The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) was proud to join Citizens Bank in celebrating the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art branch in Centerville Place, and even more pleased to celebrate the bank’s continued commitment to entrepreneurship for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Citizens Bank recognized RIDDC’s Self-Employment Program last year with its Champions in Action Award, providing both financial support and hands-on assistance from its Community Outreach team. That partnership is continuing, with Citizens presenting RIDDC with a $2,500 contribution to support the Self-Employment Program.
The ribbon-cutting celebration also provided an opportunity to showcase the talents and businesses of RIDDC entrepreneurs. Citizens invited RIDDC to host an information table and welcomed two Self-Employment Program participants – Rebecca Beaton of Rebecca’s G Cards and Carol Bruins of Bee Friendly Flowers – who displayed and sold their work with assistance from business development staff Deb Duke.
RIDDC Self-Employment Program Director Sue Babin and Executive Director Kevin Nerney joined Citizens employees, community members and local leaders for the celebration. Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi was among those offering congratulations as Citizens unveiled its modern new branch.
The celebration continued both inside and outside the new location with food trucks, ice cream, games and music, creating a festive atmosphere on a beautiful late-summer morning.
For RIDDC, however, the most meaningful part of the celebration was the opportunity to recognize a corporate partner that continues to invest in the potential of entrepreneurs with I/DD.
“We’re thrilled with the continuing connection we have with Citizens Bank, and we’re thrilled to have an opportunity to congratulate them. Our Self-Employment Program participants have benefited greatly from the funding and in-kind support, and we all appreciate their support for entrepreneurship.”
RIDDC is grateful to Citizens Bank for helping create opportunities for people with I/DD to pursue entrepreneurship, build their businesses through creative marketing strategies and contribute their talents to Rhode Island’s small-business community, just like any other RI entrepreneur!
Congratulations to Citizens Bank on its new location – and thank you for continuing to champion entrepreneurship and inclusion!
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