PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Manchester home healthcare agency is one of 20 businesses from eight states to be recognized with a Small Business Community Champion Award from Citizens Bank.
Ofemz Home Healthcare Agency, owned by Oluwafemi and Odun Owolabi, was recognized for using its operations to address local needs, strengthen workforce pathways and expand access to essential services in the communities it serves, Citizens said in a news release.
Ofemz Home Healthcare Agency is an in-home care provider “expanding caregiver recruitment, training and culturally responsive services,” the release said. It’s the only New Hampshire winner, others are from Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio and New York.
The awardees, announced last week, represent a range of sectors that include construction, education, health care, childcare, wellness and community services. They were selected based on how they plan to expand their businesses while responding to community needs, according to the news release.
Each of the 20 award recipients will receive $10,000 and a year of professional development support through Luminary. Citizens has awarded nearly $2 million over nine years to small businesses via the Community Champion Award program.
“Small businesses are closely tied to the health of the communities they serve,” said Mark Valentino, Citizens head of business banking. “Through the Small Business Community Champion Award, we are supporting owners who are building sustainable businesses while addressing real community needs — whether that’s workforce development, access to care or educational opportunity. This year’s recipients reflect how small businesses adapt to changing local conditions and continue to be anchors in their communities.”