Celebrate by Helping Someone in Need

There are just a few hours left in 2013!  It's a time for reflection and a time to look forward.

What better way to end one year and begin another than by helping someone in need?

For more information on how you might help, please click here.

Happy New Year from all of us at Family Service of RI!

Our Early Intervention Program Celebrates the Holidays

Family Service of Rhode Island's Early Intervention program held a holiday party the other day for dozens of children in the program--and their moms and dads too!

In addition to meeting Santa, the boys and girls had fun with holiday crafts.

Our Early Intervention program provides a range of services for children from birth to age 3 with or at risk of developmental delays.

Special shout out to Little Kids, Inc. for providing gifts!

Help a Child Smile & Stay Warm

Too often children we serve don't have the coats and gloves needed to effectively protect them from the winter cold.

Some even have holes in their shoes!

We do what we can for these boys and girls and their families, but the need is overwhelming.

Perhaps you could help a child smile and stay warm with donations of new coats and gloves, retail and grocery gift certificates, and toys too because it's the holiday season.

Please contact Julie Casimiro at 401-519-2289 or email her.

Thank you!

Rhode Island Marks World AIDS Day Over the Next Five Days

A number of World AIDS Day activities are taking place in Rhode Island starting on Sunday and continuing for a number of days.  Prevention is the theme.

For more information and a complete listing of events, please click here.

You're Invited to the State House for World AIDS Day Event

Designer Estate Clothing Sale Saturday November 23

The administration team at Whole Foods Market University Heights in Providence recently volunteered to help Family Service of Rhode Island prepare for their clothing sale as part of their team building and desire to support the community during the holiday season.

Support the work of Family Service of Rhode Island by attending a Designer Estate Clothing Sale, Saturday, November 23, 9 to noon at 404 Wickenden Street in Providence's Fox Point neighborhood.

Family Service of Rhode Island received a huge donation of women's clothing, including designer evening wear, career wear, outerwear, shoes, jewelry and accessories. 

Names like Jones of New York, Ralph Lauren and Anne Klein are included in the collection, which features mostly sizes 10 to 12.

  

For more information, please call Julie Casimiro at 401-519-2289 or email her at casimiroju@familyserviceri.org.

Your support assists in Family Service of Rhode Island’s work helping children traumatized by crime and violence, students facing educational barriers such as absenteeism and bullying, families in poverty, and many others in need in Rhode Island.

State Police Major Leads Walking School Bus

State Police Major James M. Manni led Family Service of Rhode Island’s Walking School Bus Tuesday afternoon, November 12, starting at the Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School in Providence.  It started to get very cold as the children ended the school day and had to begin the journey home.

The Walking School Bus provides routes to and from school led by volunteers.  The initiative ensures that each child, living within a mile of the school, who needs to walk arrives on time and returns home safely, even when a family member is unable to walk with him or her. 

The Walking School Bus is reducing school tardiness and absenteeism. The program also promotes a positive community spirit as volunteers and school children walk through the neighborhoods surrounding the school.

The Walking School Bus is part of Family Service of Rhode Island’s “Providence Children’s Initiative,” based at the school and providing a comprehensive, collaborative program to improve educational and social development outcomes for children and families in the South Providence neighborhood.

Family Service of Rhode Island has invited a number of community leaders to lead the Walking School Bus to raise awareness of the program and to help recruit volunteers.  Anyone interested in volunteering should call 401-331-1350 ext. 3457.

Bringing Business and Faith Communities Together to Help People in Need

Barbara Martin, LICSW, of Pawtucket, received the Rhode Island State Council of Churches’ “Partners in Faith Award” Thursday October 31 at the Council’s awards breakfast.

She  received the recognition for founding the “Partners IN Service” (PINS) program, an initiative of the Urban Core Family Care Community Partnership (UCFCCP), which is led by Family Service of Rhode Island and funded by the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Under PINS, community partners, such as congregations and businesses, share skills and contribute household goods, clothing and other basics to families receiving wraparound social services from UCFCCP member agencies.  UCFCCP and PINS serve families in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cranston.

