Who We Support

Your Episcopal Charities Dollars at Work

(Agencies are listed in alphabetical order)

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z

A 

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

ACT – All Children's Theatre Ensemble, 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. The program will foster creative thinking, encourage teamwork, stimulate the imagination, and improve literacy skills.

Adult Day Center of Westerly, Westerly – provides a comprehensive daytime program, including nursing supervision, medical monitoring, social services, and therapeutic activity for cognitively and/or functionally impaired adults. Their goal is to keep folks, who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care, in the community connected to family and friends. Much needed respite care is provided for caregivers. 596-1336 www.wadsinc.com

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 AIDS/HIV and are accessible to all clients. The Center assists in the prevention and outreach of the needle exchange program. 831-3603 www.aidscareos.org

AIDS Project Rhode Island, Providence – provides direct services to people living with HIV disease. The Wellness Programs are designed to create a safe, non-judgmental environment, where people affected by AIDS/HIV can strengthen their spirits, minds and bodies. These programs provide direct client services, assisting people in meeting their basic needs, and providing holistic care. The program helps clients obtain such items as prescriptions, food, and nutritional supplements, and provides informational and support sessions and alternative therapies. 831-5522

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 awaiting 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, 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. 865-6000 www.adoptionri.org

Advent House, Providence – remains dedicated to aiding its' residents in the forming of a solid foundation for a self sufficient life. The Advent Educational Program is one that focuses the verbal and written skills of our residents. Through meetings with case managers they have uncovered a very important need for fundamental English grammar and communication classes at the shelter. The program includes: English as a Second Language, a review of basic grammar and proper usage, and lastly workplace communication and business language.

Adventures in Learning, Gateway Healthcare, Pawtucket – A unique outdoor education program offering experiential learning and therapeutic services 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 and responsible decisions. They develop personal motivation to try new skills to identify, discuss and resolve many issues that have held them back. 729-8701 www.gatewayhealth.org

ALS-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis of Rhode Island, Warwick – (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 unassisted. With this degeneration, the mind remains alert and fully intact. 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). 732-1609 www.alsari.org

Amos House, 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. 274-8021 www.amoshouse.com

Autism Project – is a lead agency for the support of individuals with autism, their families and the many professionals who work to support and educate them. Move, Think Create and Communicate is a 2-week summer camp created to allow children and teens with autism to have a typical summer camp experience. Children with autism are often not allowed to attend a typical camp, after-school or social situations because they can be overwhelming for other children. This is a vital time of respite for families. 785-2666 www.theautismproject.org

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Big Sisters, Warwick- offers Life Choices to Latina girls at Progreso Latino which harnesses the power of peer support to encourage some of the most vulnerable adolescent girls to explore their everyday challenges – to make healthy life choices and develop into healthy productive members of their communities. 921-2434 www.bigsistersri.org

Bishop's Discretionary Fund - is "fund of last resort" for many individuals and families in trouble, as well as scholarships for our men and women in seminary. 274-4500

Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Central Falls – provides comprehensive domestic violence services through programs that include the Safe Home and Transitional Housing Program, 24 hour Helpline, Court Program, Community Support Groups, Latina Advocacy Program, Community Awareness Program, DELTA Program, Blackstone Valley Safe Families, and the Elder Abuse Prevention Program along with emergency shelter to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. 723-3057 www.bvadvocacycenter.org

Bradford Jonnycake Center, Bradford - provides a thrift shop, food pantry, and emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, prescriptions, etc. to low-income people and those in need in the Westerly and Chariho areas. Clients receive help in their search for employment and assistance with tuition for vocational education. 377-8069 www.freewebs.com/jonnycake

Butler Hospital, Child and Adolescent Transition Program, Providence – The Child and Adolescent Transition Program is an integral part of a patient's overall treatment program. Each family and child or adolescent is provided with a comprehensive discharge plan so that the patient has the skills and direction needed to integrate successfully back into society. A poor discharge plan results in improper medication usage, inability to function and frequent re-admissions. This alternative is highly individualized, flexible and intensive. 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. 455-6565 www.butler.org

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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 residing in state care group homes. Funds 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. 647-5508

