The Episcopal Charities Fund is committed to helping change the lives of Rhode Islanders who are in crisis and need. It is a funding agency for social service programs within the Rhode Island Community. Since its founding in 1952, Episcopal Charities has been a link between healers and those in need of healing.

Our mission began with a desire and sense of responsibility to help those in need. This tradition continues today. Funds from Episcopal Charities assist battered women and abused children seeking a safe haven, with the education and counseling that will help them achieve a better life. Thousands will have food, heat, shelter, healthcare and other basic needs. With Episcopal Charities funds the elderly and terminally ill receive comfort and a sense of dignity through their last days. Those who suffer from drug addiction receive help toward recovery. Immigrants will be able to read and speak English. Children find fellowship and learn team-building skills at summer camps.

ACI - Adult Correctional Institution, Chaplin, Cranston – provides spiritual and religious programs for men and women who are incarcerated, the staff and inmates families. Services include administrative, volunteer supervision, worship services, inmate advocacy and support groups.

ACT – ALL CHILDREN’S THEATRE ENSENBLE, Providence – serves children 4-16 years of age, focusing on education and outreach through theatre arts.  They are from a diverse ethnic and geographic population throughout the state whose families live below poverty level and those who receive public assistance.  Integrated curriculum and dramatic arts programs are provided for children with developmental disabilities from schools and rehabilitation centers in the state.

AIDS Care Ocean State, Providence – The Donation Center is a free source of new and gently used clothing, household items, Nutritional supplement drinks and bars that are necessary for people with HIV and AIDS and are accessible to all clients. The Center assists in the prevention and outreach of the needle exchange program.

AIDS PROJECT RHODE ISLAND, Providence – provides direct services to people living with HIV disease.  The Wellness Program is a key to direct client services, assisting people in meeting their basic needs, and providing holistic care.  The program helps our clients obtain such items a prescriptions, food, and nutritional supplements, and provides informational and support sessions and alternative therapies.

ADOPTION RHODE ISLAND, Providence - The Child and Family Support Program provides comprehensive support services for families adopting children with special needs. The number of children with special needs waiting for adoption has grown significantly over the last decade and has reached a crisis level. Nearly all the children served have a history of abuse, neglect, rejection, abandonment or trauma resulting in a variety of debilitating issues. Services include adoption preparation, placement support, post adoption support and group and individual counseling to address a wide range of needs such as the child’s previous victimization, current and future safety issues, family adjustments and commitments. This agency plays a critical role in helping the state find permanent answers for some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Advent House, Providence – The mission is to provide homeless individuals, primarily those with substance abuse issues and/or mental health problems, the structure and support they need to put their lives in order and become self-sufficient. The Family Reunification Program provides a supportive environment for homeless, single, male and female parents residing at Advent House who have been separated from their children. Services are used for developing self-awareness and promoting self-development and improving basic life skills.

Adventures in Learning, Gateway Healthcare, Pawtucket – A unique outdoor education program offering experiential learning and therapeutic serves for children suffering from emotional and behavioral disorders. Through challenge and trust activities, the youth redefine self-perceptions from destructive to positive. Each child learns how to anticipate the future consequences of actions based on their own decisions and acquires the skills to make self-respecting responsible decisions. They develop personal motivation to try new skills and identify, discuss and resolve many issues that have held them back.

ALS-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis of Rhode Island, Warwick – often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a fatal neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor cells in the spinal cord and brain. When the motor neurons die, as with ALS, the patient becomes completely paralyzed, unable to move, communicate/speak, eat and eventually breathe on their own. With this degeneration, the mind remains alert and fully intake. In an effort to help the patient communicate with loved ones, caregivers and medical professionals, the equipment loan program includes a Handheld Impact Device that is easily tailored to the special needs of each patient. This model supports a wide range of interface methods and techniques, with unlimited spoken vocabulary provided by speech synthesis. Selections can be made via touch screen, integrated buttons, and keyboard for ALS patients. Patients will be able to communicate, even with the slightest movement (such as an eyebrow).

AMOS HOUSE, South Providence - provides critical medical and eyeglass prescriptions to men, women and children without medical coverage and with limited or zero income. Amos House fills prescription requests from shelter guests, most of whom have serious medical issues and those who are referred from hospitals, local doctors and other social service agencies. The need for this program continues to grow rapidly.

BAYSIDE FAMILY HEALTHCARE INC., North Kingstown – provides medical, dental, and interim mental healthcare to uninsured and underinsured families, most of who are living at or below the federal poverty level.  Access to care within a reasonable driving distance is a problem for this underserved population, and no one is turned away because they cannot pay.

BISHOP'S DISCRETIONARY FUND, - a “fund of last resort" to many individuals and families in trouble, as well as scholarships for our men and women in seminary.

