PROVIDENCE, R.I. - s4story -- The YMCA of Greater Providence is launching its annual holiday "Gift of Camp" fundraising campaign in partnership with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) to help reduce the summer learning gap by sending 400 children in need to the Ys' transformative camps in 2020.

"Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year," said Steven G. O'Donnell, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence. "In addition to being the place where children learn to swim or adults go for their daily workout, we're also constantly responding to the needs of our community. We're dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation's health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors—all to create a better us."

Every day, the YMCA of Greater Providence works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, health and wellness, and food insecurity. This year, the YMCA of Greater Providence hopes to raise $100,000, which will send approximately 400 campers to both day and residential camp next summer.

"Neighborhood is especially proud to support camp experiences for these kids as many of them are also our members, which makes our partnership with the Y an extension of our mission to serve at-risk populations," said Brenda Whittle, Chief Marketing Officer of Neighborhood.

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Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors raised over $80,000 and made it possible for 320 children to attend various camps across five locations throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts where they create friendships, build confidence, and foster leadership skills.

"Summer camp at the Y was one of the happiest moments of my life. I am a lot more thankful for my parents and I can also make more friends easier now," said Carlos, 2019 YMCA Camper.

"Together, we can make a transformative impact in the life of a child. Every gift, of every size truly matters," said O'Donnell. Visit www.giftofcamp.org to give the gift of camp to a deserving child.

About the YMCA of Greater Providence
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility with a mission of nurturing the potential of children and families, improving the nation's health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also deliver, lasting personal and social change. Learn more at https://ymcagreaterprovidence.org. Connect with the YMCA of Greater Providence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3eLVKAMjiayuy...), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/982091/admin/).

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About Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island is a not-for-profit health insurance company (HMO). We currently serve about 200,000 members in the state. About 80 percent of our membership is Medicaid eligible through our ACCESS and TRUST plans. Just under 10 percent of our members utilize our INTEGRITY Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP). More than 10 percent of our membership represents individuals, families and small businesses who select one of eight Neighborhood commercial plans available through the health exchange, HealthSource RI. Of these members, about 85 percent qualify for federal subsidies to cover a portion of their costs.

In December 1993, Neighborhood was founded in partnership with Rhode Island's Community Health Centers. We served our first 1,490 members in 1994, and by 2000, we grew to 50,000 members. Starting in November 2013, Neighborhood doubled its membership, revenue, and staff through the introduction of the Affordable Care Act and state leadership's decision to extend coverage to more Rhode Islanders.

In 2019, we celebrate 25 years of service. Since 2004, National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has rated Neighborhood one of the top Medicaid health plans in America, and our commercial plans have earned NCQA's highest accreditation level in 2017. Today, Neighborhood – with 500 employees and $1.4 billion in revenue – serves one out of every five Rhode Islanders. Learn more at nhpri.org (http://www.nhpri.org/). You can connect with Neighborhood on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NeighborhoodRI/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/NHPRIHealth), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnVXrksslL0slb...), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/nhpri).