1. After five years as the R.I. State Police superintendent and serving as the commissioner of the R.I. Department of Public Safety, why did you choose to pursue a nonprofit opportunity? During my law enforcement career, I committed to assisting many reputable community leaders in their efforts to make a difference. When I left the state police, however, I felt I no longer had that outlet. The opportunity at GPYMCA has given me a chance to tend to that unfinished business.
2. The Steven O’Donnell Scholarship Fund is the beginning of the largest fundraising effort by the local organization in five years. What was the catalyst for this campaign and what are your financial goals? The initiative was conceived after discussions with community members and our fantastic board of directors. Fundraisers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations and I was surprised to hear [they] had not held one in that long. It is our goal to raise money to offset the cost of infrastructure and [for] a scholarship program allowing those who can’t afford to attend our summer camp that opportunity.
3. What types of corporate engagement do you hope to gain and how are you using your previous contacts to aid the campaign? I have reached out to many organizations and nearly 50 businesses will be represented. We hope this campaign will serve as a reminder of the mission of the [organization], which has not been as relevant as it needs to be. The YMCA strives to build strong bodies, minds and spirits and when young people have those strengths, our entire community is better off.
4. What types of career-development programming are offered now and do you plan to augment it? We are proud to provide a well-rounded family atmosphere. … In addition to classroom-to-career programming through the Y On the Move department, our Providence Youth Services site offers a Culinary Academy, which teaches high school students basic cooking skills and Serve Safe certification and connects them with industry professionals for potential jobs.
5. What role does the organization play in the community effort to help at-risk youths? The ultimate goal of the GPYMCA is to return its mission to the urban core of Providence [and] we have a strong and diverse board of directors and goodwill within the community to make this a reality.