Blenheim-Newport Partnering with BBBSRI to Honor Founder

Benchmark Senior Living, the largest senior housing provider in New England, today announced they have partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI), a mentorship program that pairs boys and girls across the state with adult role models, in a statewide fundraiser this holiday giving season. The fundraiser is being offered in honor of the late Dr. Dorothy Pieniadz, founder of BBBSRI and a former resident of Capitol Ridge, where she was deeply loved and respected by her fellow residents and associates.

Benchmark’s Blenheim-Newport in Middletown, Capitol Ridge at Providence and Greenwich Farms at Warwick communities are collecting new and gently used clothing, cloth/fabric, shoes, belts, handbags, hats, towels and sheets/linens for BBBSRI through December 31.

Pieniadz founded BBBSRI in 1966 after hearing about a chapter in Canada. A teacher and the first female dean at what was then the Rhode Island College of Education, she had worked hard to break through the glass ceiling. Along the way, she was committed to mentoring and seeking opportunities for others who shared the same struggles she had.

“Dr. Dorothy, as she was known, was a trailblazer who believed in the importance of education and values we share here at Benchmark. I can’t think of a better way to honor her than by supporting such an important organization that was so near and dear to her heart,” said Tristi DelaRoca, executive director of Capitol Ridge.

In her final days, Pieniadz remained passionate about mentoring and considered BBBSRI her life’s work. “They can communicate with kids in a way that gets through. In many cases, no one has ever gotten through to these kids in this way before,” she said.

In 2022, 100% of BBBSRI mentees in their senior year graduated on time, 90% of parents saw academics improvements and 84% in social skills.

In addition to matching kids aged 7-14 with a minimum 18-month mentorship, BBBSRI operates two scholarship funds and The Donation Center Foundation of Rhode Island, which accounts for 70% of their annual operating budget. The Foundation collects donations of used clothing and household goods, which generates funds to support the mentoring program.

“Dr. Dorothy knew we were planning this drive and would be so honored to know it will continue on in her memory,” said Katje Afonseca, CEO of BBBSRI. “She enjoyed her last years at Capital Ridge and I’m glad we can honor her in this way.”

Those interested in donating can drop them off at Blenheim-Newport (303 Valley Road, Middletown), Capitol Ridge (700 Smith Street, Providence) or Greenwich Farms (75 Minnesota Avenue, Warwick).