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Foster Care Month: "Knowing in our hearts..."

May is National Foster Care Month, and Family Service of Rhode Island is utilizing the opportunity to raise awareness that LGBTQQI foster parents are needed to provide loving homes for children in need.

“We hope more LGBTQQI Rhode Islanders will step forward to open their hearts and homes,” said Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff.  “We’ve developed a recruitment campaign called #WeTakePrideinAllFamilies and are thankful Marc Fernandes and Michael Leighton, two former foster parents and now adoptive parents, have helped with this effort, proudly marching with our 'WeTakePrideinAllFamilies' banner in last year’s Rhode Island Pride parade.”

Foster parents are needed for Rhode Island children of all ages, from infants to teenagers.  "There's particularly a need for homes for older children," said Christine Forsyth, who is a foster mom of two teenagers and clinical director of Family Service of Rhode Island's foster care program. "Singles, partnered, married, already parenting--all are welcome!  Please contact us! We take pride in all families!"

Potential foster parents go through screening and training before receiving a state license.  "We work with you to ensure it's a good match for you and the involved child or children," she said.  Anyone interested should call the agency's foster care program at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305, email here, or click here for the foster care web page.

Marc Fernandes and Michael Leighton (left to right in the photo above) thought a long time about becoming parents. "A few years after we bought our home we started to discuss the idea of adopting a child.  We decided we should start by becoming foster parents to see if we had what it takes to be parents."

The two men, who were recently married, started fostering a sister and brother, Zendaiya (left in photo) and Jaydais, when the two were nine months old and almost two, respectively. "I will never forget the day they arrived and the way we felt when we first held them," said Marc.  Suddenly having two little children at once was a huge adjustment, he said, but, "we had plenty of support from Family Service of Rhode Island.   We really can't say enough about the support they provided us."

Today Zendaiya is weeks from turning three and Jaydais will soon be celebrating his fourth birthday.  Earlier this year, this foster family officially became an adoptive family.

Marc and Michael feel they haven’t had any issues or challenges with being gay foster and now adoptive parents. “We have been very open with our places of employment, neighbors, friends, family and community,” said Michael.  “I feel strongly about being ‘all or nothing’ and standing proud being who we are and knowing in our hearts we are doing a good thing. I think people who have seen us out and about have been very happy for us knowing we are giving these two beautiful children a loving, happy home.”

See Diana Ross, Fight HIV/AIDS!

Superstar Diana Ross is coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and AIDS Project Rhode Island and Richie D, Mr. Gay Rhode Island 2015, have created a fundraising event called “Divas, Drinks & Dessert" to celebrate and raise money for a great cause!

The event, on Thursday, April 14, includes a cocktail reception at the “Rooftop at the Providence G” prior to the Diana Ross concert, a ticket to Diana Ross’ “In The Name of Love” show at PPAC, and, following the concert, back at the Rooftop at the Providence G, “Dessert with ‘Diana’ and Friends.” Ticket and sponsorship information are available by clicking here.

In addition to hit records as a member of The Supremes, Diana Ross’ hits include “I’m Coming Out,” “Love Hangover,” “Touch Me in the Morning,” and “Theme from Mahogany.”

“We are excited to have this opportunity to raise money to fight HIV/AIDS in conjunction with local arts events, especially with a concert starring an icon like Diana Ross,” said AIDS Project Rhode Island executive director Stephen Hourahan.  “The recent study from the Centers for Disease Control underscores the importance of heightening the fight against HIV/AIDS, and to do that fundraising is critical.”

A first-of-its-kind Centers for Disease Control study released in February found that African American men who have sex with other men have a one in two (50%) chance of being diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime; Hispanic men who have sex with other men have a one in four chance (25%).  “These and other numbers are shocking and a call to action,” he said.

He also pointed out that a local study, conducted by authors at Brown University, The Miriam Hospital and the Rhode Island Department of Health, found a strong link between “hook up” sites on-line and new HIV diagnoses. “Prevention outreach needs to be heightened.  We’re hoping that the owner of these sites will step forward to work with us to prevent the spread of HIV.”

