Provides information on child abuse laws, incidence, causes and effects. Conducts public awareness and educational activities for the prevention of child abuse. Advocates for the development of prevention programs within existing agencies, services and school systems. Resource library including films, tapes, etc. Speakers Bureau, Professional Development Training, Parent Workshops.. Member Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America VOAD Contact: Kate Begin, Executive Director E-mail [email protected] Income Source: Grants; donations

The Autism Project currently offers support groups for parents and caregivers of children with ASD, grandparents, as well as a father-specific group

Offers meetings twice a year, Fall and Spring, a newsletter, parent support meetings, annual conferences, an up-to-date library, social events and new parent information packets, Buddy Walk, holiday party. They offer parents support, information, and advocate in the service system and in the community. We also offer newsletters, public awareness activities, and support. DSSRI provides information, experience, and support on challenges associated with raising a child with Down syndrome. We share this information with parents, family members, professionals and other individuals through informational meetings with speakers and panels, newsletters , and special events. DSSRI also provides support on an individual, parent- to- parent basis. DSSRI offers free New Parent Baskets to new Down syndrome families, which includes books about Down syndrome, pamphlets, toys, and something for mom and dad to help celebrate their new little one. DSSRI also serves as a resource for professionals interested in parental concerns. We provide speakers to schools, colleges, professional organizations and civic/ fraternal groups. DSSRI also advocates in the service system and in the community for all individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services and the Rhode Island Chapter of American Pediatrics are collaborating on a Medical Home pilot project to assist pediatric and family practices that provide primary care for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Parent Consultants assist physicians and medical staff.

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping veterans in positive, life-changing ways. The organization provides nearly 626,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 250,000 benefit claims annually. In 2017, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families and survivors. DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible. With nearly 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping veterans in positive, life-changing ways. The organization provides nearly 626,000 rides for veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with more than 250,000 benefit claims annually. In 2017, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families and survivors. DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible. With nearly 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.

Services: A supportive educational on-line program for cancer patients, their families and friends to help deal with the day-to-day issues of living with a chronic disease. Offered throughout the state at various times of the year. Provides factual information on cancer and helps patients understand feelings of loneliness, fear and frustration. .

The Westerly Chariho Arc through the Olean Center is a non-profit organization representing and providing services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Southern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut.

Residential facility for adult males, 18+, recovering from substance abuse addiction. Intensive day program as well as intensive non-residential evening program for adult/adolescent males/females. Outpatient substance abuse counseling and group therapy. Also provides counseling for domestic violence, gambling, and anger management services for men, women and children over six. Income Source: Resident fees, State, Federal, Most Health Insurance Plans, donations

Kent Hospital offers Support Groups for medical conditions such as: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) This support group occurs twice per year. This cardiology patient support group focuses on individuals with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The support group is open to all patients with ICDs in Rhode Island along with members of their family. Bruce A. Koplan, MD, MPH, FACC, director of cardiac arrhythmia service at Kent Hospital and a member of Brigham and Women’s Cardiovascular Associates at Kent leads the support group along other CNE experts. Topics include: Living with your device, managing your health, exercise, and more. Advanced registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, please contact: The cardiology team at (401) 737-7010, x32880 or by email to [email protected]. The Stroke Center Hosts a monthly stroke support group for stroke survivors and caregivers on the last Wednesday of the month. Each month a new guest speaker will discuss concerns regarding stroke. All members of the community who have survived a stroke, are at risk of a stroke or are caregivers for someone who has undergone a stroke, are encouraged to attend. For more information please contact Susan Moore, RN, Director, Kent Hospital/MHRI Stroke Program at (401) 737-7010, ext. 35510 or email [email protected] Amputee Support Group Kent and Memorial hospitals along with the New England Amputee Association is pleased to announce a free informational group meeting for amputees and their families on the last Wednesday of the month. New England Amputee Association's mission is to reach out to people with limb loss and provide a supportive environment where information and experiences are shared and friendships are formed. Beast Cancer Support Group Kent Hospital is pleased offer a free breast cancer support group that meets every second Thursday of the month, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. It is an informal, ongoing group, bringing people together to share their experiences and problems related to cancer and to provide one another with comfort and help. Please use the Imaging Center entrance located next to Kent's Emergency Department, 455 Toll Gate Road, Warwick, RI. The Breast Health Center at Kent is committed to providing its patients with access to the best possible care in this region. Instead of traveling to Boston, or even Providence, those seeking expert medical advice and cutting-edge treatment can find it at The Breast Health Center at Kent.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. (877) 434-7598 TTY

Non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

Administers programs to assist diabetics in controlling their disease and to make breast cancer prevention programs, particularly mammography, more accessible to Rhode Island women.

Everyone experiences tough times. Having help when you need it is the key to facing these challenges. Community Care Alliance strives to empower people experiencing economic insecurity, mental illness and addiction, housing issues, and trauma-related concerns. They provide clinical and support services for individuals and families with long-term needs associated with mental illness and substance abuse. Their goal is to help people live as independently and as fully integrated within the community as possible These might include basic needs assistance to address emergencies— counseling, treatment, support services and residential programs for individuals and families impacted by serious mental illness and addiction— emergency and supportive housing to prevent homelessness and promote stabilization— alternative education and services for families with young children and adolescents— and employment, financial literacy and vocational training to improve self-sufficiency.

OSCIL offers opportunities for persons with disabilities to share similar interests and concerns and gain greater awareness of opportunities for independence. People are encouraged to call OSCIL at any time for this connection. Peer support is one of the fundamentals of a CIL. Peer “mentors” provide role modeling and share experiences, feelings, and awareness of disability issues. Through peer support there is a full exchange of brainstorming, problem solving, and sharing of concerns, successes and ways to address issues. The peer support relationship allows for the more experienced person to provide information and support and serve as a positive role model to the person whose disability might be new or more recent. Many of OSCIL staff members provide peer support in a number of areas, including but not limited to: visual and hearing impairments, arthritis, orthopedic issues, diabetes, and more. Please call the OSCIL office at 401-738-1013 for more information. PEER SUPPORT GROUPS OSCIL holds several monthly peer support groups, the purpose of which is to provide individuals with similar issues a chance to talk about their own conditions, experiences and concerns. By talking with people who truly understand what they are going through, individuals can gain practical insights to maximize the potential for successful independent living. Monthly Peer Support groups include: -Diverse Disability Group -Spinal Cord Injury Group -Traumatic Brain Injury Group -Women with Disabilities Group -Youth Transition Group

Live Yes! Connect Group is a support group in in Providence that organizes Self Help classes and events for its members Regularly. Live Yes! also has an online community where adults and parents of children suffering from various types of arthritis may go for support and information.

Services: Specializing in the treatment of persons with special needs and challenging behaviors. Early intervention, pre-school, day program, parent program, Saturday recreational program, vocational education, day and residential programs, agency/school consultation. Income Source: DCYF, MHRH, local education agencies.

Services: Provides services for about 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Includes Early Intervention, home based children's services, respite care, family support, Pathways Strategic Teaching Center, (an educational school based on Applied Behavior analysis for children with autism or pervasive development disorders), Supported Employment, Vocational and Job Placement and Evaluation Services for Adults, Day Habilitation Services, Residential and Community Living, and Recreation Services. We also have affiliations with Crayons Child Care and Family Services to provide integrated child care and kindergarten services and with JONAH Community Center to provide services for elderly folks with developmental disabilities. Our Feinstein/Trudeau Training Center, sponsored by the Feinstein Foundation, offers college accredited training for direct support professional staff through the Community College of Rhode island. Income Source: State, Federal, Local, Private Foundations, Individuals and Businesses

*Does not provide holiday baskets or toys* Operates from many sites across the East Bay. **HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES Margo Pires, Social Services Coordinator & Health Advocate (401) 848-6697, x202 Available for families residing in the Sullivan School neighborhood in Newport in collaboration with the Sullivan School Family Center. Family Services Coordinators are in all elementary schools in the City of Newport offering social services case management, literacy activities and other activities to promote positive family/school interactions. Community and Supportive Services Program/Hope VI Initiative East Bay Community Action Program provides case management services to residents of the Newport Housing Authority that reside in the new Newport Heights housing development. This program focuses on economic self-sufficiency. LEAD EDUCATION AND OUTREACH services are provided to tenants and landlords in need of information regarding lead safety and lead abatement, RIHMFC loans for lead abatement. Contact: Luana Cherenzia (401) 847-7821, x204 Eligibility: All Newport County residents for Basic Human Needs Family health & dental services Family development case management services -Social service information and referral and basic human needs Youth programs Housing and Energy Services Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Feeding and Nutrition Program Senior services -Case management Senior employment -Retired Senior volunteer Program (RSVP) -Foster Grandparents -Ocean State Senior Dining Program (meals in a social setting).