BLACKSTONE VALLEY ADVOCACY CENTER, Central Falls - provides comprehensive domestic violence services through programs that include the Residential Program Telephone Helpline, Outreach Vocational Program, Court Program, Community Support Group, Latina Advocacy Program, Community Awareness, Elder Abuse Prevention, Transition, and Housing Programs along with emergency shelter to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.

BRADFORD JONNYCAKE CENTER, Bradford - provides a thrift shop, food pantry, and emergency financial assistance to low-income people and those in need in the Westerly and Chariho areas.

Bradford L. Dunn Institute, Providence – provides programs and services that address the needs of those living or working with learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHA, auditory processing issues, speech and language deficits, sensory integration issues and nonverbal learning disabilities, among others. The mission is to help all children with learning differences be successful in school and in life by providing training for teachers, services for students and resources for families and the community. The Summer Program will provide forty-two low-income students in grades k-6 with supplemental education during the month of July.

Butler Hospital, Children’s Transition Program, Providence – The Child and Adolescent Transition Program is an integral part of a patient’s overall treatment program. A comprehensive plan is necessary upon discharge so that the patient has the skills and direction needed to integrate successfully back into society. Poor planning results in improper medication usage, inability to function and frequent re-admissions. This alternative is highly individualized, flexible and intensive. Each family and child or adolescent is provided with a comprehensive, personalized plan that allows him or her to successfully return home. The team of social workers, care planners and nurses develop a structured program to be followed and works closely with the family, schools and community agencies.

CAMP RUGGLES, North Scituate - offers respect, acceptance, support and success for campers ages 6-12 who suffer from emotional handicaps. The camp provides respite from daily challenges and builds new lifelong skills used at home, in school and in the community. Campers are from low and moderate-income families living in RI’s urban communities or in state care residing group homes. Funds will provide assessment and counseling, recreation activities, transportation, breakfast, lunch and snack for under-privileged campers whose families and guardians cannot meet the cost of camp fees

CareNet Rhode Island, Cranston – is committed to helping women and men make informed, life affirming decisions concerning pregnancy, relationships and sexual behavior. CareNet does not recommend or refer for abortion. Services offered are pregnancy tests, options consultation, and sexual integrity education and abortion recovery. Those who carry their babies may enroll in the New Beginnings program and be mentored on a one-on-one, weekly basis throughout the pregnancy to learn about prenatal care, nutrition, the birthing process and parenting skills.

CARITAS HOUSE, Pawtucket and Richmond – cares for substance abusers, ages 13-17 and their families. Other issues are learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Caritas House, located in Pawtucket, is a 16 bed residential treatment facility for girls ages 13-17 who are living with substance abuse issues; the only such program for girls in RI. Corkery House, in rural Richmond, is Caritas, Inc’s partner 16-bed residential treatment facility for adolescent boys. Youngsters stay in residential treatment for 6-7 months. The goal is to help them address alcohol and other drug abuse and the issues that led there, while making positive and rewarding changes in their lives.

CENTRAL FALLS FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM, Central Falls – provides families with services and support necessary to gain essential life skills and remove them for public assistance.

CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES OF NEWPORT COUNTY, Newport – the Volunteer Program matches community volunteers with the youth to provide the extra support and encouragement that has been missing in their lives.  They are kept same and will be prepared to adapt to a more secure, and long-term placement in the community. 

CHILDHOOD LEAD ACTION PROJECT, Providence – educates parents about the dangers of lead based paint and to raise awareness of strategies and resources available to prevent child from being poisoned.

CHILDREN’S SHELTER OF BLACKSTONE VALLEY, INC., Pawtucket - provides comprehensive care of abused and neglected boys and girls.  They will receive safe, secure, more long-term shelter in the community, clothing and nutritious food.  Experienced childcare staff, caseworkers and the shelter’s clinician will give emotional and educational support.

CITY CAMP, Olneyville - the only opportunity for many inner city children to have supervised summer recreation and time in a country setting.  It is a well-planned urban day camp that operates fro 8 weeks in the summer in the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence.  It provides at-risk children and their families an alternative to the economic depression and violence of the inner city.  For boys and girls, ages 6-12.

CITY MEAL SITE SOUP KITCHEN - CATHEDRAL, Providence - provides 200 - 300 complete, hearty and healthy meals each Tuesday.  Clothing, fellowship and comfort are provided in a safe and supportive environment to anyone in need.

CORNERSTONE ADULT SERVICES, INC., Warwick – provides services for frail elderly, impaired adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease at four adult day centers, including a specialized Alzheimer’s Care Center.  Services help maintain each individuals present level of functioning for a as long as possible and pros their maximum level of independence.  The program can forestall the need for a long-term care facility and allowing elders and impaired adults to remain in their home with their families and in the community.