Portions of the proceeds of this event will benefit AIDS Project Rhode Island’s initiative to support prevention.  This includes getting people who are HIV+ into treatment and care, promoting regular testing, and advocacy of prevention methods like condoms and “PrEP.”  PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill that when taken daily protects the body from contracting the HIV virus. 

Richie D said he was pleased to help raise money for AIDS Project Rhode Island.  “It’s going to be a wonderful evening for a wonderful cause,” he said. “The evening will be full of entertainment. We have a very talented cast of performers for our 'Dessert with ‘Diana’ and Friends' who graciously have donated their time," he added.  

“The evening will include performances in the likes of many of your favorite divas, like Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, and Liza Minnelli.  In addition there will a tribute to Diana Ross performed by the multi-talented Jackie Collins.  We also are so appreciative of the generous sponsor contribution from the Rooftop at the Providence G which allows this event to be possible.”

For more information about the event and to learn about free, rapid and anonymous HIV and Hepatitis C testing, visit www.aidsprojectri.org.

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

Special HIV Testing Day Sunday, February 7

AIDS Project Rhode Island is joining with National Black Leadership on AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control, the Black AIDS Institute and other organizations in participating in National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Sunday, February 7, 2016.

The national theme is “I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS.” A supporting theme is “Get educated, get tested, get involved and get treated.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States, African Americans have the most severe burden of HIV. The Rhode Island Department of Health reports that Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics in Rhode Island experience a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In observance of the day, AIDS Project Rhode Island is offering special hours for free, anonymous, rapid HIV testing at its 9 Pleasant Street, Providence, 02906 location on Sunday, February 7 from noon until 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis. No blood is drawn, and results are available in 20 minutes. 

Anyone wishing to be tested is welcome.  Testing will be available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

HIV stands for “Human Immunodeficiency Virus.” HIV can lead to AIDS, “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,” which greatly weakens the immune system increasing the opportunity for serious infections and cancers. Treatments for AIDS, and to prevent HIV from turning into AIDS, have greatly improved over the years so infected persons can often have normal lifespans with proper care.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone between 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once.  “HIV testing should take place more often if you are engaging in risky behavior, such as sharing needles or engaging in unprotected sex,” said Stephen Hourahan, AIDS Project Rhode Island’s executive director.  The organization offers an “HIV Risk Quiz," which is available by clicking here.

In addition to testing, information will be available about treatment to reduce the risk of HIV infection, Pre ExposureProphylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is an HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use anti-HIV medications to reduce their risk of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus.  PEP is an HIV prevention strategy where HIV-negative individuals take HIV medications after coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected.

AIDS Project Rhode Island regularly offers free, anonymous, rapid HIV, and Hepatitis C, walk-in testing Tuesdays 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.  Appointments are also available and can be made by calling 401-831-5522 ext. 3824 or emailing takecharge@aidsprojectri.org.

AIDS Project Rhode Island provides free, anonymous, rapid testing at neighborhood locations in  the United Way 2-1-1 Outreach RV. To view a calendar with dates, times and locations, click here.

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

Remembering, Celebrating MLK

We are celebrating the life and legacy of MLK!  Check out the brief video above!

Family Service of RI believes in ending the cycle of poverty and the lack of opportunity that prevent individuals and communities from reaching their full potential. Nearly 50 years ago, MLK, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his life fighting for these goals.

Every day, Family Service of RI celebrates the legacy of MLK and the Civil Rights Movement by striving for a just society in which every individual has a chance to succeed.

Parenting Tips After Terrorism and Other Mass Violence

WPRI Channel 12 interviewed Family Service of RI's Sarah Kelly-Palmer, LICSW, in the wake of the mass violence recently in San Bernardino.  This is a "web extra" meaning the interview is longer and more in-depth than normally broadcast in a commercial television newscast.

Sarah gives tips concerning speaking with children in the wake of terrorism and other incidents of mass violence.

Family Service of RI is the area site for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and provides specialized counseling for children and families, including military families, affected by traumatic events.