Capital City Community Center- provides scholarships to low-income families to attend their Summer enrichment Program. 455-3880 www.capcities.org

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. 941-2051 www.carenetri.org

Caritas House, Pawtucket and Richmond – cares for substance abusers, ages 13-17 and their families. Other issues of 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 Rhode Island.
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. 722-4644 www.caritasri.org

Central Falls Family Self-Sufficiency Program, Central Falls – was established because families needed extra support to complete their education, join the workforce and become economically self-sufficient. The Youth Employment Program (YEP) guides teens toward self-sufficiency by teaching job skills and life skills in an environment that stresses the necessity of staying in school. The majority of teens enrolled in YEP live in households that have experienced a history of generational dependence on public assistance. With a solid education and a living wage, teens (14–18) will be fully contributing members of the Central Falls community. 727-9090

Child & Family Services of Newport County – has an active Volunteer Program and enrolled 346 volunteers last year. The Parent-to-Parent Program offers parents that are overwhelmed with home management and parenting issues the opportunity to meet a volunteer parent mentor and establish a supportive and trusting relationship. The Friendly Visitors Program provides volunteers who visit the homebound elderly regularly to reduce loneliness that improves health issues and provides social contact. The Reading Together Program provides volunteers to read to boys, 6-12, living in group homes to provide a positive adult role model, introduce appropriate literature, improve social interaction, and help with reading enjoyment. 841-8896 www.childandfamily.com

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. 785-1310 www.leadsafekids.org

Children's Shelter of Blackstone Valley, Pawtucket - provides comprehensive care of abused and neglected boys and girls, ages birth through 12, who are abused, abandoned and neglected. 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. 722-4626 www.csbv.org

City Camp, Olneyville, Providence - 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 for 8 weeks in the summer in the Olneyville neighborhood. 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. 568-4055

City Meal Site Soup Kitchen at the Cathedral of St. John, Providence - provides complete, hearty and healthy meals each Tuesday. Throughout the year, 11,000 hot meals and 7,000 box lunches are served. Clothing, fellowship and comfort are provided in a safe and supportive environment to anyone in need. The majority of the staff is dedicated volunteers.

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 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. 739-2844 www.cornerstone-ri.com

Crossroads Rhode Island, Providence – The Harold Lewis House opened in January 2006 to provide a greatly needed affordable, safe, supportive residence for up to twelve homeless elders with no other resources or alternatives for decent housing. These frail residents are unable to manage their lives effectively without support, and most have serious health problems as a result of long-term poor nutrition, exposure to the elements and violence, and lack of regular, preventive care. 521-2255 www.crossroadsri.org

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Davisville Free Library, North Kingstown - program for children that 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. 884-5524 www.davisvillefreelibrary.org

Day One, Providence - 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. 421-4100 www.dayoneri.org

Diabetes Resource Center, North Providence - provides emergency medication, medical supplies and other needs to the homeless, uninsured or underinsured high-risk patients with diabetes who are culturally or otherwise disadvantaged. Providing these services along with culturally appropriate case management can prevent hospitalization. Access to primary care is also available. 456-4419

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 assault 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. 782-3995 www.dvrcsc.org

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 fifty low-income students in grades k-6 with supplemental education during the month of July. 277-2600 www.dunninstitute.org

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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 of 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. 437-5104 www.ebcap.org

East Bay Mental Health Center, Inc., 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. 437-8844 www.eastbay.org

Education Exchange- provides programs and teachers for GED preparation, ESL (English as a Second Language), and basic life and workforce skills. 783-0293 www.edxchange.org

Elizabeth Buffum Chace House, Warwick – The Elder Services Program addresses the need to assist abused senior citizens. Domestic elder abuse may be the most underreported crime. These cases are more difficult than cases of spousal abuse since victims do not want to sever relations with their children, but want to have safe interactions with them. They must learn to navigate a legal system that is complex and difficult to understand. Felony cases may take years to conclude, leaving victims to cope with anxieties, family pressure and unresolved financial, housing and care issues. It can be an incomprehensible and intimidating process. Services address issues of safety, linking seniors and non-offending family members with resources and assisting with criminal and court procedures. Services include telephone support, in-person support, home visits, court accompaniment, case coordination, referrals and advocacy. 738-9700 ebchouse@edchouse.org

English for Action, Providence – 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. 421-3181 www.englisfforaction.org

Epiphany Soup Kitchen, Providence – serves a healthy, well-balanced, Saturday dinner meal to individuals, families and children in downtown Providence. This is one of two facilities in the area to serve a Saturday dinner meal. The site serves as a critical location for social gathering of families and children and needy people who live alone.

Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) Youth Ministry, 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. 568-4055 www.eccri.org

Everett Dance Theatre, Providence – Their mission is to create, perform, teach and build community through the arts and with a special emphasis on providing professional level training to low-income, inner-city youth who have limited access to the arts. The company serves youth both at its facility and through outreach programming at Providence public schools, recreation centers and other community settings.

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Family Resources Community Action, Woonsocket – The Shelter program provides a safe supportive haven for homeless individuals and families in distress and gives them the opportunity to restructure their lives and plan for the future. This is the only homeless shelter in the Woonsocket area the operates year round, and it is the largest shelter program in Northern Rhode Island, serving approximately 80 adults and children per night. The goal is to help transition families and individuals to affordable permanent housing. 766-0900 www.famresri.org

Family Service of Rhode Island, Providence – the Afia Center is a drop-in center or people living with HIV?AIDS – a place where they can go for a hot meal, nutritional advice and staple food to take home, social interaction with their peers, and case management services to help them improve their lives. 331-1350 www.familyserviceri.org

Family Van, Providence – provides health education, screening and outreach services to may people in our most disadvantaged communities – people who would otherwise be disconnected from important “mainstream” health care. Services are always free of charge and are provided by a multicultural, bilingual staff experienced in outreach and education. 277-3629 www.womenandinfants.org

Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket – is committed to bring fresh, healthy food to all Rhode Islanders. They strategically manage seven farmers markets, bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs and more to urban centers. They accept food stamp benefits at the farmers markets, and important first step in bringing healthy foods to poor neighborhoods. 836-6509 www.farmfreshri.org

Friends Way, Warwick – is 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. 921-0980 www.friendsway.org

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Galilee Mission to Fishermen, Narragansett – The Fishermen's Relief Fund assists fishermen and their families with emergency funds for rent, utilities, etc. when fishermen are unable to work due to injury or illness. Soup is brought to the docks in Galilee twice a week. 789-9390 galilee.mission@verizon.net

Genesis Center, Providence – a multi-cultural educational agency that provides English as a Second Language instruction and job training to immigrants and refugees in the greater Providence area. Education is available to newcomers to America and giving them the resources available in the community that can help them deal with problems that face them as they make the transition to a new country. 781-6110 www.gencenter.org

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 risk families. 861-2080 www.goodwillri.org

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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, providing programs to meet the physical needs of residents. The comprehensive Mind, Body and Spirit Program is tailored to each individual that will impact fitness to facilitate better psychosocial well being, increase strength and reduce bone loss and lessen anxiety and depression. 274-4505 www.halworthhouse1@aol.com

Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, East Providence – The Project for Dignity allows patients to maintain their dignity by supplying them with a robe and slippers since most patients are admitted without these.

The George Hunt HELP Center, Homeless Ecumenical Leadership Program, Providence – builds a community among the homeless that will strengthen them individually and empower them collectively. The center provides a safe, cheery place for people to gather for coffee and conversation, clothes and hygiene products and other support and who serve as referral sources. It's a place where homeless people can find respect. 861-9733

Hamilton House – provides free hot meals to low-income elderly. 831-1800 www.historichamilton.com

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. 722-9449

Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island – provides compassionate, professional, state-of-the-art physical, emotional, and spiritual care for all people facing life-threatening illness at any stage of life and in any setting they chose. 727-7074 www.hhcri.org

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. 751-3152 www.homefront.org

House of Hope, Warwick – The opening of the Fair Street facility in the Pawtuxet Village was in response to the crisis created in the state with the closing of its largest homeless shelter. Housing for 13 homeless and disabled women is provided here. They typically have low or no income, and most are in poor physical health and may suffer from a variety of mental health concerns including illnesses resulting from substance abuse and/or domestic violence. 463-3324 www.thehouseofhopecdc.org

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IN-SIGHT, Warwick – has 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. Clients realize that with some minor modifications, training, and assistive devices they are able to resume daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, shopping, crafts, money management and travel. 941-3322 www.in-sight.org

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. The Institute utilizes a corps of contract trainers who have participated in the Training of Trainers (TOT) and are then placed in classrooms to offer young people alternatives to violence and to provide 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 strengthen the fabric of a neighborhood and create the Beloved Community. 785-2320 www.nonviolenceinstitute.org

Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund, Providence – The Rental Assistance Program aids an increasing number of individuals who are unexpectedly unemployed due to company closings, downsizing or relocations. The Fund has two overall goals. 1. To help alleviate the immediate financial crisis through advocacy and financial assistance. 2. To help prevent individuals from sliding into further financial difficulties through awareness and available resources. 728-0515

Interfaith Counseling Center, Providence – is expanding its capacity to underwrite counseling for low-income and indigent clients. There currently is no other counseling center in the state that offers faith-sensitive counseling to those without insurance or the means to pay for much needed services. The poor economy, in combination with rising housing costs 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. 461-5234 interfaithctr@comcast.net

International Institute of Rhode Island, Inc., 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 continue to increase. 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. 461-5940 www.iiri.org

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JONAH (Join Our Neighborhood And Help) Community Center, Warwick – "dedicated to providing outreach, education, socialization and quality services which strengthen families and individuals of the Warwick community". As a youth center JONAH encourages arts, education, personal development, leadership and fun. The building is a hub of activity with GED classes, Teen Band Jams, Whalin' Coffee House and numerous neighborhood groups and special events. 739-1305

Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale- their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families by providing comprehensive assistance to those in need of food, clothing and household items through individual and systemic advocacy for clients. The number of households coming to the food pantry has increased dramatically over the past several years and will continue to do so. The Client Services Program is designed to improve food security by assisting clients with the food stamp application process and to connect them with other social service programs and benefits that they might be eligible. The number of working poor and even moderate income households are in need of assistance, having never had to turn to social service agency for help are unaware of their benefits, programs and agencies that will assist them. 789-1559 www.jonnycakecenter.org

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Lucy's Hearth, Middletown - a temporary, transitional shelter for homeless women and their children, providing safe shelter in a supportive and caring environment and goal oriented support services which will enable the residents to begin to lead more productive and self-reliant lives and prevention of future chronic homelessness. 847-2021 www.lucyshearth.org

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McAuley House, Providence – a house of hospitality, provides continental breakfast and a full nutritious noon meal 5 days per week to approximately 300 poor and low-income people each day. Often clients are homeless, in transitional housing, without employment or marketable skills; have substance abuse or dependency issues. Other services offered through McAuley's outreach workers include housing and rental assistance, prescription funding, referrals, advocacy, and employment assistance. 941-9013 www.mcauleyri.org

Meals on Wheels, Providence – is the only home delivered meal program in the state, the largest population being 60 + years. Each meal delivered provides 1/3 of a senior's daily nutritional requirement. In addition to providing a nutritious meal and provide safety check to those most isolation and vulnerable, the homebound. 351-6700 www.rimeals.org

Mental Health Association of Rhode Island, Pawtucket – Access-RI is a statewide program serving 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, clothing and other basic necessities are provided. 726-2285 mhari@mhari.org

Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Providence – The Youth Development Center offers the following: 1. The Summer Recreation Program is a summer day camp offered in collaboration with the City's Recreation Department. 2. The Mt. Hope Enrichment Programs are year round after-school/out-of-school events like a neighborhood based homework program, recreation, field trips and clubs. 3. The Health Awareness Program is offered in partnership with area health services linking youth to health education, services and screening. 4. The Special Youth Programs include the Kid's Café and East Side Afterzone. 521-8830

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New Hope for Families – Emergency Shelter of Pawtucket and Central Falls – a program in response to the churches of Central Falls and Pawtucket to the growing needs of the increased population of the homeless. New Hope is dedicated to keeping the family unit together while supporting each individual's needs as well as achieving the family's goals. 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. 728-8490 www.newhopefamilies.org

Nickerson Community Center, Providence – The Out-of-School Time (OST) Program operates during the hours after school, during school vacations, and summers when many parents are outside of the home working. These are the times for children to be accidentally injured, to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and to commit crime. Nickerson is committed to provide a safe, supportive place for children and youth to seek positive alternatives to these destructive activities through a wide variety of life-enriching activites.