Crossroads Rhode Island, Providence – the Family Center in Warwick is the shelter of last resort. The goal is to provide immediate food and shelter assistance to families who would otherwise be living on the streets, in cars, or in other inhabitable conditions. After responding to their most urgent needs, the underlying reasons that lead a person to Crossroads, a search is made for long-term solutions. Social workers assist families to identify housing and financial resources as well as education and job training necessary to secure the family’s transition into safe, affordable, long-term housing

DAVISVILLE FREE LIBRARY, North Kingstown - program for children which includes story hours, summer reading programs, arts and crafts in the Quonset/Davisville area.  The EvenStart  program seeks to enhance family literacy through collaborative efforts of the elementary school, the library and neighborhood families.

Day One, (formally Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center of RI) - The Children’s Advocacy Center provides evaluation, evidence gathering and treatment services for young victims of child abuse and/or violent physical abuse and their non-offending family members/guardians. Through a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach, professionals from child protective services, law enforcement, criminal justice, and the medical and mental health communities come together under one roof so that the child only has to tell of the abuse one time. This helps to prevent further trauma to the child caused by multiple interviews and contacts with responding professionals. Team members observe and participate from behind a one-way mirror and the interview is videotaped and submitted to the courts.

DIABETES RESOURCE CENTER, North Providence - Serves emergency medication, medical supplies and other needs of the homeless, uninsured or underinsured high-risk patients with diabetes who are culturally or otherwise disadvantaged.

DIOCESAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND   - provides assistance primarily to high school graduates moving on to college or vocational training.

Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, Wakefield – Domestic violence refers to a pattern of assaultive and coercive behavior exercised by one person over another to gain power and control in a domestic or intimate relationship. The Support Group Program encourages victims to start breaking the cycle of violence in their lives through sharing experiences and feelings with others in similar situations. Support programs are also offered to men in the community who have faced violence. The center provides support and preventive services to those facing threatening situations. Participants are from different cultural and economic backgrounds and ages range from 18-81

DUNN INSTITUTE, Providence – provides programs and services that address the needs of those living or working with learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHA, auditory processing issues, speech and language deficits, sensory integration issues, and nonverbal learning disabilities, among others. The mission is to help all children with learning differences be successful in school and in life by providing training for teachers, services for students and resources for families and the community. The Summer Program will provide 50 low-income students in grades K-6 with supplemental education during the month of July.

East Bay Coalition for the Homeless/Self-Help, Riverside - operates and houses the only transitional housing for homeless families and their children in the East Bay area with 12 transitional housing units in East Providence, Warren and Bristol. To provide a continuum-or-care approach to their complex needs, each family in the program receives case management and supportive services in addition to housing to help them become self-reliant. EBCH believes that every homeless family, given proper support and resources, has the ability to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

East Bay Mental Health Center, Inc., (EBMHA), East Providence – The Children’s Outpatient Program offers counseling services for children and adolescents who are experiencing emotional or behavioral problems stemming from neglect, trauma and/or abuse. There may be substance abuse within the family or a first-degree relative who has been incarcerated. Children learn new coping skills and develop more effective ways to solve problems and communicate with others

ELIZABETH BUFFUM CHACE HOUSE, Warwick – the Children’s Art Therapy and Teen Dating Violence Prevention programs address bullying behaviors to all facets of the school environment including parents, teachers, administrators and students.  The Healthy Schools program is a anti bullying program that incorporates approaches to resolving the problem and to promote peaceful solutions to problems. 

ENGLISH FOR ACTION – focuses on immigrants in the Olneyville section of Providence, coming from Latin American countries, to access resources, acquire quality jobs, and advocate for their children’s success in public schools.  The staff recruits and trains a team of 20 volunteer teachers and members from local universities.  All staff has bachelor degrees from Brown University in Developmental Studies, Latin American History and International Relations.  Latin American adults and children are involved in the program.

EPIPHANY EVENING MEAL SITE, Providence – alleviates hunger by providing hope, comfort, fellowship and a full-course dinner to at over 100 people on Saturday evenings.  Volunteers serve meals, primarily from local Episcopal churches.

EVERETT DANCE THEATRE, Providence - offers after-school classes to Providence’s underprivileged children.  The program serves children and youth ages 6-12 who want performing arts experience.  They are from neighborhoods such as Camp Street, South Providence, Washington Park and Olneyville. 

FAMILY RESOURCES COMMUNITY ACTION, Woonsocket - operates two shelter buildings houses for homeless individuals and families, providing a safe, supportive haven and support services to work through the problems that create homelessness. 

Friends Way, Warwick - a haven for healing and hope, providing free community and volunteer based bereavement support to children, teens and families who have experienced high trauma death loss. Traumatic death is sudden or unexpected death such as suicide, multiple family suicide, sibling loss, and sudden death in front of children, heart attack, car accident or murder witnessed by a child. The Traumatic Death Loss group started just after the Station Night Club fire. Children learn that ALL feelings are okay and are taught to recognize appreciate and express feelings in a safe manner. Presentations and in-service training workshops are provided to schools, hospitals, civic, and professional organizations throughout the state with regard to children, loss and grief.