More Tips for Parents

Other resources for parents may be found at a special page on the Family Service of RI website dedicated to child trauma.  See that page here.

Also, Family Service of RI's Susan Erstling, PhD, wrote an article for RI Parent Magazine about the topic.  See that article here.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network is a wonderful resource of information for parents, teachers and others in helping children experiencing trauma.  Visit www.nctsn.org.

Brighter Futures Luncheon Honors Farmer and Holland McDuff

Brighter Futures Award recipient Malcolm Farmer, III 

surprised Family Service of RI CEO Margaret Holland 

McDuff with her own Brighter Futures Award for her 

25 years of exemplary service.

Family Service of RI Honors Malcolm Farmer III

Advocate for Children, Civil Rights

Fought Discrimination Due to Sexual Orientation

 Praised by Legendary Civil Rights Leader John Lewis

 Malcolm Farmer, III has received Family Service of Rhode Island’s Brighter Futures Award, given annually to a person or organization making an outstanding contribution to the well-being of children. 

He received the award at the non-profit’s annual Brighter Futures luncheon, held Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, which has raised nearly $230,000, breaking a record in the eleven year history of the event.

Mr. Farmer is an attorney and a partner at law firm Hinckley Allen. As a young lawyer in 1965 he left Hinckley Allen and went to Mississippi where he represented civil rights workers and organizations as well as local African-American citizens in efforts to obtain and protect their constitutional rights against state and local governments which endorsed and enforced racial segregation and discrimination.

A feature of the event was a video tribute to Mr. Farmer from Georgia Congressman John Lewis, one of the most important leaders of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.  Congressman Lewis’s activities included speaking at the legendary March on Washington in August of 1963, and involvement in the historic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama in March of 1965—which resulted in a violent confrontation with police known as “Bloody Sunday.”

Returning to Rhode Island in 1967, Mr. Farmer continued to work for fairness as the executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Crime Delinquency and Criminal Administration. Later, as a member of the Providence City Council he was a strong and early advocate for racial equality and to end discrimination due to sexual orientation. 

He and his late wife Susan created the “Malcolm Farmer III and Susan L. Farmer Fund” at the Rhode Island Foundation promoting equality in issues involving race, sexual preference, gender, education, immigration—any area where discrimination takes place.

Mr. Farmer joined the Family Service of Rhode Island board of directors in 2001, becoming its president in 2002.  “He has had a steadfast vision and commitment to what is right for children and families,” said Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff. “He does not mince words either when leading in reform and advocacy even when these are not popular with the powerful.”

Mr. Farmer surprised Ms. Holland McDuff at the event by presenting her a Brighter Futures Award for her 25 years of exemplary service at Family Service of Rhode Island.

Featured at the event was Mount Pleasant Academy (MPA), a school run in Providence by Family Service of Rhode Island.  MPA is a year-round psychiatric day treatment program for children pre-K through 8^th grade. It was created in 2001 and over the past 14 years has served hundreds of children and their families facing significant psychiatric and behavioral challenges and special education needs.  A video was shown about MPA, and a special fundraising appeal took place to raise funds for “The Discovery Room,” which will utilize multi-sensory technology to augment and reinforce learning activities at MPA.

The Brighter Futures Award Luncheon has become over the past eleven years a signature fall event for the state’s business community. IGT was the Diamond Sponsor of the event this year; other major sponsors included: Malcolm G. Chace, Jr.; the de Ramel Foundation; Hasbro, Inc.; Hinckley Allen; Citizens Bank; Amica Insurance; Capitol Securities; Cooley Group; Corvais Foundation; Deepwater Wind; and NBC 10.

Also, Bank of America; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island; Elizabeth Z. Chace; Thomas and Debra Chase; Cornerstone Group; Christopher and Heather Crosby; Customers Bank; CVS Health; Delta Dental of Rhode Island; Dimeo Construction Company; Malcolm Farmer, III; Foundry Associates; Fuller Box Company; H. Carr & Sons; William F. Hatfield; KLR; Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island; Joseph R. Paolino, Jr.; Residential Properties.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a non-profit social service and educational organization. More information about the organization is available at www.familyserviceri.org. For information about donating in honor of Mr. Farmer or Margaret Holland McDuff, please click here.