“For families struggling to make financial and emotional ends meet, connection to a caring faith community or business can make all the difference,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island. “Congratulations to Barbara, and thank you for bringing PINS to Family Service of Rhode Island!  Your commitment and creativity are transforming lives.”

Nearly twenty congregations, including Christian churches, synagogues and a mosque, participate along with several businesses.  Ms. Martin brought the PINS idea with her from Vermont, where she lived and worked for many years.

For more information about PINS, please call 401-639-4706.

Brighter Futures Luncheon Thursday October 24

Our 9th annual Brighter Futures luncheon is coming up Thursday, October 24, noon at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

This is a important fundraiser.  Your support will help ensure that Family Service of Rhode Island can provide individuals with the highest standard of assistance and support possible.

During the event, we honor a person or organization helping to build brighter futures for people in need in the community.  This year's Brighter Futures award recipient is Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

Please join us and hundreds of others from across Rhode Island.  Call 401-519-2274, or email seats@familyserviceri.org, or purchase a seat on-line by visiting this page.

NBC 10 anchor Patrice Wood is our emcee, and she always does a great job!

Hope to see you there!

AIDS Walk for Life is Saturday

There is still time to join the AIDS Walk for Life, happening this Saturday, September 28!

It's the area's largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HIV prevention and testing, and providing care for people living with HIV/AIDS.  It starts at 9 a.m. on the State House lawn (city side).

See us on The Rhode Show here.  Sign up here.

Tips for Speaking with a Child in the DC Navy Yard Shootings Aftermath

Parents may have questions about how to talk with a child about the DC Navy Yard shootings.

The child trauma and loss center at Family Service of RI, the state site for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, offers some quick tips:

--Limit exposure to the media.  Be aware that children are always listening.

--If a child is asking questions about the event, reassure that he/she is safe.

--Keep adult conversations for adult ears only.

More tips and resources are available here.

Starting the School Year Right Thanks to National Grid

Back row, l to r, National Grid's Gladys Sarji; 
Family Service of RI's Adrienne Nicoloro, Tigest Gizaw; 
National Grid's Karen Jasinowski. Front, l to r,
Family Service of RI's Samantha Hightower, Candace 
Johndrow; National Grid's Shelby Doherty

Thanks to National Grid employees, many youngsters and teachers are starting the school year right!

National Grid selected a small number of nonprofits--including, fortunately, Family Service of RI--to donate school supplies to so students and their teachers will have the tools they need to succeed.

They provided us 49 backpacks filled with school supplies as well as additional school supplies. Donations were directed to Family Service of RI's Youth Success program and The Providence Children's Initiative.

Youth Success helps Providence youth, both male and female, with pregnancy, parenting and education issues.  The Providence Children's Initiative is our South Providence-based program working to improve academic, economic and social outcomes; one of its well-known efforts is The Walking School Bus.

Many thanks to National Grid and its generous employees!

Family Service of RI Board President Malcolm Farmer Remembers the Civil Rights Fight

To mark the 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, the Providence Journal spoke with Rhode Islanders who headed south to fight for civil rights in the1960s.

Including Family Service of RI's board president Malcolm Farmer, III.

Helping Children Touched by Tragedy

Family Service of RI has a long history of helping children and families victimized by crime and violence, and is a leader in the state and beyond on these critical issues.

NBC 10 recently spoke with our Susan Erstling, Ph.D., who heads our child trauma work, for insight on helping children touched by tragedy.

News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

Thank You Gilbane!

Thank you Gilbane for choosing Family Service of RI for your "Jeans for Charity Friday." We truly appreciate this recognition and support!

Volunteer for The Walking School Bus!

Are you available to help young children get to school on-time and ready to learn?  Become a Walking School Bus volunteer.

You must be at least 18 and able to walk a mile. Ideal for college students!

For more details, call 401-331-1350 ext. 3457.

Learn more about The Walking School Bus here.

Congrats to Tom Bertrand at AIDS Project RI

Congrats to Tom Bertrand for his recognition from our friends at Sojourner House!

Tom is executive director of our AIDS Project RI division.

