Happy Holidays!!!

Happy holidays and thank you for your support!!

World AIDS Day 2014 Events in Rhode Island

Join the RI HIV Prevention Coalition at noon, Monday, December 1, 2014 in the State Room at the Rhode Island State House for a World AIDS Day ceremony.  Speakers include Governor Lincoln Chafee, Rep. Christopher Blazejewski and:

Dr. Amy Nun--an Assistant Professor of  Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health. She is also the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI), which is dedicated to reducing health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. Dr. Nunn is best known for her innovative community partnerships to address  health disparities, including engaging African American clergy and community leaders in HIV and HCV testing, treatment and social marketing campaigns. Dr. Nunn received the "Outstanding New Researcher Award" at the 2009 CDC HIV Prevention Conference and an NIH Career Development Award in 2010. Her community-based research and public health programs have been profiled by CNN, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Post, public radio, and other prominent media outlets. She is a native Arkansan, holds master’s and doctoral degrees from the Harvard School of Public Health, and is former Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Nunn speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese and has also lived and worked extensively in Latin America. She is the proud mother of two children, Agustin and Valentina. 

Josh Kilby--a healthcare worker and Queer activist living (and organizing) in Providence. He has recently gone on PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis).

Brandon Fernandes—an advocate for the LGBT community for more than five years. He has worked for various nonprofit organizations teaching safer sex and HIV prevention to youth and adults in the LGBT community as well as at the local youth centers.  Brandon shares his positive attitude throughout his work. He is passionate about the importance of safer-sex education for youth and relaying messages in an engaging, genuine way.  

As of 2012, we have lost over 1,591 Rhode Islanders to this epidemic. Although, our rates of infection have decreased over the last 30 years, there were still 74 new cases of HIV in 2013- 74 cases too many. With the RI Department of Health’s tremendous efforts for increased testing, this number has surely increased for 2014. Unfortunately, primary prevention is still largely underfunded and should be considered a valuable piece to prevention if we are to truly get to zero.

HIV/AIDS is still a serious disease. We have made tremendous strides in treatment but we have yet to find a cure. Help us- Join the fight!

The following events are free and open to the public:

RISD Recognizes World AIDS Day 2014

November 17, 2014 through December 5, 2014

Fleet Library, Mandle Building, 15 Westminster St., Providence

4 panels from the National AIDS Quilts

For more information: Visit: events.risd.edu or contact: Intercultural Student Engagement (ise@risd.edu or 401.277.4957)

Rhode Island World AIDS Day Statehouse Event

Monday, December 1, 2013, 12:00 noon

Rhode Island Statehouse

Featured Speakers: Governor Lincoln Chafee, Representative Christopher Blazejewski, Dr. Amy Nunn, Josh Kilby, Brandon Fernandes

Sponsored by Rhode Island Coalition for HIV Prevention

Contact Person: Kristen Pfeiffer, MSW; kpfeiffer@lifespan.org

A Night of Sonnet and Song

Monday, December 1, 2014, Doors open at 5:30pm

St. Anne’s Art and Cultural Center

84 Cumberland Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Sponsored by The Agape Center of Community Care Alliance and Thundermist Health Center, Contact: lcohen@famresri.org

Alternate Endings: The Ongoing HIV/AIDS Epidemic 

Featuring videos by 7 artists/collaborates

Monday, December 1, 2014, 8pm

Free (suggested $5 donation)

AS220 Black Box Theatre

95 Empire Street, Providence

Sponsored by: Visual AIDS and Headmaster Magazine

Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation

Wednesday, December 3, 2014, 7-8:30pm

URI Alumni Center

73 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI

Parking off Fortin Road at rear of center
Sponsored by: AIDS Quilt RI, Anna’s Workshop, URI Public Relations Strategies Class

Adopt-a-Family! Help Make It a Brighter Holiday Season for Rhode Island Families in Need!

Family Service of Rhode Island has kicked off its adopt-a-family program for the holidays!

We are trying to get 150  Rhode Island families whom we serve “adopted” and are asking individuals, families and organizations to help us make this program successful!  

Anyone interested in adopting a family should call (401) 331-1350 ext. 3443 or email trenteseauxal@familyserviceri.org from now until about December 10.

Get in the Spirit of the Season! Get Your Wreath & Support Homeless Women & Children in Newport County!

It's that time of year!  Help Lucy's Hearth, Newport County's Shelter for Homeless Women & Children

Join Us in Honoring Senate President Paiva Weed on October 30

The 10th annual Brighter Futures award luncheon happens Thursday, October 30.  We hope you will join us as we raise funds to serve needy children, adults and families, and recognize Senate President M.Teresa Paiva Weed for her tireless advocacy for children.