The event's Diamond Sponsor:

Brighter Futures Award Lunch 2015 Honoring Malcolm Farmer, III Oct. 20

Malcolm Farmer III will receive Family Service of Rhode Island’s Brighter Futures Award, given annually to a person or organization making an outstanding contribution to the well-being of children.

“Mac Farmer helped change Rhode Island and the nation,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of Rhode Island’s CEO.  “His is a life of building brighter futures for people suffering from hatred and injustice and for children and families in crisis from abuse, homelessness and other issues.”

The event takes place Tuesday, October 20, beginning at noon at the Rhode Island Convention Center.  Seats and sponsorship opportunities are available by clicking here or visiting  www.familyserviceri.org, phoning Johnnie Chace at  401-519-2289 or emailing her at chacejo@familyserviceri.org.

Mr. Farmer is an attorney and a partner at law firm Hinckley Allen. As a young lawyer in 1965 he left Hinckley Allen and went to Mississippi where he represented civil rights workers and organizations as well as local African-American citizens in efforts to obtain and protect their constitutional rights against state and local governments which endorsed and enforced racial segregation and discrimination. Returning to Rhode Island in 1967, he continued to work for fairness as the executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Crime Delinquency and Criminal Administration. Later, as a member of the Providence City Council he was a strong and early advocate for racial equality and to end discrimination due to sexual orientation.  He and his late wife Susan created the “Malcolm Farmer III and Susan L. Farmer Fund” at the Rhode Island Foundation promoting equality in issues involving race, sexual preference, gender, education, immigration—any area where discrimination takes place.

“As our longtime board president, his compassion and idealism were complemented by a commitment to accomplishment,” Ms. Holland McDuff said.  “He has provided tireless leadership to improve the agency’s services and fundraising capacity,” she said.

The Brighter Futures Award Luncheon has become over the past eleven years a signature fall event for the state’s business community. IGT is the Diamond Sponsor of the event; other major sponsors include: Malcolm G. Chace, Jr.; the de Ramel Foundation; Hasbro, Inc.; Hinckley Allen; Citizens Bank; Amica Insurance; Capitol Securities; Cooley Group; Deepwater Wind; Bank of America; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island; Cornerstone Group; Christopher and Heather Crosby; CVS Health; Elizabeth Z. Chace; Thomas and Debra Chase; Customers Bank; Delta Dental of Rhode Island; Dimeo Construction Company; Malcolm Farmer, III; Foundry Associates; Fuller Box Company; H. Carr & Sons; William F. Hatfield; KLR; Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island; Joseph R. Paolino, Jr.; Residential Properties.

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

AIDS Walk RI Led By Top Health Official

AIDS Walk RI 2015
Honorary Chair
Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH
Director, RI Dept. of Health
(photo courtesy of RI DOH)

AIDS Walk RI Led by Top Public Health Official
Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH: “There is more work to do”

The state’s top public health official is providing leadership for the annual AIDS Walk RI, happening Sunday, September 13.

Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, who was appointed the state’s director of public health earlier this year, will be an honorary chair of the event, which starts and ends on the Rhode Island State House lawn. Registration begins at noon, with a speaking program, including Dr. Alexander-Scott, at 12:30. The approximately two mile route steps off at 1 p.m.  Registration is also available on-line at firstgiving.com/aidswalkri.

HIV Diagnoses Rise

“From 2013 to 2014 in Rhode Island, the number of newly identified cases of HIV increased by nearly 33%. These data send a clear signal that despite the progress we have made in reducing HIV over the years, there is more work to do,” she said. “We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have great partnerships among state agencies and community-based organizations like APRI to continue our efforts to educate, test, and treat for HIV. The data remind us that we cannot become complacent.”

Joining Dr. Alexander-Scott as honorary chairs are NBC 10 reporter and anchor Mario Hilario and Dr. Philip Chan, director of the HIV/STD Prevention Clinic at the Miriam Hospital Immunology Center.

