Our Partners & Funders
Partners
The partner libraries in the RIFLI collaborative are Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket and Providence Public Libraries. West Warwick Public Library is a RIFLI affiliate. Providence Public Library has generously hosted RIFLI since its inception, handling the fiscal management of the program as well as providing office space and various in-kind administrative support.
Funding
Major funding for the RI Family Literacy Initiative is from the R.I. Department of Education - Family Literacy and EL/Civics Funding and Walmart.
In October 2006, RIFLI received a $73,544 grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation to support "the community of practitioners dedicated to delivering quality Adult and Family Literacy Services." RIFLI has been designated as a "Promising Practice" by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
Steering Committee
David Macksam
Library Director, Cranston Public Library
John Bucci
Branch Librarian, William Hall Free Library
Karen McGrath
Branch Librarian , Auburn Branch Library
Chris Bourret
Lead Teacher, Cranston Public Library
Melinda Bonacore
Lead Teacher, Cranston Public Library
Eileen Socha
Library Director, East Providence Public Library
Kevin McKay
Lead Teacher, East Providence Public Library
Susan Reed
Library Director, Pawtucket Public Library
Julie Fischer
Lead Teacher, Pawtucket Public Library
Dale Thompson
Library Director, Providence Public Library
Kathyellen Bullard
Assistant Director of Neighborhood and Family Services, Providence Public Library
Larry Britt
Lead Teacher, Providence Public Library
Sherry Lehane
Lead Teacher, Providence Public Library
Louise Moulton
Community Services Coordinator, Providence Public Library/RIFLI
Karisa J. Tashjian
Literacy Program Coordinator, RIFLI
Kim Libby
Lead Teacher, Providence Public Library
Amanda Duffy
ESL Teacher & Data Manager
Sherry Araujo
Children's Teacher
Emma Benitez
Children's Teacher
Fran Farrell-Bergeron
Director, West Warwick Public Library
Sue Schweikart
Literacy Coordinator, West Warwick Public Library
