Our Founders

Matthew “Marcello” Haynes

Founder & Vice President

Marcello is known around Providence as “the Gondolier.” The owner/operator of La Gondola Providence, he has been deeply involved with multiple communities in Providence for more than two decades.

Nothing is more important to Marcello than family, which is why he is passionate about supporting children and parents through community cooperation and initiatives.

When he’s not supporting the LGP Community Foundation or rowing gondolas, Marcello can be found playing dress-up with his two daughters, eating delicious Italian food, and serving as President of the Libraries of Foster.

Bryna Haynes

Founder & President

Bryna is the founder and CEO of WorldChangers Media and The Author (r)Evolution. Whether through community initiatives or non-fiction books, her focus has always been on BIG ideas.

Bryna believes that many of the visionary ideas that will ultimately change Rhode Island for the better will come from within our local community — but in order to be supported in developing and nurturing those ideas for positive change, children and families must have their basic needs met. More, they must feel supported and embraced by the greater community so they feel empowered to share their vision and bring it to life through cooperative effort.

When she’s not nurturing world-changing books and ideas, Bryna can be found snuggling with her two daughters and husband, Marcello — or with her nose buried in a great book.

Ruth Wartenberg, LICSW

Founder & Director

Ruth is a licensed independent clinical social worker currently serving at Providence’s Pleasant View Elementary School and as a clinician at Family Connections, LLC. She is a passionate advocate for the disenfranchised, and has devoted her work to supporting and building relationships within Providence’s most under-served communities. She has personally helped hundreds of families to date with challenges from food shortages to asylum requirements, and plans to expand that mission through LGPCF.

Ruth carries on the passion and purpose of her late mother, Carol Wartenberg. Carol taught herself fluent Spanish in the 1980’s in order to work with immigrants and refugees in Providence and Central Falls. Carol was involved with community organizing and advocacy efforts. She volunteered her time teaching ESL, literacy, and citizenship classes at Progreso Latino and various literacy centers.