OSCIL offers opportunities for persons with disabilities to share similar interests and concerns and gain greater awareness of opportunities for independence. People are encouraged to call OSCIL at any time for this connection. Peer support is one of the fundamentals of a CIL. Peer “mentors” provide role modeling and share experiences, feelings, and awareness of disability issues. Through peer support there is a full exchange of brainstorming, problem solving, and sharing of concerns, successes and ways to address issues. The peer support relationship allows for the more experienced person to provide information and support and serve as a positive role model to the person whose disability might be new or more recent. Many of OSCIL staff members provide peer support in a number of areas, including but not limited to: visual and hearing impairments, arthritis, orthopedic issues, diabetes, and more. Please call the OSCIL office at 401-738-1013 for more information. PEER SUPPORT GROUPS OSCIL holds several monthly peer support groups, the purpose of which is to provide individuals with similar issues a chance to talk about their own conditions, experiences and concerns. By talking with people who truly understand what they are going through, individuals can gain practical insights to maximize the potential for successful independent living. Monthly Peer Support groups include: -Diverse Disability Group -Spinal Cord Injury Group -Traumatic Brain Injury Group -Women with Disabilities Group -Youth Transition Group

The UCP Rhode Island Children & Family Services program provides services to children with disabilities and their families under Rhode Island�s Home Based Therapeutic Services Program (HBTS). Medicaid eligible children (up to age 21) are provided comprehensive periodic evaluations to supplement the treatment of various medical conditions. Works with families to develop service plans for their children and assists the families to secure HBTS funding. Once a plan is approved, UCPRI provides case management and services, therapies, and training for the child and family. The object is to apply individualized services that permit the child to live at home and take an active part in school and community. UCPRI�s services may help relieve some of the financial strains that make raising a child with disabilities so stressful to both the family and child. Other Children & Family Services: - CAP (Community Activities Project) provides financial support enabling children with disabilities to participate in community and recreational activities. Provides information, referral and advocacy to families with children who have special needs. UCPRI will assist families in identifying their needs (home health care, learning, recreation) and work with them to secure funding. Adult Education: UCP Rhode Island�s Adult Education Community Classrooms meet throughout RI. Instruction is individualized, based on the personal learning goals of each student. Most classes meet for 3 hours a week for 12 weeks. Other Services: Adult Literacy Skills Word Processing skills Craft Making Adaptive Painting & Drawing Employment Readiness Making Community Connections GED Preparation Basic Math Skills Money Management Cooking Introduction to: Internet & email Sign language Computer skills Income Source: Fund raising; foundations; grants; bequests; State contracts

Works to lead and influence change that improves the quality of life for Latinos in Rhode Island. CHisPA works with community groups, educational institutions, federal, state and local government units, foundations and corporations to improve opportunities for Latinos and other minority groups. Services and activities include Information and Referral, an alternative school for high risk youth, community education, leadership development and other capacity-building programs. Technical assistance to emerging local groups and leadership in the areas of health access and education. Income Source: Membership fees; fund raising activities, grants.

The Commission's purpose is to ensure that all people with disabilities are afforded the opportunity to exercise all the rights and responsibilities accorded to citizens of Rhode Island and that each person with a disability is able to reach his/her maximum potential for independence, human development, productivity and self-sufficiency.

BHDDH guarantees high-quality, safe and accessible health care services for all individuals with differing intellectual/developmental abilities, mental health or substance use disorders, or who are in the care of facilities administered by BHDDH through an integrated healthcare landscape, in which all Rhode Islanders will thrive. Provides services directly or through community agencies.

Support Group and Hotline for adults with ADD/ADHD. Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings 3rd Thursday of every month 7:00PM - 9:00PM, in the Bradley Hospital Pine Room (except July, August, and December) Meeting Location: Bradley Hospital, Pine Room 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway Riverside, Rhode Island 02915

Non-profit organization dedicated to providing free services to individuals and families touched by cancer in local communities of Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut.