There's Still Time for Calendar 2012!

Have you donated to Family Service of RI this year?

There's still time to send in your tax deductible gift!

It's easy!  You can donate securely on-line by simply clicking right here. Put in a little info, and you're on your way.

Or, send your check by December 31, 2012 made out to Family Service of RI to:

Finance Office

Attn: Annual Drive

Family Service of RI

P.O. Box 6688

Providence, RI 02940-6688

Family Service of RI is celebrating 120 years of providing critical services to Rhode Islanders in need--abused, traumatized children, youngsters wanting to learn but facing barriers to simply going to class, families in poverty and many others.

Thank you!

Protecting Our Children Roundtable Tonight

Dr. Susan Erstling, who heads Family Service of RI's child trauma and loss center, will be part of a "Protecting Our Children Roundtable" on WPRO's Matt Allen program tonight starting at 7.

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist and State Police Superintendent Col. Steven O'Donnell will also be on the panel. More information is available here.

Tips on Talking to Children About CT Shooting

Another horrible tragedy at a school.  This time in nearby Connecticut.

If you're a parent, how do you talk to your children about it, particularly if you have young children?

Family Service of RI's child trauma & loss center has tips.

Time for End-of-Year Donations!

So many people use the holidays to help people in need by making gifts to non-profits.

Family Service of RI is fortunate to have wonderful support throughout the year.  Our Brighter Futures event in October, for example, was a wonderful success.

Such support assists in Family Service of RI’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.

If you would like to make an end-of-the-year donation to help us in this work, you can do so on-line here or please send a check to:

Finance Office

Family Service of RI

P.O. Box 6688

Providence, RI 02940-6688.

Please put in the check memo area that you are making a gift.

Thank you!  And Happy New Year!!!

Adopt a Homeless Family

Our affiliate Lucy's Hearth has families to adopt this holiday season!

You can help provide a holiday celebration to a family that otherwise would not have one!

Please call (401) 847-2021 for more information.

Please adopt a family!

Please Help the Children We Serve!

Candace Johndrow, our resource development director, unpacks donated toys.

 
During this season of giving, please remember there are many who need your help!

Family Service of RI is seeking holiday donations of new toys and retail/grocery gift certificates for the children and families we serve.

As shown above, we're starting to get toys in!  Thank you!  But much more is needed!

Please contact Karen Schnabel at 401.331.1350, ext 3311 or email schnabelka@familyserviceri.org for more information. Thank you!

Preventing Chronic Absenteeism

Providence Schools will host a parent workshop on chronic absenteeism to explain how schools address attendance, supports that are provided for students and families, and how parents can help schools.

When: Thursday, December 6th

Where: The Parent Center, 379 Washington St. in Providence

Time: 6:30 – 8 pm

To learn about Family Service of RI's work preventing chronic absenteeism, please click here.

The Holiday Season Begins Saturday

Kick off the holidays by helping homeless women and children at Family Service of RI's affiliate organization Lucy's Hearth.

It's the annual Designer Wreath and Gourmet Bake Sale!

It takes place Saturday, December 1, at the Rotunda at Easton's Beach in Newport and runs 9 to noon--but the word is get there early because the items move swiftly!

Have a question? Email wreathsale@lucyshearth.org

Thank you!

World AIDS Day Event Today at State House

A Rhode Island State House event honoring World AIDS Day is being held today, Friday, November 30, 2012 from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm in the State Room.

The event is being sponsored by The Rhode Island HIV Prevention Coalition. Featured speakers are Governor Lincoln Chafee, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox.

The Coalition was formed in the spring of 2012 with the goal of reducing the incidence of new HIV infections in Rhode Island through collaboration, education, and advocacy. It is composed of twenty-two community-based organizations and other partners who meet regularly to support efforts to reduce HIV among high-risk groups through primary prevention efforts.

According to Thomas Bertrand, MPH, executive director of AIDS Project Rhode Island, “The State House event represents an opportunity for the Coalition and elected officials to renew attention to a public health problem that has been neglected for too long in Rhode Island."

The Rhode Island Department of Health HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Profile indicates that HIV continues to be a persistent public health problem in Rhode Island, with 106 new HIV infections reported in 2010.

