Impact

Inspired by the efforts and achievements of the many Newporters she interviewed during the filming for NEWPORT: In This Together, Susan Sipprelle, founded the reNEWPORT Community Group to facilitate greater connection between nonprofit and business leaders, government officials, and concerned citizens. She and local community leader Ellen Pinnock partner to head the group.

Today, the group has grown to over 70 individuals and has facilitated conversations between community members and Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong, President and CEO of the RI Foundation and Former US Representative David Cicilline, Senior Advisor to Governor McKee Jeremy Chiappetta, and Representative Gabe Amo.

Projects

Chronic Absenteeism at Newport Public Schools

Attendance has not rebounded after the COVID pandemic, which is detrimental to all Newport children. In partnership with Newport Public Schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Conexión Latina Newport, and FabNewport, reNEWPORT Community Group will help develop a campaign and coordinate supports for Pell Elementary School students and families to increase student attendance.

Daffodils in Miantonomi Park

Newport in Bloom has been planting daffodils around the city since 2012 and publishes a "Daffy Map" in the springtime for residents and visitors. There was a marked lack of daffodils in Newport's underserved North End. reNEWPORT Community Group was able to bring together Newport in Bloom, the Miantonomi Park Commission, the City of Newport, and private donors. In spring of 2024, 38,000 daffodils will bloom in the North End of Newport for the first time!