.

·          Cape Verdean Dream Team: This dance group is open for residents 8-21 years old. Practices are TBA. The dancers perform at events within the community and here at the community center. Contact Melissa Darosa at KnowledgeIsPower401@gmail.com for more information. Check out Dream Team on Myspace! www.myspace.com/dreamteam43va

·         Woodlawn Neighborhood Association (WNA): The WNA is responsible for numerous Woodlawn activities, including the creation of Neighborhood Watch Groups; holds monthly and quarterly meetings.  Contact Sue Mailhot at 401-721-6020 or at SueM@pawthousing.org. 

·         Creating Lasting Families Connections (CLFC): A unique activity and discussion based class for youth aged 9-17 and their parents which provides information to families in Woodlawn about Substance Abuse Prevention. CLFC will resume in Spring 2010. You may contact Felicia Smith at 401-473-5090 for information.