“While we have seen some preliminary signs that indicate a small overall drop in HIV in recent years, some groups remain disproportionately impacted by HIV. People aged 20-29, as well as gay/bisexual men, represent groups that are making up an increasing percentage of new HIV infections. In addition Latinos and African Americans continue to have disproportionately higher rates of HIV infection compared to whites,” according to Wendy Hadley, PhD, assistant professor, Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Bertrand warns, “Unfortunately, an increase in HIV infection for at-risk groups could occur in coming years, as government funding for primary HIV prevention to community groups evaporates in Rhode Island on December 31, 2012.” Funding to conduct HIV prevention/education for five community-based initiatives will be discontinued at the end of 2012, leaving community-based funding solely for HIV testing and retaining people living with HIV in medical care.

 “I think community-based HIV primary prevention should be the foundation of Rhode Island’s public health strategy to eliminate HIV. Individuals in at-risk communities must understand what puts them at risk for HIV and learn ways to protect themselves. It costs about $400,000 in lifetime medical costs for people who are infected with HIV. It only makes sense for Rhode Island to invest in efforts that help people lead healthy lives and save in HIV-related health care costs,” says Aida Manduley, sexual health advocate, Sojourner House.

Bertrand points to Massachusetts as an example of how an investment in community-based HIV prevention/education can pay off. “In recent years Massachusetts has invested about five times more per capita than Rhode Island in HIV prevention at the community level, and their overall rate of new HIV infections has dropped about 46% since 2000. During that same time, Rhode Island has only seen a 16% decline. I think we can do better in Rhode Island, but it will require leadership by community groups, government agencies, and elected officials,” says Bertrand.

Rhode Island HIV Prevention Member Agencies:

 • Abbot Virology
• AIDS Care Ocean State
• AIDS Project Rhode Island, a division of Family Service of RI
• Bristol Myers Squib
 • Brown University LGBTQ Center
• Brown University Health Education
• Brown University AIDS Program
• The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health
• Center for AIDS Research
• Gilead
• JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
• Housing Action of Rhode Island
• Jannsen
• Lifespan’s Hasbro Children’s Hospital PediII Clinic
• Miriam Hospital, Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research
• Pawtucket Prevention Coalition
• Planned Parenthood for Southern New England
• Project Renew
• Sojourner House
• ViiV Healthcare • Youth Pride, Inc.
• YWCA of Northern Rhode Island.

Get in the Holiday Spirit and Help Homeless Women and Children

Don't miss the annual wreath and gourmet bake sale benefiting Lucy's Hearth!!!  It's this Saturday 9 to noon at Easton's Beach, 175 Memorial Boulevard in Newport.  Get there early because Lucy's Hearth's wreaths are always in great demand for the holidays! Questions: wreathsale@lucyshearth.org.

World AIDS Day Event

The Rhode Island HIV Prevention Coalition is holding a World AIDS Day event at the Rhode Island Statehouse on Friday, November 30 from noon to 2 p.m.

AIDS Project RI, a division of Family Service of RI, is one of the members of the coalition, which, by the way, has a Facebook page.

You're invited to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS by joining us. Please pass along this information!

Speech & Physical Therapists Needed

Family Service of RI is looking to hire full or part-time speech and physical therapists for our Early Intervention program.

Maybe you!  Or maybe someone you know.

More info here.

Help Make the Holidays Brighter!

Help us make the holidays brighter!

Family Service of Rhode Island seeks holiday donations of new toys for all ages, and retail/grocery gift certificates for our clients in crisis.

Last year, our services were provided to nearly 9,000 underprivileged children and adults in Rhode Island.

Please contact Karen Schnabel at 401.331.1350, ext 3311 or email schnabelka@familyserviceri.org for more information. Thank you!

It's Snowing in South Providence

The scene outside our office on Thurbers Avenue, Providence, on Wednesday afternoon.  It's snowing!

Please Vote Today!

Please join Debbie Robinson, of our human resources office, in voting today!!!

Child Stress & Trauma & Sandy's Aftermath

Family Service of Rhode Island’s child trauma and loss center has tips to help children deal with stress in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Susan Erstling, PhD

"Sandy was a serious disruption in our lives, and young children may react to this in multiple ways,” said Susan Erstling, PhD, who heads the center at Family Service of Rhode Island, which is the National Child Traumatic Stress Network site for Rhode Island.

