Funding deepens and expands school district’s successful SMART® Clinic program

CENTRAL FALLS, RHODE ISLAND – For families across Rhode Island, a trip to the doctor, dentist, or counselor has too often meant time off work, long waits, and difficult choices. For many families in Central Falls, it’s a different story – one that is getting even better.

The Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC) is investing $1 million to expand comprehensive health care for students and families served by SMART® Health Clinics in Central Falls Public Schools, deepening a program already making a data-proven difference and breaking new ground in school-based health care nationwide.

The funding will be awarded to SMART® FAITH works Health and Wellness Institute, building on the nonprofit’s SMART® Clinic program already operating in three Central Falls schools: Calcutt Middle School, Ella Risk Elementary School, and Veterans Elementary School. The investment will support planning for a brand-new SMART® Clinic in the Raíces Dual Language Academy and will, for the first time in any SMART® Clinic in the United States, make full-service dental care available to every student in the district alongside primary care and mental health services in school during the school day.

“Central Falls is a city of extraordinary people doing extraordinary things,” said Barbara Papitto, Founder and Trustee of Papitto Opportunity Connection. “Our job at POC is to make sure every child here has what they need to thrive, not just in the classroom, but in life. Expanding access to primary care, mental health, and now dental care directly in their schools is exactly the kind of bold, systemic change we exist to support.”

The SMART® Clinic model is a nationally recognized, school-based health program designed to boost academic achievement by identifying and removing barriers to classroom success. It has an unparalleled record of success. For students in communities facing economic hardship, undiagnosed or unmanaged health issues — a toothache, untreated anxiety, a chronic condition or a simple sore throat — can mean missed school days and unrealized potential. SMART® Clinics meet students where they are, ensuring students can receive first-rate care and focus on learning as a first priority.

Cindy Montoya, SMART® Implementation and Utilization Advisor, Lilian Ardon, Ella Risk parent, and Dr. Emily Thomas at SMART® Clinic at Ella Risk Elementary School in Central Falls, RI.

“We are incredibly grateful to Papitto Opportunity Connection for investing in the future of Central Falls students,” said Melanie Ginn, SMART® FAITHworks Co-Founder, along with Dr. Christopher Conti,  and Architect of the SMART® Model. “By providing diagnostic, treatment and prescription services on site in our schools in real time, we are showing our young people that they are our first priority, and that health and academic success go hand in hand.”

Central Falls is one of the smallest and most densely populated cities in the country — a community rich in resilience and ambition. This investment reflects a shared belief that every child here deserves to be healthy, and that healthy children learn better, dream bigger, and carry their communities forward.

“Access to health care should never be a barrier to success for our students. This investment is transformational for our city, bringing primary care, mental health services, and now dental care directly into our schools so students can focus on learning and thriving. I’m grateful to Papitto Opportunity Connection and our partners for believing in our community and helping us lead the way on a model that will change lives right here in Central Falls,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera.

“Our students and families will benefit from Papitto Opportunity Connection’s generous support for years to come,” said Central Falls Superintendent Stephanie Downey Toledo. “Our entire school community is thankful for this grant. It makes it easier for families to get the care they need, and it represents faith in our students’ ability to thrive and succeed throughout their lives.”

The funding was awarded through POC’s $1 Million Innovation Challenge Grant, which supports initiatives creating systemic change in education, skills training, entrepreneurship, health care, or housing. SMART® FAITHworks was selected following its December 2025 application. Previous Innovation Challenge Grant recipients include Brown University Health’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Treatment program (2024) and the Clinic at Amos House (2025).

About FAITHworks SMART® Clinics:

The SMART® (School Health Model for Academics, Reaching ALL, Transforming Lives) Model is built on the recognition that education is a force-multiplying determinant of all social determinants of health. As a nonprofit medical organization, FAITHworks Health and Wellness Institute is committed to delivering clinical care aligned with the SMART® Model and its mission to reach all, not merely address the acute needs of a few. By intentionally identifying and addressing structural barriers and gaps in health and overall wellbeing, FAITHworks provides targeted, equitable care that supports personal growth and long-term stability for individuals, families, and communities across generations. The SMART® Clinics in Central Falls also host medical students in partnership with Brown Medical School, via the innovative SMART® Plus initiative.

About Papitto Opportunity Connection:

The Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC) is a non-profit private foundation dedicated to listening and working together with Rhode Island’s communities in need to empower and create systemic change by investing in education, job skills training, health care and entrepreneurship. Established in December 2020, POC has invested more than $130 million dollars to support programs that provide crucial services that uplift Rhode Island’s communities in need. Learn more at POCFoundation.com.