Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that he has secured $500,000 in federal funding to allow the nonprofit Day One to upgrade its facility and information technology infrastructure with the goal of improving trauma-informed advocacy and clinical treatment services for victims of sexual assault, abuse, and exploitation. Located in Providence, Day One provides treatment, intervention, education, advocacy, and prevention services to Rhode Islanders of all ages.
“The staff at Day One provide compassionate treatment and advocacy to every person who walks through their doors – many of whom are in the darkest moment of their lives,” said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Rhode Island Attorney General. “I am glad to deliver a half million dollars in federal funding to better equip the agency to carry out its important mission.”
The Congressionally Directed Spending request submitted by Whitehouse was included in the omnibus bill that President Biden signed into law in March. Investments made with the funding will create energy, cost, and work efficiencies that will allow for smoother administration of Day One’s services.
The agency will replace all of its windows, an aging boiler, and all building entry points and restrooms to make the facility fully accessible. Day One will also invest in upgrades to its key software platforms, phone and video conferencing technology, email security, and key pass system. IT professionals will be hired to administer the new systems.
“Rhode Island’s congressional delegation has always been tremendously supportive of the critical issues and needs of Day One and the community it serves. Day One is so grateful to Senator Whitehouse for providing this funding,” said Peg Langhammer, Executive Director of Day One. “This support will help address our critical building needs in Providence, ensuring our facility is fully ADA-compliant and accessible, energy efficient, and provide vital IT infrastructure upgrades, which will in turn allow us to continue to provide comprehensive victim support to the thousands of Rhode Islanders we serve each year.”
Meaghan McCabe, (401) 453-5294
