Our mission
Our mission is to advocate for and provide resources to meet the needs of caregivers who are providing long-term in-home care for family and friends, including children and youth with special needs, adults with disabilities and the elderly.
Are you a caregiver?
- Do you help someone with meals, errands, or bills?
- Do you give someone their medicine?
- Do you help someone bathe or dress?
- Do you take care of a child with special needs?
- Do you take care of an older adult with dementia?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a caregiver. Caregivers help all kinds of people. You may help a child, grandchild, spouse, parent, grandparent, relative, friend, neighbor, or someone else. The person may have a disability that affects how their body or mind works, or both. You may help them with a few things or most things, every now and then or every day.
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Rhode Island is making meaningful efforts to expand its response to the ever-increasing population of families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. A federal award was secured in 2018 by the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging to convene partners such as the Family Caregiver Alliance, in an effort to make the State’s system of home- and community-based services dementia-capable. The Rhode Island Department of Health has received “BOLD” funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address dementia through a public health approach. The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging and the Rhode Island Department of Health are driving initiatives such as:
- Deliver evidence-based programming to support families living with dementia. This includes six-week Powerful Tools for Caregivers program offered multiple times a year, as well as a companion three-week training for individuals with dementia who are recently diagnosed. Courses can be found through the Community Health Network: Community Health Network - Health & Wellness Workshops in RI
- Recruit and train a wide range of direct care professionals on dementia care best practices. The training content covers a comprehensive set of topics meant for those who provide services in a care setting, emergency response, community supports, healthcare, and many more.
- Engage with Rhode Island’s network of primary care and related health practices to improve early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Under this targeted effort, practices will be informed of the full suite of community-based services, and how to refer patients into the State’s POINT support network. Providers can access the HIPAA-compliant referral form at this link.
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This program is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $75,024.00 with 75% percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $25,392.68 amount and 25%percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Bennett Named Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer
GoLocalProv
Kyle Bennett, who has long been at the forefront of United Way of Rhode Island's legislative and policy work, has been promoted to the organization's Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer. Most recently, he served as senior director of public policy and equity, and joined United Way in 2006.
Grantmakers Council of R.I. names Bourns new executive director
PBN
Courtney Bourns, who has served as a strategy and program consultant for multiple foundations across the country for the last six years, has been named the new executive director for the Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, the financial support nonprofit announced Tuesday.
Americans turn to 211 helpline amid mounting economic hardships
CBS News
The Wall Street Journal reports Americans are turning to social services helpline 211 in economic emergencies. Rachel Wolfe, consumer trends reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News to discuss.
United Way Hosting Equity Challenge
As part of United Way of Rhode Island’s ongoing commitment to and demonstration of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organization is preparing to host its 2024 Equity Challenge. All Rhode Islanders, individuals, and families, as well as local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to participate in the challenge, which is being offered at no […]
United Way Accepting Applications for Providence Equity Fund
In collaboration with the City of Providence and aligned with its mission to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Providence Equity Fund grant program. Available funding is to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Hosts 12th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Celebration 2024
Save the date!
Thursday, October 10
6 - 8 p.m.
Waterfire Arts Center
475 Valley St., Providence