Stages of Freedom hosts Public Forum to move forward with a new Pool for Providence

Stages of Freedom is working on a major project to build a year-round public swimming pool for the people of Providence. With too few pools and the fact that most are open for only 5-6 weeks out of the year, and some with restricted hours, this leaves children unable to learn to swim – and therefore at risk from drowning. Ray Rickman, of Stages of Freedom, says “this is a needless tragedy that has been on the rise in our state.”

Stages will be hosting a public forum on Thursday, August 17th at 5:30pm at the First Unitarian Church on Benefit Street in Providence. They are inviting all interested in learning more and supporting the Providence Pool Project to attend.

To sign up for the free event – go here: https://form.jotform.com/92345270022144

Stages of Freedom’s pool plans follow years of facilitating children learning to swim. Stages of Freedom is a nonprofit organization in Providence focused on raising funds and promoting the importance of learning to swim for all, and particularly for children of color. They have sponsored FREE lessons for thousands of children from throughout Rhode Island.

Rickman said, “We are excited to get this project started and hope it will improve people’s lives, especially those of children that we can teach how to swim.”

Rickman’s group announced the new plans in July.

Stages of Freedom’s programs include “Swim Empowerment“. They subsidize swimming lessons at the following “Y’s”, as space allows:

This year their goal has been to teach 400 children to swim. According to Stages of Freedom, “We believe that in order to reintroduce swimming into African American communities, it is important to begin with children.

Every year, Stages of Freedom provides the funds for an increasing number of RI youth of color to take FREE swimming lessons through 7 partnering YMCAs. Last year, Stages put 311 children in swimming lessons.

Swim Empowerment exploded into activity in Rhode Island after the publishing of its 2013 report, “Removing Barriers to Swimming Proficiency in the Rhode Island African American Community – A Model for the Nation“.

To join the mailing list, learn more, or donate, contact Ray Rickman at: [email protected].