 “Depending on the child’s age and level of development, reactions may include problems at school, difficulties sleeping, fear, and withdrawal from friends and family,” she said.

Some quick tips from Dr. Erstling to lessen childhood stress:

1) Parents should try to remain calm. This sets an example for how to manage stress.

2) One of the best lessons to teach a child is to have plans and back-up plans for moving forward. It sets an example of preparation and recovery and how to master stress. “We want our children to think this way,” she said.

3) Find alternatives to watching media reports. Focus attention on fun and productive activities and positive energy. Limit exposure to adult conversations which may frighten younger children.

4) Try to keep to routines.

5) Be prepared to answers questions, and truly listen to fears.

6) Children may worry about relatives and friends, so keep up communications with others if possible.

“If the child continues to show unusual behavior several weeks after the storm, a professional evaluation from a mental health professional would be advised,” she said.

More child stress prevention tips are available here.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a human service and education nonprofit organization.

$1.6 Million to Reduce Child Trauma; Military Families a Priority

Left to right: Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of RI; Dr. Susan Erstling, who heads the Family Service of RI child trauma center; Congressman David Cicilline; Dr. Janice DeFrances, director of the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families; and Francis Paranzino, vice president/chief operating officer of Newport County Community Mental Health Center, a partnering agency with Family Service of RI.

Congressman David Cicilline and Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff today announced that the non-profit has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to reduce the impact of trauma on the state’s children, with military families being a priority.

The announcement took place in a therapy office at the agency’s Hope Street, Providence, Rhode Island, location. On the walls were messages from children receiving treatment for sexual abuse and other issues. 

(more)

Foster Parenting Info Sunday

We're delighted that we're getting great results from our outreach in October to potential foster parents!  On behalf of the children needing loving homes, thank you to all who have expressed an interest!

Maybe it's because of our new on-line inquiry form.  Makes it a bit easier to get a feel for foster parenting.

This Sunday, before what's being called "Frankenstorm" hits the area (maybe it will miss us!), stop by Town Hall Lanes in Johnston. We'll have an info table there between 4 and 6 p.m. and somebody to talk to about foster parenting.  And why not do some bowling too!

As always, if you can't stop by, you can always email Greg or call him at 331-1350 ext.3305. Or check out our foster care page on our website.

As for "Frankenstorm"--here's a link to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency for the latest doings at the state level.

--Stephen L. Hug

Bring in the Outdoor Decorations!

I was in a store in Providence this morning and mentioned to the check-out person that there may be a big storm coming Monday. 

Really? he said.  Although he knew something was brewing down south, he didn't think it would affect Rhode Island.

Apparently something is going to happen Monday.  Maybe a hurricane...

Here's a link to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.  They have some tips on what to do at this stage of the game.

Let's keep our fingers crossed....

--Stephen L. Hug

Barry's Auto Group Supports Infant CPR Training

Staff and families working with Family Service of Rhode Island will be able to learn infant cardio-pulmonary resuscitation with realistic infant manikins thanks to Barry’s Auto Group in Newport.

 Family Service of Rhode Island  will utilize the infant manikins to train staff providing care for infants as well the agency’s foster parents.

“We are pleased to help Family Service of Rhode Island, an outstanding agency that is building brighter futures for needy children and families in Rhode Island,” said Peter Barry, dealer principal at Barry’s. “This is part of Barry’s ongoing commitment to give back to the community.”

The infant manikins, obtained from the National Automotive Dealers Charitable Foundation with Barry’s support, has features that provide trainees realistic experience in helping an infant whose breathing is blocked or needs to be resuscitated.

“Barry’s community commitment means we’ll have a better training tool to save young lives,” said Greg Wright, Family Service of Rhode Island’s foster care coordinator. “We deeply appreciate their assistance, and look forward to working with them in the future.”

 

Staff from Barry’s Auto Group and Family Service of Rhode Island display new infant manikins to be used to train Family Service of Rhode Island staff and foster parents in life-saving techniques. Left to Right: Lucas Barry, Barry’s vice president of operations; Greg Wright, Family Service of Rhode Island foster parent coordinator; Kristen Conklin, clinician in Family Service of Rhode Island’s foster parent program; and Peter Barry, Barry’s dealer principal.

Need Help with a College Application?

Struggling with a college application?  Senator Jack Reed is offering help.  More here.