“We are fortunate to have Dr. Alexander-Scott, Mario Hilario and Dr. Chan helping lead the way for this year’s AIDS Walk,” said AIDS Project Rhode Island’s Stephen Hourahan.  He noted that NBC 10 health reporter Barbara Morse-Silva will emcee.

Purpose of AIDS Walk RI 2015

Participants in the walk raise critical funds for public awareness, advocacy, testing and comprehensive services for people living with HIV/AIDS. “Our goal is to raise awareness along with raising funds,” he said.

AIDS Care Ocean State, a sister AIDS service organization, is teaming up as a full partner in AIDS Walk RI this year.  “We are pleased to join forces with AIDS Project Rhode Island to make AIDS Walk RI 2015 one of the best in the event’s three-decade history,” said AIDS Care Ocean State executive director Paul Fitzgerald.  He noted that this year’s theme is “Keeping Hope Alive.”

Free, fast, anonymous HIV testing will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a performance from the Providence Gay Men’s Chorus, the AIDS Quilt will be displayed, and there will be free food and activities.  

Sponsors

 Event sponsors include Cardi’s Furniture, CVS Health,  Miriam Hospital/ a Lifespan Partner, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, United Healthcare, the City of Providence, MetLife, McLaughlin & Moran, NBC 10, GoLocalProv,  94 HJY and Coast 93.3 radio, Latino Public Radio, WBRU, Poder 1110, Latina 100.3, WJFD and WUMD.

More Information

More information about AIDS Project Rhode Island, a division of Family Service of Rhode Island, and AIDS Care Ocean State is available at www.aidsprojectri.org and www.aidscareos.org.

Special HIV Testing Hours This Saturday in English, Spanish & Portuguese

National HIV Testing Day is Saturday, June 27, and AIDSProject Rhode Island is expanding its weekly free, anonymous, rapid HIV testing schedule to noon to 3 p.m. on that day on a walk-in basis at 9 Pleasant Street,Providence.  Click here for directions

“We want to make it as convenient as possible to be tested, and our testers speak three languages, English, Spanish and Portuguese,” said AIDS Project Rhode Island executive director Stephen Hourahan.  “Knowing your status is critical to preventing the spread of HIV and beginning treatment as soon as possible.” 

The national theme of the day is “Take the Test. Take Control.”

(Listen to an interview in Portuguese regarding HIV testing, courtesy of WJFD radio.  Click here.

Watch an interview on NBC 10 by clicking here.)

AIDS Project Rhode Island weekly offers HIV (and Hepatitis C) testing on a walk-in basis Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.  Testing by appointment at any time is available by calling 401-831-5522 or emailing takecharge@aidsprojectri.org.

AIDS Project Rhode Island also tests at colleges and universities across the state on a regular basis.

The Rhode Island Health Department recently announced that the rate of newly identified HIV infections in Rhode Island increased by nearly 33% between 2013 and 2014.  The department noted in a press release that “new cases of HIV/AIDS and infectious syphilis continued to increase among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men at a faster rate than in other populations.  Infection rates of all STDS (sexually transmitted diseases) continued to have a greater impact on the African-American, Hispanic and young adult populations.”

HIV is the acronym that stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which leads to AIDS, an incurable disease that may be terminal, although in recent years treatments have improved the chances for a normal lifespan and a better quality of life.  HIV is spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, and other activity where bodily fluids are passed.  More information about risk factors is available at www.health.ri.gov, www.doitright.org and www.aidsprojectri.org.

Information in Spanish is provided by the federal Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/hiv/spanish/ and AIDS.gov offers a page that translates into Portuguese and other languages at aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/.

AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division of Family Service ofRhode Island.  More information is available at www.aidsprojectri.org.

Vote for Lucy's Hearth to Receive a $15,000 Grant!

Lucy’s Hearth’s program director Jennifer Barrera needs your help so Lucy’s Hearth can receive a $15,000 grant from Harlequin Books.