Check out the write up about Tom here.

28th Annual AIDS Walk Announced

The 28^th Annual AIDS Walk for Life has been scheduled for Saturday, September 28 beginning at 9 a.m.   

The 2.5 mile walks begins and ends on the Rhode Island State House lawn.

 

The event will be emceed by NBC 10 news anchor and Health Check 10 reporter Barbara Morse Silva and co-chaired by Drs. Charles Carpenter and Philip Chan.

Hosted by AIDS Project Rhode Island, along with various partner agencies, the AIDS Walk for Life is the area’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness for HIV prevention, testing, and care.

"One out of five people living with HIV do not even know that they are infected," said Thomas Bertrand, MPH, executive director of AIDS Project Rhode Island. 

The goal at this year’s walk is to promote HIV testing among all Rhode Islanders who may be at risk for HIV.  “Prevention is the solution,” he said.

For more information, contact Amy Stein at amy@aidsprojectri.org.  

To register to walk or to make a donation, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/aidswalkri/2013.

AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division of Family Service of Rhode Island.

Partners in Service Brings Together Faith Communities, Businesses and Social Service to Help People in Need

Faith communities, businesses and social service agencies have created a unique collaboration to support families with at-risk children.

Partners in Service (PINS) was launched last year by the Family Care Community Partnership serving Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston and Central Falls and led by Family Service of RI.

Rabbi Peter Stein, of Temple Sinai in Cranston, praised PINS.

“The PINS effort allows us to fulfill our vision as a congregation, of doing our share to eliminate suffering in the community,” he said.

“It’s a marvelous program engaging all people in the community for the purpose of preserving families,” said Rev. Carl Balark of Providence’s Ebenezer Baptist Church.

While Family Service of RI and partnering social service agencies provide a range of services for the families enrolled in the Family Care Community Partnership, when it comes to basics like household goods and clothing they turn to PINS.

“For families struggling to make financial and emotional ends meet, connection to a caring faith community or business can make all the difference,” said Family Service of RI CEO Margaret Holland McDuff.

(read more here)

New Health, Wellness & Community Resource for Gay Men in Rhode Island

After months of planning and getting input and feedback, Family Service of RI division AIDS Project RI has launched an online health, wellness and community resource for gay men in Rhode Island.

Check it out: it's called Men2MenRI.org and it's a first-of-its-kind website in the Ocean State.  It's a place where gay men can easily access info on a variety of Rhode Island-specific topics, such as finding a doctor, volunteering, coming out, and much more. 

Congrats to AIDS Project RI executive director Thomas Bertrand and all involved in creating this website!

Body and Mind Workout at Central Falls High School

Family Service of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Central Falls School District, the Youth Restoration Project and other partners, has instituted "Restorative Practices" throughout the Central Falls School District.

Joshua Reis is a "Restorative Coach," and provides an early morning CrossFit program at Central Falls High School as part of "Restorative Practices" to foster community building and healthy relationships among participants.

"Restorative Practices" work to provide students with the supports they need to be successful. In addition to CrossFit, Restorative interventions include "circles," to address behaviors such as tardiness and bullying; "mediation," in which Restorative staff serve as facilitators between parties having a conflict; and "walk-talk," to help defuse conflicts occurring in a classroom.

Recently, WPRI TV did a "Street Stories" segment about the program.  See it below:

Body and mind workout at CF High School

Helping Military Veterans in Crisis Heal

 “Listening to veterans” is the theme of a training Family Service of Rhode Island and Psychological Centers are sponsoring Friday, May 24th, 9 a.m. until noon in the Governor’s State Room, on the second floor of the Rhode Island State House.

The training, which is geared to mental health professionals, concerned community members and friends and family members of veterans, is entitled “The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project, Helping Veterans Heal in Non-pathologizing, Low-risk Ways.”

Welcoming the trainees will be Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts. "I can't think of a more wonderful way to engage family, friends and community in the lives of veterans than 'The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project.' The trainings offer an enhanced understanding of how to support veterans in their healing process, helping us to strengthen and improve our relationships and connections,” she said.