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People to End Homelessness (Peer-to-Peer Outreach Project), Providence – This program serves very low-income, transient and homeless people. The unsheltered homeless are among the hardest to reach with traditional outreach and services. The traumas in their lives that led to homelessness cover a range of issues substance abuse, racism, poverty, mental illness, and imprisonment. The on-the-street evening and day outreach provides direct services (a place to take a shower and wash laundry) as well as referrals to all other social service programs.

PICA – Providence Intown Churches Association, Providence – the mission is to provide direct services to meet the basic needs of the poor and homeless of Providence. PICA provides four main areas of program services: a daily Food Pantry; a Community Meal on Friday evenings; a Resident Advocate who provides supportive services to the most fragile residents of the downtown subsidized housing; and an Outreach Counselor who distributes basic needs items to the homeless and brings people into services. 454-7422 www.pica1ri.org

Providence Children's Museum, Providence – Head Start/Good Start provides needed positive learning experiences for thousands of underprivileged children, support for their parents and skill building workshops for Head Start teachers and teacher aides. The program serves 1,250 three to five-year olds enrolled in Providence Head Start 85% are members of racial/ethnic minorities and all live below the poverty level. They have little exposure to resources beyond home and school. 273-5437 www.childrensmuseum.org

Providence Public Library, Providence – TeenPOWer 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. 455-8000

Providence Summerbridge – 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. 528-2127 www.wheelerschool.org

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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. 331-1967 www.reachoutandread.org

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, Providence - STREET SHEET is a survival guide in brochure form that details shelters, meal sites and other vital information for the homeless and those at risk. This guide is distributed to the homeless at over 150 shelters, meal sites, emergency service providers, and social service agencies, courts, hospitals, and police departments. There are five versions: Providence in English and Spanish, Northern RI/Blackstone Valley in English and Spanish and the Newport/South County/Kent County edition. Last year, more than 30,000 copies were published. The community greatly values STREET SHEETS as they direct people to food, shelter and emergency assistance. 721-5685 www.rihomeless.org

Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Providence – solicits, stores and distributes surplus food and grocery products to member agency programs that provide food to the hungry. Three innovative distribution projects are: four Senior High-rise Food Pantries bringing nutritious food to about 500 seniors; the Food Bank Fresh Market in a parking lot on Niantic Avenue where Providence member agencies distribute more than 112,000 pounds of fresh produce to their clients; and the Neighborhood Pantry Express where a mobile pantry served the low-income residents of Newport and Woonsocket (two pockets of unmet need in the state) with more than 185,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. 942-6325 www.refoodbank.org

Rhode Island Family Shelter, Inc., Warwick – AH! (Arts Horizon) is an educational and fun arts program designed for children. AH! Consists of presentations by artist registered with R.I. Council on the Arts, R.I. Black Storytellers and the Native American tribal nation. Presentations are designed specifically for our homeless of formerly homeless children. They offer new opportunities for learning, present new methods of communication, introduce traditions of diverse cultures through magic, science, storytelling and expressive arts. 739-8584 www.rifamilyshelter.org

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, geographic areas and multi ethnicities. 274-6347 www.rifreeclinic.org

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. 521-6710 theRIspirit@aol.com

RICAREs - RI Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts, Providence – is a 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 a 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. 521-5759 www.ricares.com

Riverwood Mental Health Services, Warren – basic human needs of people are served by Riverwood's Mobile Treatment Team (MTT) program which provides support services for persons living in the community who are managing mental illness. Also, the Supportive Services Housing Program (SSHP) addresses the needs of people who have experienced long-term homelessness. 247-4278 www.riverwoodmhs.org

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. 767-2100 www.RiverzEdgeArts.org