GALILEE MISSION TO FISHERMEN, Narragansett – a 12-bed residential treatment facility for men over 18 who are in early stages of recovery from substance abuse.  That provides a recovery program for adult males dependent on drugs/alcohol.  Captain Tim House is a transitional sober housing facility for 6 adult males who have completed a substance abuse program, but still require sober housing.

GENESIS CENTER, Providence –a community-based school and support center founded in 1982 for immigrants and refugees. Their mission is to join with the community to provide education, training, and services necessary for families of many cultures to attain self-sufficiency and gain a full community voice.  English and Citizenship classes, job-training programs, childcare and health education are all parts of our program.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF RI, Providence – attempts to lessen the 75% unemployment among people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing quality education, social and employment services that result in jobs and increased personal independence.  This need expands due to welfare reform.  Those being served are people with serious disabilities; mental illness, brain injury, deafness, learning disability, blindness and physical disabilities.  40% are women in transition from welfare and judged from at rise families.  Approximately 30% are Latin, 10% African American, 60% under 30years of age and the majority are from families of low income.

HALLWORTH HOUSE, Providence - is a skilled nursing facility with 57 beds and is generally considered to be one of the best skilled nursing care institutions in the state. Funds would provide Chaplain services to our elderly Episcopal population.  These services include spiritual guidance, religious services and companionship.

HATTIE IDE CHAFFEE HOME, East Providence – provides and opportunity to provide sociability and activities on weekends when regular staff is not available.  Weekends can be a lonesome time for patients.  The program is designed to especially reach those who do not have family or family to to visit on weekends or take them out into the community.

HELP - HOMELESS ECUMENICAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, Providence - a self-help program for poor and homeless people in the Providence area, helping people to help themselves by reaching out to others in the homeless community, giving psychological and spiritual support.

HISPANIC MISSION at St. George’s Church, Central Falls - a mission designed to open spiritual, material, and social ministries to the growing Spanish speaking population, providing education, employment opportunities and counseling services.

Homefront Health Care, Providence – is one of the oldest and largest agencies of its type in Rhode Island. The mission is to provide home care and supportive services to frail elderly and individuals with disabilities, including children, to assist them in continuing to live a home as long as possible. The focus is chronically ill, low-income individuals. Services include skilled nursing care, medication management, vital sign monitoring, assistance with bathing, dressing, respite care and homemaker services

House of Hope, Warwick - dedicated to helping disadvantaged families and individuals who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The House has grown into a community development corporation with seven multi-unit housing properties for the homeless, very low income and special needs families and individuals. Supportive services, healthy meals and basic needs are provided to all. Biannual physical and mental screening of the residents will facilitate this program.

IN-SIGHT, Warwick – The initial mission was to provide jobs for people who are legally blind. They have expanded their programs and services, integrating a holistic philosophy that addresses the psychological as well as the physical challenges facing people with vision loss. They offer vision rehabilitation services for adults and children, computer training, a low vision clinic and a closed-circuit radio reading service.

Institute for the Practice and Study of Nonviolence, Providence – their mission is to teach by word and example the principles and practices of nonviolence and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions. Children in schools today are more prone to using extreme verbal abuse or physically trying to resolve disputes. The Institute utilizes a corps of contract trainers who have participated in the Training of Trainers (TOT) and then placed in classrooms to offer young people alternatives to violence and to provide positive reinforcement of positive choices. Target population is the student body in elementary grades 3-5, middle and high schools in racially and ethnically diverse urban schools. Many of the trainers are chosen from their own neighborhoods. They become community members, who young people can turn to, and as a result strengthening the fabric of a neighborhood and creating the Beloved Community.

Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund, Providence – a fund of last resort for individuals who require assistance with utilities, rent, and heating assistance, and prescriptions and who have no other resource for aid or have exhausted all other resources of help. They are people who become unemployed unexpectedly due to company closings, downsizing, those who suffer the rising cost of housing and utility costs. The intake person will gather client information and provide guidance and referral services.

INTERFAITH COUNSELING CENTER, Providence – is expanding its capacity to underwrite counseling for low-income and indigent clients.  Recent reports from the President’s Mental Health Commission state that the public mental health system “does not adequately serve millions of people who need care.”  The poor economy, in combination with rising housing costs in our region is putting high levels of emotional and psychological stress on individuals and families. The Center is treating the most vulnerable people suffering from mental illness, victimization of all kinds, and/or substance abuse. They include single parents, poor working families, and the elderly.

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RHODE ISLAND, Providence - The Citizenship Scholarship program is targeted towards heads of families who represent needy refugee and immigrant clients unable to afford the inherent costs involved with applying for United States Citizenship.  Fees rose for the second time in three years from $250 to $310. For many, the dream of becoming an American may be unreachable.  They receive assistance that includes professional legal and naturalization services to help family heads work through this process.

JONAH COMMUNITY CENTER, Warwick – provides an after school program that includes homework assistance, computer classes, Tai Chi, sports board games music and various art forms. The center is rapidly growing with youth and teen activities, like the Friday Night Teen Band Jams and the Whalin’ Coffee House.  JONAAH also provides meals and recreational programming to local seniors, nursing home residents and physically and mentally challenged elders.