She’s a 2015 nominee, along with four others, for the “Harlequin More Than Words” award.  Voting continues on-line through 11:59 a.m. Thursday, June 11 to determine the three nominees who will receive $15,000 each to direct toward their favorite charities.  In Jennifer’s case, it’s Lucy’s Hearth, a much-beloved Middletown-based program for homeless moms and their kids.

You can vote every 24 hours until the 11:59 a.m. June 11 deadline at http://www.harlequinmorethanwords.com/vote/

All the nominees were nominated by authors.  Jennifer was nominated by her cousin, Newport native Marie Force, a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today best-selling author.

“I was delighted to nominate my cousin Jennifer for this well-deserved award, and I’m thankful to my publisher, Harlequin, for recognizing real-life heroines like Jen who are making such a difference for their communities,” she said.

“We are most thankful for this nomination and urge everyone to please vote today and vote often,” said Susan Erstling, PhD, chair of Lucy’s Hearth’s board of directors.

Lucy’s Hearth serves homeless mothers and their children through an emergency shelter program, a transitional apartment program, a permanent apartment program and an outreach and aftercare program. More information is available at www.lucyshearth.org.

Foster Mom Recruits New Foster Moms & Dads for RI Kids Needing Foster Care

The generosity of the Billy Andrade-Brad Faxon Charities for Children has enabled  Family Service of Rhode Island to hire an experienced foster mother to assist in recruiting loving homes for Rhode Island’s children in need.

“May is National Foster Care Month, and we’re pleased to announce that, thanks to the Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children, we recently hired a foster mom to help us find homes for Rhode Island’s children in need,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, agency CEO. “Elaine Gabellieri, of Cranston, and her husband have welcomed foster children into their home for years. When a potential foster parent speaks with her they are talking to an expert who deeply understands the day-to-day life of a foster parent.”

Foster parenting is a source of joy for Elaine and her husband. “My husband and I first became foster parents five years ago when we learned that there were many children in Rhode Island looking for loving homes,” she said. “We found it a great joy to help transform a child who needs love and support into a happy, healthy and thriving individual. Being a foster parent is very fulfilling. And our older kids enjoy it too! They love helping out, and it’s a learning experience.”

Any adult in Rhode Island is eligible to become a foster parent. “Foster parents can be single, couples, or married, and Family Service of Rhode Island is particularly outreaching to potential LGBTQ foster parents,” she said.

Foster parents receive tax-free dollars to support the placement, free medical care for the child, a clothing allowance for the child, training and 24/7 support. More details are available by clicking here.

Some foster parents prefer caring for children who only need a short-term stay, while others look at foster parenting as the road to a permanent relationship, even adoption. “We match the needs of the children with foster parents who are committed to meeting their needs,” she said.

Anyone interested in learning more may call her at 401-331-1350 ext. 3313 or email her at gabellieriel@familyserviceri.org. While children of all ages are in need of loving homes, there is a particularly strong need for families to open their hearts to older children.

Adding a foster parent “voice” to the agency’s foster parent recruitment efforts reflects best practices, said Greg Wright, who heads foster care recruitment at Family Service of Rhode Island. “When a potential foster parent calls he or she can speak with someone who lives the life of a foster parent each and every day. Who better to speak with?”

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

VFW Honors Family Service of RI Therapist

Family Service of Rhode Island’s Jeanne Sherman, MEd, CAGS, LMHC, has been selected to receive the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Community Service Award during ceremonies May 28 in Warwick.

Ms. Sherman, of Warwick, is an Army veteran and former sergeant who provides therapy for military and veteran families through Family Service of Rhode Island’s Children’s Treatment and Recovery Center.  The center is funded by a federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services grant through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.  Family Service of Rhode Island is the network’s regional site.

In addition, Ms. Sherman has led a community drive to collect personal care items for needy veterans and has been a featured speaker at a conference on adapting Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for military children and adolescents.  In March she participated in the first “Regional Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event,” leading a workshop entitled “Understanding the Impact of Deployment,” which covered pre-deployment, sustainment, post-deployment and possible re-deployment,  and their effects on family members.

