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.