LUCY'S HEARTH, Newport - a temporary, transitional shelter for homeless women and their children, providing safe shelter and goal oriented support services which will enable the residents to begin to lead more productive and self-reliant lives. 

McAULEY HOUSE, Providence – a house of hospitality, provides continental breakfast and a full nutritious noon meal 6 days per week to approximately 200 people each day.  Many guests are unable to afford to pay rent, or must choose between rent and food.  Shelter vouchers are provided to avoid homelessness.  Prescription vouchers age given to those without medical insurance.

MEALS ON WHEELS, Providence – is the only delivered meal program in the state, serving nearly 5,000 elder clients or more than 160 routes statewide.  The goal is to alleviate the waiting list.  At any given time, hundreds of the frailest of our community wait to be served.  For many, this is the only nutrition in their day.

Mental Health Association of Rhode Island, Pawtucket – Access-RI is a statewide program servings adults age18 and over who are chronically homeless with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. They are the poorest of the poor, having little or no resources and often no hope. Assistance is given with support and referral services for affordable housing, to develop and meet treatment plans and goals, employment and education. Medication, food and clothing and other basic necessities are provided.

MOUNT HOPE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, Providence – the Youth Development Program offers 7 programs throughout the year for at risk children, 6-12 and 13-17 in the oldest.  The Mount Hope Neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Providence, with a historical connection to the African American Community dating back to the 17rth century and recently to increasing number of poor, new immigrants.  This population is the hardest to reach by mainstream programs.  Education and support are offered through computer training, after and out of school programs, health awareness, along with life skills, self-esteem building

NEW HOPE – Emergency Shelter of Pawtucket and Central Falls, Inc. – a program in response to the churches of Central Falls and Pawtucket to the growing needs of the increased population of the homeless.  Services provided are case management, life skills, counseling, money management, parenting, tutoring, and summer enrichment programs for children.  With donations through referrals, food, rental assistance, clothing toiletries and furniture are also provided.

Nickerson Community Center, Providence – The Youth Initiatives Program offers at-risk youth positive alternative activities during the dime of day when they are easily lured into more negative behavior. Sports activities are offered during after-school hours, early evenings and youth are kept busy and active while being educated on character building teamwork and responsibility. Most middle schools in Providence do not offer after school activities and it is these hours where children are more likely to get into trouble. Target population is minorities that include Hispanic, African American, Laotian, Cambodian and Caucasian

PEOPLE TO END HOMELESSNESS, Providence – a start-up program for the Peer-to-Peer Program in which homeless people do on –the-street outreach to unsheltered homeless in ur community.  This program provides direct services, a place to take a shower and wash laundry, as well as referral to other social service programs.  Unsheltered homeless are among the hardest to reach with traditional outreach services.  The program serves very low-income, transient, and homeless people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 

PICA - PROVIDENCE IN TOWN CHURCH ASSOCIATION, Providence an ecumenical program of help and encouragement to the poor, and homeless in Providence area.   Human service programs include a Food Pantry, Soup Kitchen, Resident Advocacy for public housing and YMCA residents, and Inreach, a socialization program.  The program also includes crisis intervention, counseling, education, referrals, entertainment and activities designed to alleviate isolation and fear for the poor and homelessness.

PROVIDENE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, Providence – provides inspiring educational experiences to 3-5 year olds, who are underprivileged and live below poverty level and most who come from single parent families.  The enrichment program includes a 1 ½ hour class visit to the Museum with learning challenges guided by exhibit educators; pre-visit orientation and post-visit teaching and skill building presentations, summer programs, family nights; plus teach resources for teachers and aides and training workshops.

PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY, Providence – Teen POWer provides quality educational after school programs in a safe place during the critical after school hours for at-risk children.  The program offers teenagers salaries, on-the-job training and work experience while assisting and mentoring younger children in developing computer and reading skills, help with homework and instill a lifelong love of learning. 

PROVIDENCE SUMMERBRIDGE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM, Providence – provides a comprehensive educational experience that is designed to help make providence inner-city students more competitive with youth from communities of greater affluence.  Students’ potential is increased for success by accelerating their academic levels and surrounding them with well-prepared, young educators who are excited about the Summerbridge mission.  The targeted students are from low-income families, and many are from single parent homes. The challenges of cultural differences, poverty, and single parent family structures complicate an already difficult time in life.

Reach Out and Read/Rhode Island – The mission is to make books and literacy guidance a part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up loving books. The long-term goal is to provide books for all needy preschool children, and literacy guidance for their parents. The target population is 6 months through 5 year old children from low-income families who do not have books in their homes. At health visits for these children, they will receive a new, age and culturally appropriate book from their physician. Physicians will use the book to assess development in areas of motor, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth; talk to parents about the importance of sharing books with their child every day, make referrals to adult literacy programs when appropriate, and give the book to the family for their home, resulting in a home library of at least 10 beautiful children’s books before the child starts first grade.