She is one of only four therapists in Rhode Island nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

 “Jeanne embodies the continuing commitment to service of our veterans,” said John Cesana, VFW state commander.  “Her work at Family Service of RI providing therapy for military children is greatly needed and appreciated, as are all of her commitments to helping the men and women serving our nation in the military.”

An awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 2081 Post Road, in Warwick.

“Congratulations to Jeanne and thank you for your service in the military and for your work caring for military and veteran families in Rhode Island,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island.

“Jeanne has raised the bar in developing partnerships to serve our military and veteran families,” said Susan Erstling, Ph.D., Family Service of Rhode Island senior vice president who oversees the agency’s child trauma work.

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

May is National Foster Care Month!

May is National Foster Care Month! To learn more about being a foster parent, please click here.

Join the Governor in Celebrating Foster Families!

For more information about foster parenting, please click here.

Dine Out & Fight AIDS Thursday!

Dining Out For Life®, benefiting AIDS Project RI, is Thursday, April 30!!  Many restaurants from across the state are participating!  It's simple: dine at a participating restaurant, and a portion of your payment is donated to AIDS Project RI.  Here's the list of restaurants as of this writing:

Barrington, Pizzico; 

Cranston, Bistro 22; 

East Greenwich, Grille on Main and Tio Mateo’s; 

Newport, Despina’s Café and SpeakEasy; 

North Kingstown, the Carriage Inn and Bravo Wood Fired Pizza; 

North Smithfield, Cafe900;  

Pawtucket, Hose Company #6 and Rasoi; 

Providence, Blaze East Side, Broadway Bistro, CAV, Easy Entertaining,  EatDrinkRI’s “Dinner by Dames,” El Rancho Grande,  GPub, Gracie’s, India, Kitchen Bar, Los Andes, the Melting Pot, New Rivers, Parkside, Pizzico, The Red Fez, Rosalina, and Three Sisters;

Warren, Federal Hill Pizza and Simone’s; and in

Woonsocket,  the Burrito Company.  

The list may increase. Click here for the up-to-the-minute list.

The event is sponsored by CVS Health, the “Gold Fork Sponsor,” and  Rustigian Rugs. National sponsor is Subaru.  AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI.

AIDS Project Rhode Island Seeking Restaurants for Dining Out for Life

Snow may still be on the ground, but AIDS Project Rhode Island is already thinking spring: namely, Thursday, April 30th when it’s the 11th annual Dining Out for Life®.

That’s when many restaurants across the Rhode Island area will be donating a portion of their day’s receipts to fight HIV and AIDS.

“We have been fortunate to have restaurants in all corners of the state and nearby Massachusetts join us the last Thursday of April in raising money for AIDS Project Rhode Island,” said AIDS Project Rhode Island development director Julie Casimiro.  “We work to fill their restaurants, even introducing their establishment to new customers, so they have a great business day and end up sending a sizeable check to AIDS Project Rhode Island.”

Restaurants donate 25 to 50% from each dinner check—or checks from all meals on that day—or donate a flat amount.  In 2014, 30 restaurants participated.  “We encourage our supporters, donors and friends to patronize our partner restaurants not just on the day of the event but all year long,” she said.  “We remember our friends!”

Interested restaurants should contact her at 401-519-2289 or Julie@aidsprojectri.org

For more than 30 years, AIDS Project Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.  More information is available at www.aidsprojectri.org.

Whole Foods Coat Drive Benefiting the Children, Adults & Families Served by Family Service of RI

Save the date!  For more information email casimiroju@familyserviceri.org or call 401-519-2289.

See Video Re: Becoming a Foster Parent!

Family Service of Rhode Island's Greg Wright was recently interviewed by ION Television about the agency's foster care program.  Click on the photo above to see the show on YouTube!

And be sure to contact Greg at wrightgr@familyserviceri.org or call him at 401-331-1350 ext. 3305.

Or check out the comprehensive page regarding foster parenting, which includes an on-line inquiry form.  Find that page here.