 Also attending will be Major General Kevin R. McBride, the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard.

Attendees will be trained to better understand the scope of problems veterans experience, and why traditional approaches of therapy and medication are not enough. Attendees will also be provided with alternatives that both therapists and non-therapists can use to help veterans—and their loved ones—toward healing. Anyone interested in helping veterans adjust to their return home will find the training and the Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project useful.

Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D., who has worked with veterans for more than a decade, will be leading the training. She is a clinical and research psychologist and associate at Harvard University’s DuBois Institute. Dr. Caplan is also an advocate, activist, and author. Her latest book, When Johnny and Jane Come Marching Home: How All of Us Can Help Veterans, earned three national awards, including the prestigious PROSE Award for Best Psychology Book of 2011 from the Association of American Publishers. Dr. Caplan created and coordinates “The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Project,” and “The Welcome Johnny and Jane Home Coalition,” both working to end disconnection between war veterans and their home communities.

The program offers continuing education credits for psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. The cost for non-students is $55; students, $25. Advanced registration is required. To register, call 401-490-8900, ce@psychologicalcenters.com. On-line registration is available by clicking here.

 The training is free to all not seeking continuing education credits. Registration is available by calling 401-490-8900 or emailing ce@psychologicalcenters.com.

Foster Care Information Session Wednesday, May 15

Imagine being taken from the only home you have ever known because of a situation you had no control of.

Even if it is for your own safety and with your best interest in mind, it’s still a frightening experience.

There are many children in this situation who need a family. Maybe yours?

May is National Foster Care Month and we're asking you to consider becoming a foster parent. 

You're invited to a foster care information open house on Wednesday, May 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at our offices at 134 Thurbers Avenue in Providence. 

Plenty of free parking and easy on and off Route 95.

Contact Greg Wright by email, or call him at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305. Or fill out an on-line foster care inquiry form. Please contact Greg or fill out the form even if you are unable to attend.

Someday a child will thank you!

NBC 10's I-Team Report: Outstanding Arrest Warrants and Their Impact on Victims

NBC 10's I-Team did a report Monday, May 6, 2013 on the numerous arrest warrants outstanding in Rhode Island.  NBC 10's Katie Davis spoke with Family Service of RI's  police liaison Carla Cuellar about the impact on victims. News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

Dine Out Thursday! Fight AIDS!

Thursday is Dining Out for Life for AIDS Project RI, a division of Family Service of RI. 

Here is the list of participating restaurants donating a portion of the day's proceeds.  Pick a restaurant, bring your friends and help in the fight against HIV/AIDS!

Below is an interview with AIDS Project RI executive director Tom Bertrand on Channel 10 about the event. News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

WPRO Radio Interview: Speaking with Children After Boston Marathon Tragedy

Family Service of RI's Sarah Kelly-Palmer LICSW was interviewed by radio station WPRO News Talk 630/99.7 on its morning show regarding speaking with children in the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy.

Sarah helps run Family Service of RI's child trauma center. Family Service of RI is the Rhode Island site for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Listen here.

Channel 12 Video: Speaking with Children After the Boston Marathon Bombings

Ways to talk to kids about marathon blasts

Speaking with Children in the Wake of the Boston Marathon Tragedy

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston in the wake of today's terrible events at the Boston Marathon.

Family Service of Rhode Island is the National Child Traumatic Stress Network site in Rhode Island, and offers guidance for speaking with children after community tragedies to minimize their trauma.

Please click here.

Improving Services for Traumatized Children

Rhode Island has kicked off its efforts to transform social services across the state to being “trauma informed.”

 “Abuse, neglect, crime, violence; these are common in the personal histories of the children being served at social service agencies across the state,” said Janice DeFrances, Ed.D., director of the Rhode Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). “This new effort will provide care-givers the knowledge and skills to approach care with this in mind and will help us assess our current practices and develop more responsive systems.”

Rhode Island is one of only six areas in the nation chosen to participate in a federally funded project led by San Diego’s Chadwick Center for Children and Families. The goal of the project is to transform child welfare organizations so their services recognize the role trauma plays in the lives of children and families in their care.

