BankRI Helps Meeting Street Telethon Exceed Goal

From the very first day that Meeting Street opened its doors in 1946, the school has been recognized as an innovative pioneer that helps children reach their full potential in life. Today, through a wide-variety of integrated educational, therapeutic, and developmental programs and services, Meeting Street serves over 3,000 children with or without disabilities and developmental delays each year.

On Saturday, January 26, the school held its 37th Annual Meeting Street Telethon to raise critical funds for its work – generating over $809,000 and exceeding its goal thanks to the generosity of the community. In support of the school’s life-changing efforts, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) provided $4,000 in sponsorship.

“Meeting Street is an incredible resource for the community and local families; one that’s strengthening our state’s future by empowering young people to succeed in life and fostering the development of the whole child,” said Patricia O’Donnell-Saracino, Vice President of Community Relations for BankRI. “The outpouring of generosity from the community in helping the school exceed its goal underscores the important work they do each and every day.”

While Meeting Street is known for helping children with multiple and severe challenges, the school also works with children who have minor or no delays at all. Children in the school’s programs benefit from one of the highest teacher-to-student ratios in the state and a focus on individual goals – recognizing that every child is unique in their own way.

“Our goal is to create an environment where children of all abilities learn, play, work, and live together,” said Aimee Harvey, Director of Special Events for Meeting Street. “The overwhelming success of this year’s Telethon and the continued support of BankRI will further enable us as a national leader in child development and as a resource for those families who need us most.”

In addition to providing Kindergarten through Grade 5 education at The Grace School and High School for special needs students at The Carter School, Meeting Street also offers Early Intervention, Early Head Start and Bright Futures Early Learning for children under 5-years old, along with Outpatient Therapy Programs.

For more information on Meeting Street, please visit www.MeetingStreet.org.