Networking for a cause

LEADERSHIP: Executive Director of Stage of Freedom Ray Rickman is seen speaking with Lev Poplou who is a communications and development consultant and organized the morning event to raise funds and awareness for Stages of Freedom.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

NETWORKING: Pictured are Cranston Chamber President Steve Boyle, Executive Director for RIPIN (Rhode Island Parent Information Network) Stephen Brunero and Executive Director of Stages of Freedom, Ray Rickman at the April 18 Cranston Chamber Coffee Connections at the Corner Bakery.

(Herald photos by Steve Popiel)

The Cranston Herald · Wednesday, April 19, 2017 2:37 pm

Early on April 18, members of the Cranston Chamber of Commerce met at the Corner Bakery in Garden City. As part of their Coffee Connections series which are geared for networking, this special meeting was to raise awareness and funding for Stages of Freedom.

Stages of Freedom works with seven YMCAs in R.I. to provide swimming lessons for African American youth. African American Youth drown five times as often and Latino youth twice as often within the general population.

Over the past three years, Stages of Freedom has provided free swimming lessons for more than 600 youth, including 311 children, aged 5 to 17, last year.

Stages of Freedom is a nonprofit organization led by community activist, Executive Director Ray Rickman, who also attended the meeting and provided a presentation.