Get your seats here!  Note: Even though you register on-line you have the option of paying on-line or by check later.  Hope you can join us!!

Many thanks to our presenting sponsor Capitol Securities.

Fight HIV/AIDS by Participating in the AIDS Walk September 27!

Learn more at www.aidsprojectri.org 

Hungry? Join us at the Flatbread Company Tuesday Evening!

Join us Tuesday, August 5, at the Flatbread Company, 161 Cushing Street, Providence from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Flatbread Company will donate $3.50 to Family Service of RI for each large flatbread sold and $1.75 for each small flatbread.

Good on dine in or take out.

Click here for directions.

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Helps Little Owls!

Left to right, are the foundation’s Lisa Collins, office administrator, and Lisa Borges, executive director, and Family Service of Rhode Island’s Jennifer Kaufman who heads Family Service of Rhode Island’s Early Intervention (EI) program.  Items shown are a portion of the purchases made possible by the foundation’s $10,753 grant for Family Service of Rhode Island’s “Little Owls Visual Learners Program” provided by EI.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism has granted $10,753 to Family Service of Rhode Island for its “Little Owls Visual Learners Program” for two to three year olds.

The “Little Owls Visual Learners Program” was designed by agency staff to teach evidence-based strategies to parents to help them work with their child on improving language and communications; understanding routines and expectations; learning to play with others; reducing frustration; and enjoying community outings.  Funding from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism procured materials and supplies needed for the group and to create and distribute parent education/child engagement kits to reinforce Little Owls’ curriculum strategies at home.

The Little Owls is part of the agency’s Early Intervention program, which provides a range of services for children from birth to age three with or at risk of developmental delays.

“We were impressed by Family Service of Rhode Island’s creative approach to implementing evidence-based strategies to help children,” said Lisa A. Borges, the foundation’s executive director.  “On behalf of Doug and Laurie Flutie, we are delighted to support this effort.”

 “We are grateful for the foundation’s partnership with Family Service of Rhode Island to foster the use of evidence-based strategies in improving the lives of children,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of Rhode Island CEO.  “Congratulations to our Early Intervention team, headed by Jennifer Kaufman, on their creativity and commitment to excellence.”

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism was established by NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie in honor of their son, Doug, Jr. who was diagnosed with autism at age three.  More information is available at www.flutiefoundation.org.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide non-profit social service and educational non-profit organization.  More information is available at www.familyserviceri.org.

National HIV Testing Day is Friday

National HIV Testing Day, Friday, June 27

HIV Testing

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking 9 to Noon

Free, Friendly, Anonymous

AIDS Project RI

9 Pleasant Street

Providence, RI

No Appointment Necessary—Just Walk In!

Results in 20 Minutes

Questions: 401-831-5522

Spanish-Speaking: 401-218-9048 

www.aidsprojectri.org

Training for Victim Service Workers Starts July 8

(left to right) Allison Agnello, the Navy’s area sexual assault prevention and response coordinator, and Family Service of Rhode Island’s Susan Erstling, PhD, a founder of the Rhode Island State Victim Assistance Academy, They’re looking at academy curriculum.

The United States Navy’s area sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) coordinator will be among the trainers at the annual Rhode Island State Victim Assistance Academy, a collaborative project of Family Service of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University.

The training sessions are for anyone working with victims—such as police officers, hospital workers, social workers—and will be held July 8, 15, 22, and 29 and August 5, at the Roger Williams University Baypoint Inn & Conference Center, 144 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI. 

Topics covered also include childhood victimization, elder victims, working with LGBTQQ youth, homicide victim response, the justice system, cultural competence, victim’s issues in mental health, and ethics. Registration is by calling 401-331-1350 ext. 3200 or on-line here.  The cost is $50 or $125 for attendees seeking continuing education credit. 

“Sexual assault in the military is a complex and important national issue and we owe it to our service members to learn as much as we can. We want to raise awareness about the difficulties in reporting but also the resources that need to be put in place to help,” said Family Service of Rhode Island’s Susan Erstling, PhD, a founder of the annual academy six years ago.  

“In a state with such a significant military presence it’s critical for non-military victim services professionals to understand the culture and stresses of military service when they are responding to sexual assault.  We are pleased to welcome Allison Agnello, who not only has been a trainer at the academy, but a student as well.” 

In a recent report on Yahoo News, United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel calls combating sexual assault in the military “as high a priority as there is.”