RHODE ISLAND COALITION FOR HOMELESS, Providence - STREET SHEET is a survival guide in brochure form that details shelter, meal sites and other vital information for the homeless.  There are now five versions of the STREET SHEET, Providence in English and Spanish, Blackstone Valley/Northern RI in English and Spanish, and a version for Kent, Newport and South County.  Each is a different color for ease of distribution.  Last year over 20,000 copies were printed and distributed at 120 sites; social service agencies, the courts, hospitals/clinics, schools, meal sites and other public places.

Rhode Island Free Clinic, Providence – offers high-quality medical care and preventive health services to adults who do not have or cannot afford health insurance. The clinic is staffed by volunteers who serve as educational roles for trainees in health care fields, providing services under the supervision of clinicians from leading academic institutions in the state. All physicians, nurse practitioners, translators, nutritionists, nurses, certified diabetic educators, pharmacists and other clinical/administrative assistants are volunteers. Patients live at or near the poverty line, are from all backgrounds and geographic areas and represent a wide array of ethnicities. Most are working – they are the “working poor”.

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, Warwick –Food is made available to the Food Bank’s 605 member agency programs, 239 are emergency food providers such as food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.  Food is distributed both by agencies collecting it from the Food Bank and through direct deliveries by the bank to multiple sites in low-income communities.  An average of 50,000 pounds of donated food are distributed to about 39,000 people each month.  Nearly half of the food recipients are children (43.3%). 

RHODE ISLAND FAMILY SHELTER, Warwick  (formerly Warwick Shelter) – a comprehensive program provided to families that include the provision of all basic necessities, case management, life skills training, health services, educational tutoring and assistance, art and drama therapy and nutritional information.  The mission is to keep homeless families together while ensuring their dignity and independence.

Rhode Island Veterans Action Center, Providence – this program targets homeless veterans and their families who could live in an apartment of their own if they could get assistance for the first month’s rent and security deposit. Short term subsidies are given to defray rent and utility arrearages for veterans who have received eviction or disconnect notices.

RICAREs-RI Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts, Providence – is a grassroots program that provides peer-to-peer services to people in substance abuse recovery. The mission is to put a positive face on and to reduce the stigma associated with recovery. Addiction to alcohol and drugs has the unfortunate effect of taking over a person’s life. The program provides educational workshops, drug free social activities and speaker’s bureau. Recovery Baskets are given to clients who do not have the means or ability to purchase the most basic items such as personal hygiene products, food, recovery and spiritually related literature.

Riverwood Mental Health Services, Warren – Persons with psychiatric illnesses are about twice as likely as the general population to smoke tobacco, a major contributing factor to the lowered life expectancy of people with chronic mental illness. They also tend to smoke more heavily than other smokers. Riverwood provides community based living for people with mental illness and is strong advocates for their clients, offering a number of programs to help them choose healthy lifestyles. This grant will assist in the smoking cessation program

RiverzEdge Arts Project, Woonsocket – provides summer and after-school instruction in painting and graphic design for disadvantaged high school students in Woonsocket. Students are paid a stipend and are taught marketing techniques to advertise and sell their work. This after-school program is structured to elicit participant commitment and dedication by requiring the maintenance of a high school grade average of or better, regular program attendance, completion of 72 hours of training and service before eligibility to earn wages and demonstration of acceptable work practices and team collaboration.

ROBERT J. WILSON HOUSE, Pawtucket – provides integrated residential substance abuse, mental health, and HIV treatment to males age 18 or older, who are no health insurance, are indigent , or of low or no income.

ST. ELIZABETH HOME, East Greenwich – the Certified Nursing Assistant training program prepares individuals to provide direct care to residents.  Because there is a critical shortage of CNAs, this vocational training program has been developed.  Individuals in this position assist residents with bathing, dressing, mobility and eating.

SAMARITANS, Providence – the Suicide Recruitment Volunteer Program seeks to recruit, train, and maintain a strong volunteer base to provide 24-hour hotline and befriending services to the lonely, depressed and suicidal.  Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are required to commit to one 4-hour shift per week for 100 hours of community service.  Suicide has no boundaries and recent reports indicate the percentage of suicides is equally distributed among urban, suburban and rural communities. The numbers are rising each year.  Completed suicides statewide in 1998 were 71; in 1999 there were 85.  Hospitalizations for attempted suicide in 2000 were 970.

SAVING SIGHT RHODE ISLAND, Warwick - provides vision care for the state's indigent, working poor and those without health insurance.  Over 10,000 free vision screenings a year are performed, including eye diseases and disorder detection.  Promotes eye education and safety.  Available to children, adults and elderly with limited means.