Job Fairs for Fee-for-Service Clinicians Next Week

If you're a fee-for-service clinician, this may be a great opportunity!

For more information, please click here.

Exercise Program for 50+ Living with HIV

AIDS Project RI has rolled out a free exercise program for people over 50 living with HIV.

The program, Positive Aging and Living, is being offered in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Providence through a grant from Tufts Healthcare Foundation.

The first exercise class was rolled out in early September at the Mt. Hope/East Side YMCA. The class has two instructors and twelve participants who meet weekly for two 75-minute sessions.

The classes are structured so all participants get a chance to engage in aerobics, strength training, and balance activities under the supervision of a YMCA fitness instructor. The class is conducted for three months and during that time participants have a membership at the YMCA and access to the gym to exercise on their own time.

Exercise can help increase muscle mass, improve appetite, and increase the number of "feel-good" neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise is an effective way to reduce stress, and chronic stress has been associated with suppression of immune function. Exercise can also play a vital role in controlling some of the long-term effects of HIV drugs.

Anyone interested in enrolling should email james@aidsprojectri.org.

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

Are You Participating in a United Way Campaign?

If you're participating in a United Way campaign in your workplace, please consider designating to Family Service of Rhode Island.

On the United Way form in Rhode Island you'll see a section called "My Annual Gift."  Just below that there's a place to put the agency name and address.  In that area, please put:

Family Service of Rhode Island

134 Thurbers Avenue

Providence, Rhode Island 02905

You may designate all or a portion of your United Way contribution to Family Service of Rhode Island.

Essentially, the way it works is that you donate to the United Way, which in turn distributes donations to designated non-profits like Family Service of Rhode Island.

If you use the payroll deduction option, it's a great way to donate a lot without doing it all at once. For example, if you have 26 pay periods a year, a $10 payroll deduction turns into a $260 donation!

Thank you for your interest in Family Service of Rhode Island and thank you for supporting our work!

--Stephen L. Hug

A Great Month To Learn About Foster Parenting

Children in Rhode Island need loving homes. 

And if you've ever thought about becoming a foster parent, it's never been easier.

Family Service of RI is out in the community throughout the month at businesses, YMCAs and libraries.

Check out the schedule here.

Or email wrightgr@familyserviceri.org or call 401-331-1350 ext. 3305.

Also, check out our new foster parent inquiry form here.

If you're out and about, watch for this table below!!

This Weekend in Johnston

If you happen to be at the Mohr Memorial Library in Johnston between 2 and 3:30 on Saturday, stop by and say hi to Greg Wright.

He will be there talking to people about how to become foster parents.

If you can't make it, but are interested--there are children waiting for loving homes--call Greg at Family Service of RI on Monday at 331-1350 ext. 3305 or email him at wrightgr@familyserviceri.org.

As we like to say: Some day a child will thank you!

P.S. We just created an on-line foster care inquiry form.  Check it out here.

--Stephen L. Hug

A Child Will Thank You!

Great time of year to get out and enjoy the weather!

Are you heading to the Pawtuxet Village Autumn Festival on Saturday? Learn how to become a Foster Care Parent from 9 to noon. Family Service of RI's Greg Wright will be there.

Just stop by, or reach Greg at wrightgr@familyserviceri.org or call him at 331-1350 ext. 3305.

Children are waiting for loving, nurturing homes. Become a foster care parent...a child will thank you!

Have You Seen Our New Annual Report?

The new Family Service of RI annual report has just been printed!

Check it out here.

Thank you!

Did You See Bob Kerr's Column?

Did you see Bob Kerr's column in the Providence Journal about Family Service of RI's Walking School Bus program?

Check it out right here.

Video from Brighter Futures Luncheon

Thank you to all supporting our Brighter Futures luncheon yesterday!

In case you missed it, here's a report from WPRI!

Thank You!

Many thanks to all who made today's Brighter Futures luncheon a big success!  Congratulations to Education Commissioner Deborah Gist, our 2012 honoree!!

Photos and more soon!

AIDS Walk for Life is This Weekend!

This Sunday is the 27th annual AIDS Walk for Life, which benefits AIDS Project RI, providing a range of services relating to HIV/AIDS, including prevention and testing.

The event is held rain or shine, and takes place on the Rhode Island State House lawn facing the Providence Place Mall.

About 500 walkers are slated to participate.  There will be free anonymous HIV testing, free flu shots, music from the Providence Gay Men's Chorus and more.

This is a signature event for the City of Providence, so don't miss it!!

More info at www.aidsprojectri.org.

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

Saluting Our Victim Services Team!

Family Service of RI's victim services team was honored Wednesday, September 12, 2012 with a Justice Award from Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. A ceremony took place at the Attorney General's office in downtown Providence.

The Justice Awards are given annually in recognition of an extraordinary commitment to justice and the community.  Our team was recognized for domestic violence prevention.

Attorney General Kilmartin invited past Attorneys General to present the awards, which were also given to Providence and East Providence police officers, and other individuals and organizations.

Former Attorney General James O'Neil presented the award to our team. Some of our team members are pictured below.

 (L-R) Jen Etue, Meghan Martinez, Christine Santos, Mr. O'Neil, Dr. Susan Erstling, Cathy Bour

Read a GoLocalProv report here. Read the Attorney General's press release here. See more photos here.

Receiving Justice Award from Attorney General

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin has named Family Service of RI a recipient of a Justice Award.

We're being recognized for the dedication and commitment of our victim services team to preventing domestic violence.

We will receive the award Wednesday night. 

Congrats to our team!

Read more here from GoLocalProv.

Walking School Bus Rolls

It was a rainy day as the new "Walking School Bus" program got into gear at Fogarty Elementary in South Providence as the school year began.

The program, developed by Family Service of RI's Providence Children's Initiative (PCI) team, is needed because PCI found children within walking distance of school missing class because of parental health, work schedules and other issues. 

With the "Walking School Bus" children walk to school along a defined route with "stops."  The students are supervised by trained adults.

"It is critically important that we be creative in finding ways to eliminate chronic absenteeism," said Dr. Susan Lusi, Providence's school superintendent.  "This simple, safe and healthy program will help to ensure that children arrive to school on time and are less likely to miss important lessons that cannot be captured through makeup work.  We hope this will serve as a model for additional schools in our district."

Learn more about the "Walking School Bus" from this report from WPRI.

To learn more about the Providence Children's Initiative, check out this short video.

Working in a Number of School Districts

I often write about our work in the Providence public schools, but did you know Family Service of RI is providing various human services in partnership with other school districts?  Our work helps students and their families overcome barriers to attendance, staying in school, and academic success.

In addition to Providence schools, we're also in the Central Falls, Exeter-West Greenwich and Westerly schools. And recently we started working in partnership with St. Patrick Academy in Providence.

And how could I forget--we have a school ourselves called Mount Pleasant Academy.

So the start of the school year is a very special time of year here.

Learn more by perusing our Directory of Services.

--Stephen L. Hug

Welcome Back to Fogarty!

Our Providence Children's Initiative team is at Fogarty Elementary today welcoming  students & parents back, and letting them know about the Walking School Bus and more.

As you may know the Providence Children's Initiative has been a leader in addressing absentee and tardiness issues.

Check out this recent Providence Journal story.

Is summer really over?

--Stephen L. Hug

Back to School!

It's starting to get exciting!

Back to school time!

Our friends at GoLocalProv have put together a handy checklist of stuff to track down if you have a young one heading to class.

And JC Penney has free haircuts for K-6.  Check it out here.

--Stephen L. Hug

Saluting Commissioner Gist

Photo by Frank Curran

Haven't updated the blog for a little while because I've been working on our upcoming Brighter Futures luncheon, which this year honors Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah A. Gist.

It starts at noon on Tuesday, October 2, which really isn't that far away, as the summer, I'm sorry to say, begins slipping away!  But late summer, early fall is a great time in New England!  Something to look forward to.

The Brighter Futures award luncheon started back in 2005 as a way to recognize people and organizations helping to build Brighter Futures for Rhode Island's children.  It's also an important fundraiser for us, too. Past recipients include the PawSox and the Boston Red Sox, Senator Jack Reed, and Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children's Zone, an important inspiration for our work in South Providence.

Read more about the event here.  Hope you can join us!

And hope you get outside before the summer passes!

--Stephen L. Hug

Collaborating, on the Farm, to Improve Life for Children

Family Service of RI has an outstanding program called "Early Intervention," which helps very young children experiencing delays in one or more areas of development.

Recently, our Early Intervention team partnered with our friends at the Southside Community Land Trust and their City Farm to help children improve their communications skills and experience a farm setting.

All chronicled in a lovely story called "Future Farmers Get a Kick Out of City Farm" by Eco RI News.


--Stephen L. Hug

Walking School Bus Creating Buzzzz

It was really great to hear all of the positive comments about the Walking School Bus program launched by the Providence Children's Initiative, a program of Family Service of RI.

Here's a TV report put together by a new reporter in our area.

He's Andrew Adamson from WPRI and he did a particularly good job capturing the Walking School bus concept.

Wish I could embed in this blog post, but Blogger's not letting me. So here's a link.  Please check it out.

--Stephen L. Hug

Have You Heard of a Walking School Bus?

Family Service of RI's Providence Children's Initiative program introduced their school attendance map and the "walking" school bus today.  A walking what?

It's all about promoting school attendance.

To learn you have to show up!  It's fundamental.

Read more here.

Looking for a Great Cause? Walk to Fight HIV/AIDS!

Sunday, September 23 will see hundreds of dedicated walkers on the Rhode Island State House lawn walking to fight HIV/AIDS.

Will you join them?  Will you form a team of family and friends?

Help a great cause, AIDS Project RI, which is a division of Family Service of RI.

Take the first step by clicking here for more information.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Reports on Children in Immigrant Families

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a terrific resource for child welfare information.

Recently they did an "issue brief" on children in the state's immigrant families, a report which received a lot of media coverage.

Read it yourself right here.

We salute our friends at RI KIDS COUNT and thank them for the important work they're doing!

--Stephen L. Hug

Do You Facebook? Do You Tweet?

Family Service of RI has a robust presence in the world of Facebook and Twitter.

We have about 950 followers for each, and we hope you will be one of 'em.

To connect to our Facebook page please click here.

If you are on Twitter, check us out here.

We provide updates several times a week, depending on what's going on.

Please join us!  Thanks!

--Stephen L. Hug

At the Renacer Festival & Family Fair on Saturday

Family Service of RI's Providence Children's Initiative team will be at the Renacer Festival and Family Fair on Saturday, starting at 3:30 p.m., passing out information related to the work of "PCI" as it is known.

Takes place at Roger Williams Park, off Broad Street, in Providence.

According to a flyer, the event is "a sign of hope, unity, faith, family and support.  Our hope is to somehow motivate the families in our cities to not give up under current diffficulties and pressures of life."

Couldn't find a webpage, but did find a volunteer page that does have more info.  Check that out here.

AIDS Walk for Life "Pre-Event" Tonight!

Thank to our friends at Cuban Revolution, tonight AIDS Project RI, a division of Family Service of RI, will be signing up folks for the annual AIDS Walk for Life, coming in September.

You might call it a "pre-event" or "prequel" I suppose.

Starting at 6  tonight at Cuban Revolution's 60 Valley Street, Providence location, teams will be forming and money will be raised.  All to fight HIV/AIDS!

More info about tonight's event can by found by clicking right here.

Thank you Cuban Revolution!

--Stephen L. Hug

Kids in the Wake of Tragedy

There were a number of interviews with Family Service of RI's Dr. Susan Erstling in the wake of the tragedy in Colorado.

Dr. Erstling, who heads our trauma and loss center, has a wealth of experience in dealing with trauma and other issues after violent incidents. 

Since we, of course, are many miles away from Colorado, the interviews focused primarily on how best to help children deal with the intense media coverage that is common after such events.

I have compiled below links to various interviews for your convenience.

GoLocalProv's here.
ABC 6's here.
WPRO's here.
Patch's  here.
Providence En Espanol here.

If there are others, I will add to this list.

We appreciate the media's help in raising awareness of children's issues following this terrible event.

--Stephen L. Hug

Dr. Susan Erstling on WPRO Monday Morning

Family Service of RI's Susan Erstling, Ph.D. will be on the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil Monday morning at 8:10 a.m. taking about the psychological aftermath of the tragedy in Colorado.

Dr. Erstling heads the Family Service of RI trauma and loss center, and is a founder of the RI State Victim Assistance Academy, which just kicked off its 4th year a few days ago.  She has a wealth of experience working with victims, witnesses and responders in the aftermath of violent incidents, including shootings.  She and her team also provide trainings to professionals across the state regarding the effects of trauma.

WPRO is located at 630 on the AM radio dial, and 99.7 on the FM dial.  It streams live here.

--Stephen L. Hug

Parent Tips on Media Coverage in the Wake of the Colorado Tragedy

Family Service of RI is the local site for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, offering  tips for parents regarding media coverage in the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Colorado:

 --Limit your child's exposure to media coverage. The younger the child, the less exposure s/he should have. You may choose to eliminate all exposure for very young children. Consider family activities away from media, including the Internet and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

--If they are watching, watch what they watch. Read what they read. Discuss the news stories with them, asking about their thoughts and feelings. Ask what they've seen on the Internet, including in social media.

For more, please click here.

Whooping Cough Vaccination Clinics

The RI Department of Health is holding vaccination clinics today and Monday, 4 to 7 p.m. in North Kingstown.

The department has confirmed six cases of pertussis, often called "whooping cough."

Details on the where, when and why of these clinics available here.

Say You Want A Revolution?

You’re invited to a CHARITYRevolution, Thursday, July 26, at Cuban Revolution, 60 Valley Street, Providence to support AIDS Project RI and the 27th Annual AIDS Walk for Life.

The event focuses on raising money and getting teams and individuals to sign up for the walk, Sunday, September 23, starting at the State House lawn.

The CHARITYREVOLUTION event July 26 begins at 6 p.m., and there will be light refreshments and plenty of free parking.
 
For more information please click here.

Many thanks to our friends at Cuban Revolution! Please support them all year long!

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

Improving Care for Crime Victims

The fourth-annual Rhode Island State Victim Assistance Academy starts this Wednesday, July 18, with an opening session focusing on the justice system.
 
Family Service of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University Justice System Training and Research Institute have partnered to provide this statewide effort to improve the quality of service to crime victims.

Day-long classes, beginning at 8:30 a.m., take place July 18, August 1, August 8, August 15 and August 22 at the University’s Baypoint Inn and Conference Center in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Topics include “Impact of Crime on Victims: Trauma, PTSD, and Direct Services,”“Working with LGBTQQ Youth,” “Cultural Competency in Working with Victims,” “Ethics in Victim Services,” “Victim’s Issues in Mental Health,” “Caring for Elder Victims,” and more..

The Academy is attended by professionals who work with victims and survivors of crime.

Have a Cool Drink and Help Homeless Women & Children

 Starbucks at 99 East Main RI, Middletown, RI loves Family Service of RI affiliate Lucy's Hearth!

They are collecting summer fun things like sunscreen, beach towels, bug spray, sunglasses, swim diapers, bathing suits and similar items for the moms and children living at Lucy's Hearth.

Also looking for twin size mattress bedding, formula and diapers.

So if you're in that area, why not stop by and bring along a little something to help homeless mothers and children.

A big thank you to our friends at Starbucks!

MSNBC Cares

The network of "Morning Joe" has picked up NBC 10's Barbara Morse Silva's report regarding our AIDS Project RI's division "Testing Together" program.

Don't know if MSNBC aired her report, but it made it to the website at the very least.  Check it out here.

We appreciate the support in getting the word out about this important, life-saving program.

NBC 10's Report on HIV "Testing Together"

NBC 10's Barbara Morse Silva visited our AIDS Project RI division on Monday to learn more about "Testing Together," the new program in which couples are tested for HIV at the same time.

To see the report, please click here.

Many thanks to Barbara and NBC 10!

Our Condolences

We are greatly saddened by the recent passing of Family Service of RI's Leo Sime, a Restorative Specialist/Coach based at Central Falls High School.

We extend our condolences to his family, his friends, the Restorative Team and all members of the FSRI community who had the opportunity to know him.

We also extend our condolences to the Central Falls High School students, families, faculty and staff whose lives he enriched through his work in the community.

"Testing Together" Praised by Leading HIV/AIDS MDs

In late June we announced that Fanily Service of RI's  AIDS Project RI division was launching a couples HIV testing program called "Testing Together."

We were pleased to see today that two leading HIV/AIDS doctors have praised the program in an article on Edge on the Net.

Congrats to AIDS Project RI's executive director Tom Bertrand and his team on this recognition.  More importantly, thanks Tom and team for fighting HIV/AIDS through this and other innovative programs.

--Stephen L. Hug