 “We chose Rhode Island because of the leadership of Family Service of RI and DCYF on child trauma issues, not only in the Northeast but across the nation,” said Lisa Conradi, Psy.D. of the Chadwick Center. 

Dr. Conradi will oversee the project, which also includes two counties in California, and counties in Florida, Oklahoma and Minnesota. Rhode Island’s is the only statewide effort.

 “This will build on the work we started nearly a decade ago when we developed a partnership with the Providence police department to respond 24/7 to children at scenes of crime and violence,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of RI CEO.

Margaret Holland McDuff
CEO, Family Service of RI

 Family Service of RI, DCYF and Providence police department staff have presented the “Rhode Island Model” at a number of national gatherings. The model includes a 24/7 response to children and families exposed to trauma; a focus on prevention and early intervention; and strong partnerships with police departments.

 Recently Family Service of RI was awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to reduce the impact of trauma on the state’s children, with a priority on military families.

“This new project with the Chadwick Center will be integrated into that grant’s efforts,” said Susan Erstling, Ph.D., who heads Family Service of RI’s child trauma center.

 Steps to be followed in the months ahead include:

 • a community assessment of the trauma-informed nature of the state’s child welfare system;

 • development of a “Supercommunity Trauma-Informed Implementation Plan”;

 • technical assistance and training to implement the plan.

 Hundreds of staff from government and non-profits from across the state are slated to participate.

RI One of Six Supercommunities for Traumatized Children

Rhode Island is one of six supercommunities for traumatized children across the nation--and the only one in New England.

Family Service of RI and the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families will be making a big announcement later this week at The Rhode Island Foundation.

More details soon.

Good Luck to the Boston Red Sox and the PawSox!

Best wishes to Family Service of RI's 2006 Brighter Futures Award recipients, the Boston Red Sox and the Pawtucket Red Sox, as they kick off their seasons this week.

The Boston Red Sox are at the Yankees today, and the PawSox at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

We have many fond memories of the 2006 event, and remember the late Ben Mondor, who is featured in one of the event's photos.

See more by clicking here.

Are You a Social Worker, Therapist or Counselor?

We are offering a great opportunity for both licensed professionals and new graduates to network and discover unique professional opportunities at Family Service of RI.

On Tuesday, April 23 join us at our 134 Thurbers Avenue location for a professional development open house.

Featured speaker will be Dr. Susan Erstling, a nationally recognized leader in trauma and victim support, speaking about the building blocks of a successful career in social work or counseling. 

You will also learn how families and clients benefit from Family Service of RI's skilled and talented pool of social workers and counselors.

So if you're thinking about a new step in your career, don't miss this. 

There will be two sessions: one at 5 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Register for either by emailing hr@familyserviceri.org. Plenty of free parking.

New Program for Moms and Babies

Have you heard about a new maternal and child home visiting program available through Family Service of RI?

It pairs expectant mothers or families with newborns (younger than two weeks old) with a Family Support Worker who provides home visiting services.

More details on this evidence-based program--called Healthy Families Rhode Island--by clicking here.

NBC 10's Mario Hilario Chairs HIV/AIDS Fundraiser

Longtime NBC 10 news anchor and reporter Mario Hilario is chairing this year’s Dining Out for Life ® event benefiting AIDS Project RI on Thursday, April 25 at participating restaurants across the state.

He’s been anchoring NBC 10 Weekend Sunrise since 1997, has won an Associated Press award, and is a five-time Emmy award nominee. He also volunteers his time at a number of nonprofit organizations.

“Mario is beloved in Rhode Island, and we are most fortunate to have his assistance this year as we work to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Rhode Island and to raise funds to prevent its spread and to help people living with HIV/AIDS,” said event coordinator Amy Stein.

AIDS Project RI executive director Thomas Bertrand, MPH, pointed out that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one of five people living with HIV in the United States do not even know they are infected. “Funds raised via Dining Out for Life help AIDS Project RI conduct community-based HIV testing to help people know their status,” he said.

