04/23/07 Mayor David Cicilline Named Brighter Futures Award Recipient   Providence Mayor David Cicilline will receive the “Brighter Futures Award” from Family Service of Rhode Island for his work improving the well-being of children. “Mayor Cicilline has become a state and even a national leader on issues affecting children and their families,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of Rhode Island CEO.  “From his first day in office he has placed a strong emphasis on after-school programming.  He also has been extremely supportive of Family Service of Rhode Island’s partnership with the Providence police to assist children traumatized by violence.” Such dedication has earned Mayor Cicilline an award from the National League of Cities/After School Alliance. He has also been named chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Committee on Children, Health and Human Services. “The education and healthy development of our children must be our highest priority,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “We need to guarantee every child the opportunity for an excellent education and a safe, caring, enriching environment.  If we do, we will ensure the talent we need to power our growing businesses and grow the next generation of entrepreneurs.  We will help families break the vicious cycle of poverty and prevent more children from turning to violence.”  He thanked Family Service of Rhode Island for the honor, and hoped the event in October “will remind everyone of the need for a citywide, statewide and nationwide commitment to improving the lives of our children.” The Brighter Futures Award is presented annually to an individual or organization making an outstanding contribution to the well-being of children in the state.  This year’s presentation will take place at an October 23 luncheon at the Rhode Island Convention Center.  Past recipients include the Boston Red Sox, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Red Sox Foundation; and Colonel Dean Esserman, Providence’s police chief. Tickets are available by calling (401) 331-1350 ext. 3319 or by clicking here. Mayor Cicilline created the Providence After School Alliance in partnership with the Wallace Foundation, Bank of America, the Education Partnership and other corporate sponsors.  This alliance developed AfterZones, a citywide neighborhood-based system of quality after school programming in Providence.   With Mayor Cicilline’s support, Family Service of Rhode Island and the Providence Police Department developed a partnership to help violent crime victims, particularly children.  Family Service of Rhode Island staff are called in by police 24/7 to provide counseling and other support.  The non-profit agency’s staff also does regular "ride alongs" in police cruisers to intervene "on the beat" as necessary.  Corporate sponsors of the Brighter Futures Award include Bank of America, Sprint, National Grid, Dominion, GTECH, Hinckley, Allen & Snyder and NBC 10 WJAR.   (end)