Swanette Shares 7/6/25

This information was shared in an email from Swanette Salazar CCHW on 7/6/25, in her role as the Lead Community Health Worker Consultant – Rhode 2 Equity(CTC-RI). Some of this info is in the CHWARI Newsletter – some is not due to time issues. We try to post updates like this on our website so that all resources are ‘out there!’

Hey everyone,

It’s hard to believe, but the time has come—this will be my last newsletter and my term as RI’s First CHW Ambassador for NACHW has come to an end. What an incredible honor it’s been to walk alongside you all during this chapter. 💛

I’m so excited to share that Lina Roman was selected as our new RI CHW Ambassador! If you know Lina, you know that she is a powerhouse—an inspiring community advocate who leads with heart, strength, and vision. I can’t wait to celebrate her at Unity this year and witness all the amazing things ahead. 💥

As my time as a consultant with the CHW CCR grant also ends, I just want to say: thank you. Truly. The work we’ve done together, the relationships we’ve built, and the love and care you’ve all poured into this movement have been nothing short of transformational. While the grant may be ending, our collective work is far from over. The energy we’ve cultivated, the partnerships we’ve formed, and the commitment to justice and healing we share will continue to ripple forward.

I also know that these are challenging times. National events, policy shifts, funding cuts, and ongoing pressures can feel overwhelming and heavy. Please remember to care for yourselves as you care for others. Acknowledge what you’re carrying. Lean into your people. Set boundaries. Breathe. Reflect. Grow. And above all—stay rooted in community. We’re always stronger when we move together.

I’m grateful to continue showing up in this work in new ways, including as a new Commissioner for the CHAE! You will still see me around. And I’m always just an email away.

Let’s keep building, together.

With deep love, respect, and solidarity—

❤️ Swanette

Have you heard about..

Advocacy & Legislation

  • Passing legislation can take many years at times! If something you advocated for did not pass this year, do not lose hope! Keep working together because even the small successes make a ripple effect.
  • Longstanding payday lending reform policy finally passed, learn more here.
  • Housing Not Handcuffs
  • Economic Progress Institute’s Top Ten Wins
  • Minimum wage has been increased from $15 this year to $16 next year and will increase again in 2027 to $17
  • RIPTA to hold public hearings on proposed statewide service cute & fare increase in all 5 RI Counties. Under state law, the Authority must hold public hearings to receive input from the public at the hearings that will be submitted to the RIPTA Board of Directors before their voting meeting. If approved, the changes will go in effect on September 6, 2025. Learn more and find hearing information here.
    • With these cuts, riders should anticipate elimination of routes or route segments, decreased service frequency, reduced service spam, and reduced OR eliminated weekend service. These hearings are a chance for last minute advocacy to show leaders and the press how critical transit is to our community.

Professional Development, Opportunities, Resources

📣 Info Session: Monday, July 14, 2025 | 1–2 PM EST

💰 Registration Closes: Friday, July 11, 2025

🎓 Cost: $240 – Scholarships available!

Community Resources, Opportunities, & Events

  • Partners to Reduce Cancer in RI is seeking volunteers for Summer Skin Cancer Screenings.
    • Skin Check Dates + Locations
      • Saturday, July 12 | 11 -1pm – Scarborough Beach North
      • Friday, July 18 | 1:30 -3:30pm – Easton’s Beach
      • Saturday, August 2 | 11-1pm – Scarborough Beach North
      • Friday, August 15 | 1:30-3:30pm – Lincoln Woods State Park

Self-care resources/events

  • Saturday and Sundays 10-11 at Roger Williams Park | Bird and Plant walks. Learn more and register here.
  • July 12 | 9-4PM | Wickford Art Festival
  • July 26 | 7-10PM in Pawcatuck, CT | River Glow

Potential Funding/Grant Opportunities

Articles + Podcasts

Remember to take care of yourselves as you care for others. Stay grounded, stay connected—our strength is in community. See you around! ❤

With deep appreciation,

Swanette

Swanette Salazar CCHW

Lead Community Health Worker – First Connections Program

Commissioner – Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity

FSRI number: (401) 429-9125

salazarsw@familyserviceri.org

I use she/her/hers pronouns! How about you?