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Local nonprofits urge clarity on timing and continued support during council workshop
Summary
Representatives from King Health Senior Center and Newport Mental Health urged clearer timelines and expressed concerns funding cuts could force staff losses; Newport Mental Health said 40% of its ~2,400 clients live in Newport and relies on civic appropriations from multiple towns.
Two nonprofit leaders addressed the council during public comment, asking for clarity on the application timeline and warning that reduced civic support could hurt local services.
Carmela Gear, executive director of the King Health Senior Center, said she is "one of those organizations that does receive additional funding from one of the other trusts" and worried that increased demand could reduce staff and services. "I'm worried as we move forward that as the demand for our services increases that our funding may decrease, which would cause me to lose staff," she said.
Susan Pietente, vice president of philanthropy at Newport Mental Health, thanked the council for the equity-focused conversation and said Newport Mental Health serves all of Newport County; "of our almost 2,400 clients, 40% of our clientele live in Newport," she said. She asked whether civic appropriations to organizations like hers are discretionary annual grants or part of a predictable relationship with neighboring towns; administration representatives said civic appropriations are applied for through a similar process and vary by municipality. Councilors acknowledged nonprofits' concerns and asked administration to clarify eligibility, timeline and whether funding sources can be relied on in the coming budget year.