“I am honored to chair this important event that brings about awareness of HIV/AIDS as well as raises funds for HIV testing, education and prevention efforts, and to care for people infected with HIV,” said Mr. Hilario.

Many restaurants have signed up  to donate a portion of their Thursday April 25 sales to AIDS Project RI. “We continue to sign up restaurants, so that number will likely change every day as we approach the event,” said Ms. Stein. An ever-changing list of participating restaurants may be found here.

“We ask everyone to take a look at the list and make a point to dine out at one or more of the participating restaurants on that day,” she said. “These establishments are supporting the fight against AIDS, so we’re asking the community to support them.”

AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI.

Cooley Group Head Joins Family Service of RI Board

Daniel R. Dwight, president and chief executive officer of The Cooley Group, has joined the board of directors of Family Service of Rhode Island, a statewide non-profit human service and education organization.

 The Cooley Group, headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is a leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of high-performance, sustainable, engineered membranes for some of the world's highest-profile advertising, chemical containment, military, environmental protection, and roofing initiatives.

 "It's a great honor to be part of this organization, which has a long, respected history of helping people live independently and advocate for themselves," said Mr. Dwight. "As a company, Cooley Group is committed to the local communities in which our company operates, and the values and efforts of Family Service of Rhode Island are aligned with our commitment."

Mr. Dwight holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Vermont and a master's in business administration from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to joining Cooley, Dan was a partner and Cleantech & Renewable Energy Segment Leader for Tatum; President and CEO of Kronos Advanced Technologies; and a 17-year executive with General Electric in the Americas, Asia and Europe.

About Cooley Group
Founded in 1926, Cooley Group designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance, sustainable engineered membranes used in applications including some of the world’s most innovative outdoor advertising; water, fuel, and chemical containment; military; and commercial roofing initiatives. Headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and with multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, Cooley Group markets and distributes its products worldwide and also collaborates with global partners to develop proprietary products and solutions. More information about Cooley Group can be found at www.cooleygroup.com.

About Family Service of Rhode Island
Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide non-profit social service and education organization based in Providence.  The agency, founded in 1892 , helps children traumatized by crime and violence, students facing educational barriers such as absenteeism and bullying, families in poverty, and many others in need in Rhode Island.  The agency is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, and is well known for its partnerships with police departments, school departments and other government agencies, as well as non-profits and businesses statewide.  More information about Family Service of Rhode Island can be found at www.familyserviceri.org.

Tracking Down Help This Tax Season

If your household earn less than $50,000 a year, there's free tax preparation help.

But where?

Thanks to our friends at The Providence Plan, it's easy to track down tax preparation assistance.

For more information, please click here.

Family Service of RI is pleased to bring you this message, and we hope you will share it!

Over 1,000 Likes!

We're pleased to report over 1,000 likes to the Family Service of RI page on Facebook!

Many thanks to all who have shown their interest and support of our work.

Haven't liked us yet?  This link should bring you to the page.

Congrats Lucy's Hearth!

Family Service of RI affiliate, Lucy's Hearth, was recognized earlier this week for its outstanding work.

The Newport County Community Mental Health Center recognized Lucy's Hearth for outstanding service to the community and to the center's clients.  The recognition took place at the center's annual meeting at The Atlantic Beach Club.

Lucy's Hearth, located in Middletown, RI, serves homeless women and children.  Learn more by clicking here.

Congrats to Jennifer and her team!





Do You Like to Eat?

If you like to eat, then our AIDS Project RI division could use your help! 

They are recruiting restaurants and they are recruiting patrons of those restaurants for a special day coming up in April.

Interested?  Click here for more information.

Remember: Dine out and fight AIDS!

Shoveling Snow for Those Who Can't

Our friends at Serve Rhode Island, a great partner with Family Service of RI, is looking for healthy people to shovel snow for those who cannot.

Can you help?

For more information, click here.

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Power Outages

Are you or friends still without power because of the blizzard?  Is Nemo making your kids restless?

Some fun tips for coping.

Check Out 2-1-1

Was just reminded that United Way 2-1-1 is open for business during the storm 24/ 7 to help with all sorts of issues.  Here's the link to their website.

