Lisa and Ed Medeiros are the owners of East Commerce Solutions Inc., a merchant-services company in East Providence that provides retail and mobile payment-processing solutions. Wholly dedicated to supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for disadvantaged youth, the Medeiroses are advocates of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence among the many organizations they’re involved with.
This past December, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence presented the couple with the organization’s first ever philanthropy award, recognizing their generosity that has touched the lives of thousands of Providence youth. Ed Medeiros spoke with PBN about the award and what it means to give back to the community.
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PBN: How does it feel to be honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence with the organization’s first-ever philanthropy award?
MEDEIROS: We are truly humbled to receive this award, but in truth, we have already been rewarded by knowing we’re making a difference in the lives of young people. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence does an incredible job providing its members the tools they need to succeed in life in a safe and nurturing environment. The work they’re doing to improve lives today and strengthen lives for the future is nothing short of amazing and we feel privileged to be a part of that. Knowing our efforts are lifting the spirits and lives of young people who someday will make a difference for others is all the reward we need.
PBN: Why have you both, as small-business owners, made it a priority to give back to your community?
MEDEIROS: Giving back is something that comes naturally to us and is a big part of why we’re so committed to helping others. I am the youngest of 12 and come from humble beginnings, having grown up in the projects. In fact, I didn’t realize how poor we were until I got older. I attended the Boys & Girls Club as a child and it had such a positive influence on my life.
This is our opportunity to pay it forward. We feel fortunate to be in a position to give back and realize that sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference to others. Our goal is to give youth the opportunities that may not have been available to them otherwise. Our community involvement allows us to make a direct impact and that brings us a lot of satisfaction because I understand what it’s like and what the families we help are going through.
PBN: What do you feel are the most important principles of giving back? How have you aligned your giving over the years?
MEDEIROS: One of the most important principles of philanthropy is giving others a chance to succeed by opening up new opportunities that help move their lives forward. Our giving has always been aligned with causes that support youth because our philosophy is simple. If you make a positive impact in the lives of children, you create real change in the world. We firmly believe time is the most valuable thing you can give someone, and we like to be directly involved with the organizations we support. This gives us a chance to not only see and hear the difference being made, but also provide an opportunity to learn about other needs we may be able to address.
It’s important for people to do their homework on the organizations they support, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence is a perfect example. The more you learn about how far-reaching their programs are, the more you want to get involved. And the people working at the organization are some of the most dedicated you’ll ever find, which, for us, provides a lot of confidence in the cause.
PBN: Is your giving directed by any specific goals or milestones you would like to see the organizations you support, or the community as a whole, reach?
MEDEIROS: Our giving is directed by faith. As a devout Catholic, giving back to the community and helping others when you can and as much as you can is very important. The organizations we choose to be involved with focus on children and providing the types of opportunities that change lives.
Lisa and I strongly believe that making a difference in the life of a young person can have a tremendous impact on the world we live in. Young people look for direction, signs of hope and have visions of success and prosperity. Our goal is to work with the organizations that will help provide the path for young people to rise above their challenges and become adults who will make a difference in the world.
PBN: What is your perspective on the state of philanthropy in Rhode Island today, are enough people who are able giving to those in need?
MEDEIROS: There needs to be more involvement on a larger scale to lend a helping hand, and doing philanthropy, whether through one’s time, talent or treasure, is the opportunity we all have to make a difference. The challenge lies in encouraging people to recognize the needs of others and understanding they have the ability to help. There has never been a greater need for all of us to come together to create change and make a difference for others. By reaching out to help those down on their luck and raising them up, we are raising ourselves and raising all of society up.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
