ABOUT THE FAMILY CAREGIVER ALLIANCE OF RHODE ISLAND
The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI actively supports those caring for a diverse range of people across the lifespan. From working caregivers, caregivers of veterans, spousal caregivers, pediatric caregivers, older adult and youth caregivers, and all others in need.
Family caregivers include people of all ages, from youth to grandparents; people with and without disabilities; people providing care from a distance; and people meeting a wide variety of needs, such as supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) across the lifespan, caring for people with serious and/or progressive illnesses like dementia and cancer, and assisting with daily tasks that can be challenging for older people and people with disabilities.
We provide advocacy, education, peer support and resources to the growing population of family caregivers in Rhode Island.
OUR MISSION
The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI advocates alongside family caregivers to expand access to services and supports. We provide resources, information, and connections to programs that meet the needs of those who provide care for others.
OUR VISION
We envision a Rhode Island that recognizes the value of caregivers, their labor and dedication to caring for their loved ones and can offer families access to the right supports at the right time.
OUR VALUES
We believe in caregivers and their dedication.
We believe in amplifying the voice and experiences of caregivers.
We believe in intentional partnerships and coalitions.
We believe in increasing the range of services and options for families.
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 are everywhere and help all kinds of people. You may help a child, grandchild, spouse, parent, grandparent, relative, friend, neighbor, or someone else. You may help them with a few things or most things, every now and then or every day or you may just visit them regularly to see how they are doing.
What do caregivers need?
Currently, the reported 121,000 caregivers in RI are often underrepresented, unappreciated and under-supported. And, The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI is committed to changing that.
We are embarking on statewide efforts to collect information on the needs, challenges and priorities of those who provide care to loved ones in our communities to inform the updates to the RI State Plan for Family Caregivers and guide the focus of the Family Caregiver Alliance.
TAKE THE 2025 CAREGIVER SURVEY
Available in:
Questions about the survey and focus groups? Contact E. Denise Meza at denise.meza@unitedwayri.org
CAREGIVER RESOURCES
1O Tips for Family Caregivers - https://www.caregiveraction.org/10-tips-family-caregivers/
LIFESPAN RESPITE PROGRAM
What is respite care?
Planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with special needs in order to provide temporary relief to family caregivers who are caring for that child or adult.
Lifespan Respite Care Act definition PL 109-442
Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, giving them time to rest, travel, or spend time with other family and friends
Respite care can be beneficial for caregivers of people who are sick, aging, or disabled. It can help caregivers:
- Rest
- