Marla Sabater, branch manager at Citizens Bank’s Garfield Avenue Stop & Shop branch in Cranston, is the latest recipient of a company Community Service Sabbatical. She began her three-month paid leave in January at the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, where she has been assisting with finance and accounting, daily tasks, new programs and events. Sabater will return to Citizens this month.
PBN: What is the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence and what is your professional contribution during your time there?
SABATER: The institute’s mission is to teach by word and example the principles and practices of nonviolence, ultimately resulting in nonviolent resolutions. In 2003, intervention and prevention education dramatically enhanced when the award-winning Nonviolence Streetworkers Outreach Program was created. Since then, the institute has established itself as the premiere community-based organization in Rhode Island for all gang-related intervention and conflict-resolution services by helping to lower violent crimes in Providence by 50 percent.
I work on the organization’s financial system and accounting procedures, and assist the Streetworkers in their daily tasks. I also work on new programs for the institute and help with the coordination and planning of events. I am at the organization’s offices every day, but this month will be participating in their programs in the community.
PBN: How does the Citizens Bank’s Community Service Sabbatical program make an impact on the community?
SABATER: Citizens Bank’s Community Service Sabbatical program enables a colleague to work full-time in the community for three months and bring back to the workplace a greater appreciation of the social needs and challenges in the community at-large. More than 75 Citizens colleagues have been sent into their communities since the program began in 1994.
PBN: How has your tenure at a local nonprofit changed youprofessionally or personally?
SABATER: I have worked with children and youth who are in danger of succumbing to gang life and violence in Rhode Island. I am able to see firsthand how the institute changes lives every day through violence intervention. I believe in empowering through example and I try to live up to the utmost standards because in this day and age it is not what you can teach or say but what they can see through your life. •