SAPR, based at Naval Station Newport, helps all military personnel, their dependents 18 years old and older, as well as civilians sexually assaulted on Department of Defense property.

The Department of Defense estimates there are over 26,000 cases per year, said Ms. Agnello, noting that the number is a 2012 estimate and will be updated in the near future.  “The Department of Defense defines sexual assault as intentional sexual content involving force, physical threat or abuse of authority when the victim does not or cannot consent,” she said.  “Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy, indecent assault or attempts to commit these acts.”

She said that her goal during the academy is to help victim service providers recognize the issues unique to people involved with the military, currently or in the past.  “Due to the significant population of service members and veterans throughout Rhode Island, these providers may come into contact with them in their work.”

Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide non-profit social service and educational organization.   More information is available at www.familyserviceri.org.

Roger Williams University, based in Bristol, Rhode Island, is an independent, coeducational university.  More information is available at www.rwu.edu.  

We Remember

We are taking the time this Memorial Day weekend to remember all who have given their lives in defense of our freedom, all on active duty, and our veterans.

Here's a helpful guide to Memorial Day activities put together by the Providence Journal.

Drive to Help Needy Veterans a Success

Family Service of Rhode Island recently concluded a community drive to assist needy veterans and their families. Many boxes of personal care items—such as toothpaste and shaving cream—were brought by community members to several Family Service of Rhode Island locations. 

 

(left to right) David Vargas and Jason Compagnone from the American Red Cross join Family Service
of Rhode Island's Jeanne Sherman and Providence College intern Jacquelyn Desrosiers in looking over
just a small portion of the donated items.

“The response was terrific,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of Rhode Island chief executive officer.  “We are so thankful to the people of Rhode Island for this wonderful support of our men and women in uniform and their families.”

The campaign was headed by former Army sergeant Jeanne M. Sherman, MEd, CAGS, LMHC, clinical supervisor of Family Service of Rhode Island’s Children’s Treatment and Recovery Center, which works with military families with past, current or upcoming deployments.

Collected items were put into tote bags by the American Red Cross Youth Council and given to veterans in need as part of their “Totes of Hope” drive. “We are so thankful for Family Service of Rhode Island’s community outreach,” said Jason Campagnone, director of volunteer resources for the American Red Cross in Connecticut and Rhode Island.  “Many thanks to all who brought in the items to Family Service of Rhode Island.  They’ll never know, but their kindness and generosity will make a tremendous difference to veterans and their families."

Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide non-profit human service and educational organization.  More information is available at www.familyserviceri.org.

May is National Foster Care Month!

We're holding an informational open house this Thursday at 134 Thurbers Avenue in Providence for anyone interested in possibly becoming a foster parent.  Maybe you!

To see a short video featuring a foster mom, and to learn more about becoming a foster parent, please click here.

More information about Thursday's open house, including directions. is available here.

Tips Helping Children Cope in the Aftermath of the Circus Accident

Family Service of Rhode Island, as the National Child Traumatic Stress Network site for the Rhode Island area, is offering tips and resources for parents in the aftermath of the recent circus accident in Providence.

Not Your Average Cause!

Please bring this certificate to Not Your Average Joe's in Warwick every Tuesday in May!

Thursday, Dine Out! Fight AIDS!

Dining Out for Life benefiting AIDS Project RI is Thursday.  For the list of participating restaurants, please click here

Check out this video, courtesy of NBC 10 for more information.

News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

Have You Ever Thought About Becoming a Foster Parent?

Family Service of Rhode Island has a waiting list of children needing loving homes. These boys and girls may have been removed from their families due to physical abuse, parent drug and alcohol abuse, neglect or other issues.

To help find these youngsters homes, Family Service of Rhode Island is holding an information open house for anyone interested in becoming a foster parent on Wednesday, April 23, 5 to 7 p.m. in the agency’s offices at 134 Thurbers Avenue, Providence, moments off Route 95. Click here for directions.

Weekly payment to foster parents help to support the placement of the child, and Family Service of Rhode Island provides on-call support twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

For more information on how you can change a child’s life through foster care, contact Greg Wright at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305, or email wrightgr@familyserviceri.org,

To visit the agency's foster care page, please click here. To fill out an inquiry form, please click here.

Family Service of RI is a statewide non-profit human service and educational organization. 

Honored for Helping Crime Victims

On April 9, 2014, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin honored our late colleague Scott Simmons for his work with crime victims.

More photos and the story are available here.

Eat, Drink and...Help Needy Children & Families April 3

Eat, drink and help needy children and families by printing out the above coupon and visiting Uno in the Providence Place Mall on Thursday, April 3, for lunch or dinner.

Up to 20% of your bill will be donated to Family Service of Rhode Island and its work helping needy children, adults and families across the state.

The weather looks beautiful for this Thursday.  Get out and enjoy the spring weather and help a great cause!

Change a Lifetime! Learn More March 26!

Family Service of Rhode Island has a waiting list of children from across the state needing loving homes.

Have you thought about becoming a foster parent?  These boys and girls need you!

Learn more about the joys of foster parenting on Wednesday, March 26, in our offices at 134 Thurbers Avenue, just moments off the highway in Providence.  We're holding an open house from 5 until 7 p.m.  Learn more about the event, and get directions, here.

Can't make it then?

That's okay.  Call Greg Wright at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305 or email wrightgr@familyserviceri.org.

Or learn more by visiting our foster child page.  You'll see a video and you can fill out an on-line inquiry form.

Did you know?  Foster parents receive a stipend for caring for their foster child.

Drop Off Items for Veterans in Need through Friday March 28.

Drop off personal care items and help veterans in need!

Through Friday, March 28, Family Service of Rhode Island will be collecting a range of personal care items to support needy veterans.

Items such as socks, toothbrushes, dental floss, shaving cream, deodorant, body wash, hand sanitizer and more.

Please click here for a complete list of items, drop-off locations, directions and times, as well as contact information.

Thank you!

Helping Military Families with Past, Current and Future Deployments

Dr. Erstling

Family Service of RI senior vice president Susan Erstling, LICSW, Ph.D., and Army veteran Jeanne Sherman, LMHC, will be speaking on addressing trauma for military families with past, current or future deployments on Thursday, March 13.

Dr. Erstling heads an evidence-based Family Service of RI trauma program caring for Rhode Island military families. 

The presentation is sponsored by Family Service of RI and Butler Hospital.  For more information please click here.


AIDS Project RI Seeks Restaurants, Social Media Volunteers for Dining Out for Life

It's become a Rhode Island spring tradition: Dining Out for Life benefiting AIDS Project RI.

"It's a great and caring way to celebrate the spring season," said Thomas Bertrand, MPH, AIDS Project RI's executive director.  "Step out on a Thursday night for dinner with friends and family, help people living with HIV and AIDS, and help Rhode Island achieve zero transmission of HIV."  A portion of patrons' bills is donated to AIDS Project RI by participating restaurants.

In 2014, Dining Out for Life is Thursday, April 24.  Tom and his team are currently recruiting restaurants to sign on to take part.

As of early February, nearly 20 restaurants were already slated to participate.  In Providence: Blaze Eastside, CAV, Gracie's, Hemenway's, India, Kitchen Bar, Los Andes, New Rivers, Parkside, Pizzico, 3 Sisters, The Red Fez, RiRa Irish Pub and Restaurant, and Rue De L'Espoir.  In Pawtucket, Hose Company #6 and Rasoi.  In Woonsocket, the Burrito Company.  "We're hoping to get at least 30 restaurants from cities and towns across the state to participate," he said.

For the first time ever he's looking for volunteers to help promote the event through social media. "Our job is to fill the tables at participating restaurants on April 24th.  We want to have a team to help us raise awareness via social media of the list of restaurants participating," he said.  "We want each of our restaurants to have every seat filled on that day."

Restaurants or social media volunteers should contact Amy Stein, the event's director, at 401-559-7896 or amy@aidsprojectri.org.

For more than 30 years, AIDS Project RI has provided HIV/AIDS prevention and education services, as well as assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS.  AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI.

More information is available at www.aidsprojectri.org.

Children in RI Need Loving Homes--Maybe Yours!

Have you ever thought how you might help needy children in Rhode Island?

Consider foster parenting!

Find out more at Family Service of RI's Information Open House this Wednesday, January 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at our office at 134 Thurbers Avenue, Providence--right off 95 South with plenty of free parking!

You'll obtain all the information you'll need on how you can give a deserving child a safe and nurturing home.

Interested?  Call Greg Wright at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305 or email him at wrightgr@familyserviceri.org.

Get Ready for Valentine's Day this Wednesday Night at Alex and Ani!

Make it a special Valentine's Day and help Family Service of RI at the same time!  Join us for a night of Valentine's Day shopping this Wednesday, January 29, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Alex and Ani location in Wayland Square, Providence.

Fifteen percent of sales go to Family Service of RI.

If you can attend please contact Julie Casimiro at casimiroju@familyserviceri.org or call 401-519-2289.