The Washington County Coalition for Children (WCCC) is hosting a local data briefing on The Reality of Income Supports for Washington County’s Low Income Families on Thursday, February from 8:30 to 10 am at the Thundermist Health Center in Wakefield.
“We have an obligation to help children and families out of poverty,” says Susan Orban, WCCC Coordinator, yet, the extremely low benefits in Rhode Island trap families in deep poverty.”

Linda Katz, Economic Progress Institute, will present the latest data.
Linda Katz, Esq., Policy Director and Co-Founder of the Economic Progress Institute (EPI) in RI will share local data regarding income supports for our most vulnerable families and address questions about recent changes in benefits.
An advocate for social and economic justice for over 40 years, Linda brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the presentation. She is responsible for EPI’s legislative and policy analysis and advocacy on the full range of public benefits and programs, including welfare, health care, child care and employment and training.

EPI’s La-Brina Almeida will present information on the Raising Rhode Island campaign to lift children and families out of deep poverty.
La-Brina Almeida, MSW, and Jr. Policy Analyst at EPI, will share information about the Raising Rhode Island: Lifting Children and Families Out of Deep Poverty campaign. The state’s cash assistance benefit has been the same for almost 30 years. Children and families in extreme poverty receive just $6/person/day

RSVP to the Coalition; observe parking restrictions
The event is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP to Donna Greene at (401) 788-2371 or dgreene@southcountyhealth.org by Tuesday, February 18th.
Thundermist also asks that attendees NOT park in the health center’s patient or staff lots. Parking is available on the street, at the Wakefield Baptist Church, and the two municipal parking lots on Main Street.