SEAMEN'S CHURCH INSTITUTE, Newport – offers safe, clean and affordable temporary lodging to seafarers and others in the community in need.  Often, rent subsidies are necessary for those requiring accommodations.  These individuals are in transitional periods.  They find not only lodging, but guidance and temporary “home away from home”.

SENIORS HELPING OTHERS, Kingston – the Caregiver Program addresses direct need through visits and telephone checks for safety and to alleviate isolation for elders and homebound neighbors Transportation is provided to medical appointments and respite is given to family caregivers.  SHO is working with the Narragansett Deanery for the respite aspect of this program.  Those served from Washington County and Jamestown.  They are 55 years of age and over, disabled and at risk.  Target population is elderly, but no one is refused.  Those providing services are of the older population also.

SOJOURNER HOUSE, INC., Providence – the Elder Safety and Abuse Prevention Program (ESAPP) Serves elderly people who are victims of domestic abuse (physical, emotional, psychological and financial) in Providence County.  ESAPP seeks to improve or maintain optimal function of the individual, enhance and strengthen positive family and community supports, provide ease of access to needed services, and encourage active participation in developing a plan for care and services.

SOPHIA ACADEMY, Providence – is a nondenominational middle school for girl’s grades 5-8 from low-income families in Greater Providence and who are at risk.  The Academy provides an alternative academic, spiritual, cultural and social atmosphere of non-violence during the crucial years of early adolescence.

SOUTH PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRIES, Providence – provides programs to meet basic human needs, enriching the quality o f life for children and adults, encouraging self-worth and self-sufficiency and fostering a sense of community pride in a neighborhood of diverse ethnic, racial and social backgrounds.  After school and summer programs are provided for high-risk, low-income, minority youth in the south side of Providence.  The program emphasizes homework help and tutoring, learning and practicing nonviolent, problem solving skills and enrichment opportunities.

SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST, Providence – maintains community gardens and green-space, created from the blight of vacant lots, to meet the nutritional, health and recreational needs of urban dwellers.  City residents can grow culturally acceptable foods in lead safe soil, providing them with fresh produce, personal satisfaction, and savings on grocery bills.  The gardens serve as neighborhood gathering places where people of various cultural backgrounds can come together in a coming interest and to build community.  15 gardens covering over 5 acres exist in Providence.  The project seeks to strengthen the community by giving voice, hope, education, understanding and beautiful open spaces.

ST. ANDREW'S SCHOOL, Barrington -a co-educational boarding and day school for youngsters in grades 5 through 12 serving students with learning disabilities or learning style differences that impede their academic progress and/or personal development.  The curriculum is geared toward the wpecific way in which each individual student learns best.

ST. GEORGE'S MEAL SITE, Central Falls – provides a complete and balanced meal, clothing, friendship, support, comfort and a sense of community.  Volunteers from various churches ser meals and companionship and understanding to those in need.

ST. MARY'S HOME FOR CHILDREN, Shepherd Program, North Providence - the Shepherd Program provides residential and outpatient therapy for sexually abused male and female children and their families, including education and prevention programs.  Services are available statewide to children and parents.  It is the most comprehensive program of its kind in the state and a model for other states.  The clinicians and staff provide assessment services, individual, group and family therapy to child victims, children with sexual behavior problems, juvenile sex offenders, non-offending parents and adult survivor of sexual abuse.

THUNDERMIST HEALTH CENTER OF SOUTH COUNTY, Wakefield - provides quality health care services, without regard for ability to pay, to the local population, including a family physician, nurse practitioner and a dental hygienist. The Center enables all members of the family to be seen by the same practitioner to provide continuity of care.

TOMORROW FUND Providence - the Emergency Family Needs Program assists parents and families to deal with the devastating impact of their child's life-threatening illness, recovery or death. The program assists with diagnosis interpretation, medication not covered by insurance, transportation to specialty sites for immediate testing or treatment, rent for families at risk of eviction, co-payments for parking, food, lodging, etc. The number of cancer-stricken children treated at The Tomorrow Fund Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital ha grown dramatically.

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY, Providence – provides accessibility to the hearing impaired community and to increase the number of performances available to this community.  This grant will bring a class from the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, with their families, to a special ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted performance of A Christmas Carol this holiday season.

TSETSE Gallery, Providence – focuses on a group of children who are often overlooked for enrichment programs because of the challenges they present both motivationally and behaviorally. Target population is multi-cultural and very low-income children. Art programs are implemented for children who have a variety of special needs caused by mental and physical abuse, neglect ADHD and other physical limitations. The children served require this type of programs in order to enhance their emotional stability, self-esteem, and communication skills and assist them to become more emotionally grounded. Every student is encouraged to become involved. Children who sit on the youth advisory board convey the message for participants of the program that this not just about the art, but “their gallery.”

UCAP – Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program – serves students in grades 7, 8, and 9 who have been previously retained at least one year and who are at high risk for dropping out of school. The school utilizes a combination of an accelerated curriculum, an extensive social support system, and a public and private support network to create a unique schooling experience for students that has been recognized locally and nationally. Beyond School is comprised of a variety of out-of school time activities focused on academic and social support. It’s a second chance to secede in school. The program offers opportunities for learning, guidance, enrichment and recreation after school, on weekends, during vacations and through the summer.