Closing at Noon Today.

Due to the storm, Family Service of RI is closing at noon today.  Please stay safe!

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Military Families

Family Service of RI and Butler Hospital are sponsoring a presentation entitled "Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Military Families," on Friday, March 1, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Butler's Ray Conference Center.

This presentation by Ellen DeVoe, PhD, LICSW and Ruth Paris, PhD, LICSW, will focus on Strong Families Strong Forces, a short-term home-based reintegration program aimed at reducing the impact of deployment separation and war-zone related trauma on military families.

Education credits are available.

For more information, please click here.

Family Service of RI recently received a federal grant to reduce child trauma in Rhode Island, with a focus on military families.  For more information on that project, please click here.

Help "Drive" the Walking School Bus

The Walking School Bus, introduced by our Providence Children's Initiative program last fall, has become quite popular as it helps get boys and girls to school on time in South Providence.

R.J. Heim, from NBC 10, did a great story about it a few months ago.  And it's been covered by other media too.

Would you like to help out?  Family Service of RI is looking for volunteers to walk the morning or afternoon shift.

If you're interested, please call 401-331-1350 ext. 3457 to learn more.

Have You Checked Out Our Employment Page?

If you are in the world of human services or education, you might want to check out the Family Service of RI employment page on a regular basis.

A quick glance shows we're looking for case managers, a director of our Mount Pleasant Academy program, a grant writer, clinicians and more.

Check out the page here.

Thank You Cuban Revolution

Our friends at Cuban Revolution have worked hard to support our AIDS Project RI division.  Thursday night they're holding another fundraising event.  More details here.

Warming Shelters Available

As this is being written, it's about 12 degrees in Providence.  And it looks like the cold will continue for a few more days.

Warming shelters are being made available across Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has published a list on their website.

Stay warm!

Free Flu Clinics Available

The RI Department of Public Health has put on-line a list of free flue clinics. 

Keeping Warm

National Grid employees held a "warm clothing drive" for students at South Providence's Fogarty Elementary, the base for Family Service of RI's  Providence Children's Initiative.

Left to right in the photo are Victor Arias and Jackie Barros from the Providence Children's Initiative, and Janice Flynn, Jacques Afonso and Marisa Albanese from National Grid. We're proud that Marisa is also a member of our board!

Thank you Marisa and National Grid!!

Traumatized Children the Topic This Weekend

Family Service of RI's Susan Erstling, Ph.D. was interviewed for the radio program "In the Community" airing on a number of radio stations this weekend.  Dr. Erstling is pictured above with WPRO news director Bill Haberman shortly after recording the interview earlier this week.

Dr. Erstling heads the agency's trauma & loss center, which specializes in helping children traumatized by crime and violence. 

Topics include speaking with children in the wake of community tragedies, such as the Newtown, Connecticut shootings, and the agency's recent federal grant to reduce the impact of trauma on Rhode Island's children, with a special emphasis on military families.

The program airs at various times and stations on Sunday:

6:00 a.m. on  92 PRO-FM

6:30 a.m. on Lite Rock 105 FM

7:00 a.m. on Hot 106

7:30 a.m. on AM 790

8:00 a.m. on 630 WPRO/99.7 FM

Teddy Bears Everywhere!

Thank you Fidelity Investments for donating 100 teddy bears to help us help children!

The bears will soothe boys and girls traumatized by crime and violence and other crises.

Family Service of RI partners with the Providence Police to respond, on-scene 24/7, to children and families facing critical situations in their lives.

In the photo, Family Service of RI's Carla Cuellar, who rides on patrol with police officers, and Patrolman Virak In check out the teddy bears.

The bears will also be used for young families served by Family Service of RI's First Connections home visiting program.

Thank you Fidelity!

Email Issues

We've been having some email issues over the past few days.

It happens!

If you emailed someone at Family Service of RI or our AIDS Project RI division, that person may not have received your email.

So if someone hasn't responded as you expected, that's the reason.

Sorry for the inconvenience! Our email system should be fully functional very soon.