Robert J. Wilson House, Pawtucket – an intensive residential treatment center for males who are challenged by substance abuse-addiction problems, and who may also be diagnosed with a co-occurring mental and/or HIV. The goal of the program is to help residents achieve sobriety, obtain employment and transition to independent living. Most of the 150+ persons who are admitted to the House annually are indigent and do not have any health insurance coverage. Many do not have families or other support systems. They often lack basic necessities such as soap toothpaste and brushes, razors, clothing, medications. 235-7467 www.NRICommunityServices.org

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Saint Elizabeth Community, East Greenwich – conducts a vocational training program that provides individuals with the skills and preparation for certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The course is offered without cost to qualified trainees. Students must pass a certification exam administered they the State to begin to provide direct care to residents. This grant would allow us to continue to train, evaluate and recruit the most qualified graduates with the highest medical standards and the most current techniques in long-term and Alzheimer's care, providing excellent care to residents. 471-6060 www.stelizabethcommunity.com

Samaritans, Providence – provides emotional support to prevent suicide through the internationally recognized model of befriending to people of all ages who are hopeless, alone, suicidal, or to caregivers and the grieving. They facilitate this mission by maintaining an anonymous, free, statewide, volunteer-based philanthropically supported 24-hour Hotline/Listening Line. 272-4243 www.samaritansri.org

Saving Sight Rhode Island, Warwick – Project Eye Care is designed to obtain comprehensive eye care, treatment and screening for the state's indigent, working poor and those without health insurance. Early detection of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration for adults & seniors and childhood eye diseases through screenings to evaluate risk factor will greatly minimize irreversible eye damage. Over 10,000 free vision screenings a year are performed, including eye diseases and disorder detection, and promotes eye education and safety. 738-1150 www.savingsightri.org

Seamen's Church Institute of Newport – The Human Services Program assists individuals and families who have limited financial resources to acquire basic services associated with daily living. Services include direct assistance, community referrals, compassionate listening and pragmatic recommendations to improve their lives. 847-4260 www.seamensinstitutenewport.org

Seniors Helping Others, Kingston – the Supportive Services program provides support to frail elderly, disabled and homebound populations in the southern third of RI. Many have outlived their ability to drive and their families live at a distance and their access to services is limited. Programs include transportation to medical/dental appointments and the pharmacy, visitors or callers who contact them weekly to provide companionship and safety checks, and respite for full-time caregivers. SHO also coordinates Meals on Wheels (MOW) delivery to homebound individuals. Rolling Library services are provided to MOW recipients and nursing home residents through a partnership with local libraries and Women's Clubs. 789-2362 www.southernrivol.com

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. 861-6191 www.sojournerri.org

Sophia Academy, Providence – is a nondenominational middle school for girl's grades 5-8 from low-income, multi-cultural families in Greater Providence and who are at risk. With multiple social and educational needs in urban Providence, there is a critical need for alternative school programs that particularly address the specific academic and developmental needs of low-income middle school girls. Sophia's unique educational model strives to provide the best possible opportunities for students and their families, enabling the whole family to progress in education and employment. Programs are designed to enable girls to learn and achieve at their highest potential, directly addressing the alarming trend of increased high school drop out rates among minority girls. 784-0021 www.sophiaprovidence.org

South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, Providence – provides programs to meet basic human needs, enriching the quality of 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. 461-7509 www.spnm.org

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 common 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. 273-9419 www.southsideclt.org

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 specific way in which each individual student learns best. www.standrews-ri.org

St. George's Meal Site, Central Falls – Provides a weekly balanced and complete meal to those of low income. People who come to the site have developed friendships and a sense of community. Volunteers from the various surrounding churches provide the bulk of labor involved in providing the meal. Those who come for the meal are Hispanic, Afro-American, Cape Verdean, and Caucasian.

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. 353-3900 www.smhfc.org

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Thundermist Health Center of West Warwick - 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. The site offers a full complement of dental, medical and behavioral health care along with social services and all enabling services as well as 340B pharmacy access. 767-4100 www.thundermisthealth.org

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 has grown dramatically. 444-8811 www.tomorrowfund.org

Trinity Repertory Company, Providence – provides access to an American Sign Language (ASL) performance for each of their season productions to the deaf and hard of hearing community. It is a commitment of Trinity Rep's to continue their Tony Award-winning theater programs to provide this access. These performances create compelling, thought provoking, high quality theater; the deaf and hard of hearing community must not be excluded from this artistic experience. Trinity rep's performances offer every member of the audience to experience diversity and to learn other lifestyles. It is an opportunity for families and friends to participate together in a cultural event.