Visiting Nurse Association of Care New England, – Hospice patients who are nearing the end of life often experience tremendous pain that is only reduced by use of extensive pain medications. While the medications serve to reduce this pain, patients generally with to remain coherent enough to spend quality time with family, engaging in meaningful dialogue. As and alternative the effectiveness of reducing pain is one of the most prominent benefits reported through the use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). VNA is joining a growing number of Hospice programs across the country in offering this program with the hope to prove it efficacy to insurers, who currently do not reimburse for this cost of therapy in the home for Hospice patients.

W.A.R.M., WESTERLY AREA REST MEALS, Westerly  - a 19 bed facility with overnight accommodations for homeless men, women and children, with community soup kitchen, furniture and appliance recycling program, transitional housing and various social services.

Washington Park Citizen’s Association, Inc., Providence – provides low-cost, quality child- care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to 24 low-income families. Other services include activities in the areas of health, nutrition, education, and recreation to help the Washington Park community and its residents thrive. Board members include neighborhood resident and business owners. What began as a group of citizens concerned about the welfare of youth in the community evolved into the governing board of the Washington Park Community Center and the Washington Park Children’s Shelter.

Warwick Interfaith Association for Affordable Assisted Living, Warwick – The “At Your Service” program strives to help individuals remain independent in their own apartment longer and with dignity. By providing services to elderly and disabled individuals, the client can customize their own solutions for problems with activities of daily living. Benefits are fewer and shorter hospital and nursing home stays, fewer falls and rescue calls. These results can realistically be expected when an apartment is neat and clean. Back problems and fewer falls occur when heavy listing tasks are minimized.

WEST END COMMUNITY CENTER, Providence – the Specialized Food Assistance project will better meet the special dietary needs of our clients with specific health problems and respond positively to changes in eating habits and nutrition.  Many of the people served suffer from diabetes and/or heart disease.  They are mostly older clients and homebound.  They struggle with the costs of rent, utilities and prescriptions.  They get help in learning to cook and eat foods that are healthier and help them manage their disease better and attain a better quality of life.

Westbay Community Action, Warwick – The Farm Project grows fresh produce for the Westbay Marketplace, the Senior Dining program and the Westbay Farmer’s Market. These food security programs are targeted to low-income individuals and families. Food Stamps and WIC vouchers are accepted. The Farm is located on a 2-acre section of the former Barton Dairy Farm owned by the City of Warwick and a 1-acre section of the former Knight Estate owed by the Community College of RI.

WESTERLY ADULT DAY CARE CENTER, Westerly – provides comprehensive daytime program including nursing supervision, medical monitoring, social services, and therapeutic activity for cognitively and/or functionally impaired adults.  The goal is to keep folks, who would otherwise require a nursing home, in the community and connected to family and friends.  Much needed respite care is provided for their caregivers.

WOMEN'S CENTER OF RHODE ISLAND, Providence - provides safety and support to women and their children who are experiencing interpersonal abuse or who are homeless due to personal crisis.  The Residential Program provides shelter, food and emotional support to women and their families who are escaping a abusive family situation, and offer a range or services including medical and legal assistance, individual and group counseling, vocational and educational counseling and assistance this locating housing and employment.

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER OF NEWPORT & BRISTOL COUNTIES, Newport - serves the victims of domestic violence in Newport and Bristol Counties.  The “Children Who Witness” program provides children who have witnessed domestic violence an opportunity to explore their feelings in a safe setting and to break the cycle of violence in their lives.

WOOD RIVER HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY FUND, Hope Valley - designed to assist children and their families who are in temporary financial crisis and are ineligible for other community resources or programs. The program is unique as it allows the individual the opportunity to retain her/her independence and dignity.  Individual programs for repayment are designed and based on the recipient's resources.

Youth Ministry Episcopal Conference Center, Pascoag – provides opportunities for young people to experience Christianity through healthy community, discussion, work projects, worship and teaching experiences. By respecting the dignity of every human being, those who have the ECC experience know a lifestyle that is safe, fulfilling and compassionate. This community supports friendships between young people and provides them with a special place where they can go and grow together with their peers with adult support available to them. The ministry also provides immediate opportunities for peer counseling and reflection away from negative forces, which are so prevalent and strong in the world of young people.

YOUTH PRIDE, INC., Providence – is the only organization in Rhode Island that reaches out to your and young adults affected by sexual orientation and gender.  Its purpose is to offset the discrimination; isolation and abuse felt by many lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (lgbtq) young people.  The drop–in center is a safe space for lgbtq youth and young adults to do homework, get a meal, talk to supportive staff or just spend time with other young people who understand.  The center is open Monday through Friday, from noon to eight and welcomes approximately 450 youth annually.