There are chances for people who are new to the area to integrate themselves in the community. They can use their respective skills and experiences to shape those for those they may potentially interact with. Or, they can learn a new vocation to enhance their involvement in their neighborhoods. Whatever the case may be, it gives those who are trying to find their footing a place to learn and grow,
That is why Beautiful Day in Providence is around to direct those groups that needs some direction in these and other areas. I recently met with Director of Growth Joan McLaughlin to find out about their mission, services and how they connect with the communities statewide.
What are your goals heading into 2026?
We experienced substantial growth in 2024 and 2025, welcoming new staff and expanding our programs. Looking ahead, we aim to continue program growth in ways that best support our participants, including job placement, resources (such as financial and educational support),
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Please see our 2024 Annual Report for more facts and figures: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0013/8228/5421/files/BD-2024AnnualReport.pdf?v=1751933433
Who are your target audiences? Who would be a good client?
As an employment social enterprise, our work lies at the intersection of business and social service. Therefore, we appeal to a wide variety of stakeholders, including customers, the business community, the nonprofit sector, and refugee communities in our state.
Our products appeal to granola lovers everywhere. We have a national customer base of over 5,000, and our wholesale division partners with local, regional, and national distributors. You can find our granola bars in Hyatt hotels around the country. Our products are also available through several online gift businesses, including
From-You-Flowers and REDF’s Good Works Collection. All profits are channeled back into the business.
Our ties with the business community in Rhode Island are strong. We are active members of the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, and through our Employer Partnership Network, we have developed relationships with employers who provide internships for our youth and jobs for our adult graduates.
We have strong partnerships with other refugee service organizations in Rhode Island, which often refer their clients to our programs. We work together on projects of mutual interest, attend each other’s events, and share resources.
We could not do the work we do without the support and trust of the refugee communities whose members we serve. We attend weddings and parties, and are enthusiastic participants in public cultural events. We recognize the importance of promoting connections between the general public and refugees, so we are always looking for ways to build relationships and broaden our appeal.
How can people get involved?
There are several ways to get involved with Beautiful Day.
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● Make a donation – These are challenging times for nonprofits in general and especially those working with refugees and immigrants. We welcome gifts of any amount. Please consider supporting our job training programs, which are life-changing to the refugees we serve. For more information, contact Rebecca Garland at rgarland@beautifuldayri.org
● Buy our products – We offer delicious granolas, mueslis, hummus, coffees and mixed nuts. During holidays, we offer premium gift boxes and special products. The more products we sell, the more refugees we can hire to make them. See our website: beautifuldayri.org
● Volunteer – We are always looking for volunteers to work directly with participants, support staff with behind-the-scenes projects, or participate in special one-time activities, such as our annual Volunteer Clean-up Day. For more information, contact Becca Katz at becca@beautifuldayri.org or fill out an interest form on our website: https://beautifuldayri.org/pages/volunteer
● Retailers can purchase our products at wholesale prices. Contact Joan McLaughlin at joan@beautifuldayri.org.
● For Employers – Consider joining our Employer Partnership Network, a group of 30 local businesses that are committed to hiring refugees and creating welcoming workplace environments for them. For more information, contact Annie Dickson at annie@beautifuldayri.org .
Anything else readers should know about Beautiful Day?
We work hard but also make time for play and connection. Every Tuesday, we hold a communal dinner at our facility, prepared by a trainee, using recipes from their home countries. We gather to share food and conversation. We usually go around the table answering a fun question to help break the ice. Think: “What’s your favorite animal?”, or “Do you have siblings?”
Our communal dinner is open to guests, which creates space for others to meet our participants. Often, our guests are meeting a refugee for the first time, which is an integral part of our goal of building connections with the greater community.
