RILWAN K. FEYISITAN JR., a former Community Action Partnership of Providence CEO and president, recently was named the new CEO and president of East Providence-based nonprofit East Bay Community Action Program. Feyisitan has more than 20 years of experience advancing health equity and community engagement causes, and socioeconomic enhancements both locally and regionally. Over the last nine years, Feyisitan worked in multiple positions with the Community Action Partnership of Providence, including as its director of operations, deputy director and, most recently, as the organizations’s top executive.
What initially led you to wanting to work in the nonprofit sector? I’ve been involved in community work and engagement with vulnerable populations across many sectors for over 30 years. I believe when people unite and work together to effect change, it creates opportunities for everyone and promotes economic, educational, social and political equity. Given my beliefs and passion, it just seemed like a natural fit for me to choose a career working for nonprofits.
What are your goals for the organization as its new chief executive? While there is a great deal I want to accomplish, my priorities include overseeing further investments in EBCAP’s health services, including its integration with our programs addressing housing insecurity. We also need some infrastructure improvements in several of our facilities. It is important that we strengthen our workforce development and retention practices. And I look forward to enhancing EBCAP’s role as a community health leader and advancing state and local community-based health, behavioral health, equity and socioeconomic initiatives.
How has EBCAP navigated through inflation up to this point and what challenges does the organization still face with that in providing services the community needs? Inflation has affected our day-to-day operations from our purchasing power to staffing issues to supporting programs … [such as] our food pantries. While our food pantries remain stocked, the increase in food prices and the lack of availability of essential items remain a challenge. Thanks to the strategic planning of our board of directors and our increased engagement with donors and funding sources, we are navigating our way through these challenges.
Is EBCAP planning to introduce any new initiatives this year? If so, what are they? Our initiatives include establishing a school-based health center in East Providence for East Providence High School students, providing them access to primary health, behavioral health and social services. We will join the statewide effort to address the homelessness crisis and partner with local leaders and advocates to increase affordable housing in the East Bay. Our community health services will add a transgender whole health care program. Plus, an LGBTQ Safe Zone certification, identifying EBCAP as a safe and inclusive place to receive care.
