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 5-7pm 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: 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, Gold’s Gym and Pawtucket Farmers’ Market to offer free health screenings, workshops, referrals and events that advance healthy lifestyle decisions. Visit the Woodlawn Community Center or call 401-475-7632 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 Mara Cerezo who can be reached at 401-475-7632 or mara@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. You may call the Woodlawn CDC after January 2nd at 401-475-7632 to schedule your free tax filing appointment. Kate Hawley 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. Six sessions of computer classes are offered each year; three beginners’ level and three advanced level. The next session will begin in July 2008. Speak with Joan Somoza at 401-475-7632 to enroll now.

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.

Organizations and groups interested in renting our space for community programs should contact Joan Somoza for fee and scheduling details.