Updates from the MLK Community Center
Friday, October 28, 2022
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Congratulations
Keepers of the Dream Honorees
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On Monday, October 24 the MLK hosted the 2022 Keeper of the Dream & Annual Meeting. Each year, the Center bestows the Keeper of the Dream awards on individuals or groups whose outstanding commitment and contribution most embody the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We are so proud to honor the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Mark and Ida Aramli and the Aramli Foundation, and the Knights of Columbus for their selfless commitment to the MLK Community Center’s mission,” said Executive Director Heather Hole Strout. “They make our community stronger.”
The Center also welcomed returning trustee Rose M. Hyder and new trustees Kimberly Cummins and Orlando Zambrano to the Board, and thanked outgoing trustees Elizabeth Alofsin, John Sullivan, and Kathleen Taddei for their service.
Heather discussed the Center’s history and its impact in 2022. “As we celebrate our centennial, we’re looking back on the role the MLK has filled in this community. We served 5,670 people last year, the most in our history. We have expanded our community programs to include offerings like Live from the Loading Dock concerts and multiple weekly fitness classes. We have more Spanish-speaking staff and offer a cooking class in Spanish. We’re distributing more scholarships to our Preschool, After School and Summer Camp programs than ever before. We provided 657,240 meals last year!
We’re grateful to everyone who supports the Center whether by volunteering their time, giving food to the pantry, helping with our holiday programs, or making cash donations to sustain our work. We like to the think of the MLK as of the community, by the community, and for the community, as we’ve been for the past hundred years.”
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This event also marked the release of our 2022 Annual Report and Impact Graphics.
You can view pdfs of the graphics and the entire report by clicking on each image and the report cover below.
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Book Buddies are Back
Would You Like Your Child to Attend MLK's Preschool?
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Now offered on Tuesdays, twice a month guest readers share stories and help children make themed crafts. Above, Paula Kramer volunteered to read The 13 Nights of Halloween by Guy Vasilouich to the three year old group. Below, Salve Regina Intern, Lindsey Smith read Where's My Mummy by Carolyn Crimi to the four and five year olds.
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The Preschool at the MLK is an affordable licensed educational program for children 3-5 years of age.
We still have 3 spaces still available in our 3 year old group. Children must be toilet-trained in order to attend.
Open: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
Cost: $170 for 5 days; $136 for 4 days; $102 for 3 days.
Department of Human Service (“DHS”) childcare subsidies are accepted. Scholarships are available for families with demonstrated need. All are encouraged to apply.
Our program helped develop the RI Early Childhood Education Standards and was designated a Preschool Center of Excellence by the national Early Learning Reading First Program.
For more information, please contact: Tanya Gonzalez, Education Director at TGonzalez@MLKCCenter.org,
(401) 846-4828 x117
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Don't Miss Audrain's Trunk or Treat
Cost of Admission = Canned Food for MLK
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November Senior Lunch & Learns
Travel to NACTC to Glam Up & Eat Good Food
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In November, Senior Lunch & Learn is going on the road!
Transportation will be provided from the MLK Center to the Newport Area Career and Technical Center (NACTC)
to experience their cosmetology salon and culinary arts program.
Services being offered include:
Scalp massage
Shampoo & cut
Shampoo & blow dry
Shampoo & rollers
This program gives students the opportunity to practice their skills. The MLK is offering this program free-of-charge for participants.
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Space is very limited. For day and time options and to register please contact Mel Saunders at: MSaunders@MLKCCenter.org or call 401-846-4828 ext.124
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Our First MLK Friends Dinner at St. Paul's United Methodist Church
A Savory Success!
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Sending a big THANK YOU to the RHS Vikings Boosters Club. They hosted our first MLK Friends' dinner in our new, temporary location at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 27. It was a delicious meal of pasta, meatballs, salad, bread & butter with a choice of chocolate cake or strawberry shortcake with a mound of whip cream on each piece. Yummmmmm! In addition to hosting this meal, they also donated $857.00 plus a lot of food, 1,107 pounds just this month!
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In The Pantry
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
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Did you know that poor dental hygiene is higher among low income families and those who are housing insecure? This puts many of our clients at greater risk or oral diseases which can lead to loss of function, physical pain, and lowered self-esteem. The MLK's pantry always tries to keep toothbrushes and toothpaste available for our clients, but our stock has dwindled and finding affordable solutions has been challenging. Please consider making a donation of toothbrushes and toothpaste. We also welcome mouthwash and dental floss.
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We welcome donations
Monday – Friday
Between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
For speediest drop-offs, Tuesdays and Thursdays are best.
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Dental hygiene is also important for children, but many of you know how challenging that can be. Are you having trouble getting your child to brush their teeth? Try this fun sing-a-long song.
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Mobile Food Pantry Tracker
Extra Day offered on Monday 10/31
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Next week you can find the mobile food pantry at:
Monday 10/31:
West House, 417 Forest Ave., Middletown 12-1 with Potter League
Tuesday 11/1:
Oxbow, 80 Rogers Ln, Middletown 12-1 with Potter League
Thursday 11/3:
Hancock Estates, 345 Hancock St., Tiverton 11:30-12:30
Tiverton Housing Authority, 99 Hancock St., Tiverton 12:30-1
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November Calendar
Look for Program Locations in Blue and Yellow
Please Read Parking Details Below
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Parking at St. Paul's United Methodist Church:
Please only park in the front lot spaces, #5 through #11 along side the church, and #25 -#27 next to the garage.
There are 10 more spaces in St. Paul’s lot on the corner of Coddington St. and Charles St. behind the kitchen with a path around to the entry door.
If those are not enough spots, there are generally spots on Coddington, Charles and Farewell St. The city’s parking restrictions are no longer in effect this time of year.
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