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”. 453-3337 www.tsetsegallery.org

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UCAP – Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program, Providence – serves students in grades 7-9 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. 272-0881 www.ucap.org

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Visiting Nurse Association of Care New England (VNACNE), Warwick – is strongly committed to improving the lives of their patients who suffer from chronic health conditions that are often life ending and frequently life-limiting. To achieve these objectives, since 2005, VNACNE has successfully utilized the Health Buddy "telehealth" unit to monitor and treat over 250 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), a leading cause of death in our country. This program is being expanded to include patients suffering from diabetes. 681-1150 www.cnehomehealth.org

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W.A.R.M. – Westerly Area Rest Meals, Westerly - A homeless shelter with a soup kitchen for the larger community and transitional housing. The mission is to prevent or alleviate homelessness by providing a continuum of care and service to the homeless and needy, and to help them build self-esteem and move toward independent and responsible living. The Soup Kitchen provides 3 daily meals to residents and noon and dinner to the community. The Transitional Housing Program allows shelter residents 2 years of affordable, supportive housing. The Community Critical Needs program provides homeless funds for prescriptions and other medical needs. 596-9276 www.warmshelter.org

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; minimizing back problems and lessening falls due to lifting heavy objects. 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. 732-7734

Washington Park Citizen's Association, Inc., Providence – provides low-cost, quality child- care to 41 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 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. 461-6650

WellOne Primary Medical & Dental, 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 in an area where there is a shortage of primary care providers who accept low-income patients with Medicaid or no insurance coverage. Bayside is the only provider in the area offering a "sliding scale" fee in accordance with Federal guidelines. No one is turned away because they cannot pay. 295-9706 www.welloneri.org

West End Community Center, Providence – the Specialized Food Assistance project better meets the special dietary needs of low-income clients with specific health problems and responds 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 who 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 thus attain a better quality of life. 781-4242 www.wecc.net

Westbay Community Action, Warwick – The Farm Project grows fresh produce for the Westbay Marketplace (an emergency food program), the Senior Dining program and the Westbay Farmer's Market. These food security programs distribute the produce to low-income individuals and families. The Farm Project grows harvests and delivers 10,000 pounds of produce which is distributed through the Marketplace and the Senior Program. 732-4666 www.westbaycap.org

Women's Center of Rhode Island, Providence – Residential Services Program provides safety and shelter for women and their children in a crisis situation, and provides clients with the basic needs: food, clothing and basic necessities. After a period of adjustment the women will meet with an Advocate who provides case management and assistance with the development of an Individual Independent Living Plan that addresses housing, legal and medical needs, literacy, education, job training and employment needs, and child/parenting education. The goal is to help the resident define her own plan in becoming self-sufficient. The Child Advocate meets with the mother to formulate plans for each of the children. 861-2761 www.womenscenterri.org

Women's Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties - serves the victims of domestic violence in Newport and Bristol Counties. The "Children Who Witness" program provides prevention education for children who have witnessed domestic violence. Children will be taught how to deal with anger, understand that they are not to blame for the violence they have witnessed and learn to resolve conflicts, build self-esteem. They will receive group and individual counseling and an opportunity to explore their feelings in a safe setting that will help them break the cycle of violence in their lives. 846-5263 www.wrcnbc.org

Wood River Health Services, Hope Valley – The Community Fund is 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 them to utilize their own external resources as well as external resources of the community and the opportunity to retain their independence and dignity. Individual programs for repayment are designed and based on the recipient's resources. 539-0228 www.woodriverhealthservices.org

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Youth Pride, Inc., Providence – the food pantry within the Drop-In Center distributes food items, basic health and hygiene items and personal care products from the Food Pantry within the Drop In Center to young people and their families. It is the only organization in Rhode Island that reaches out to youth 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. 421-5626 www.youthprideri.org

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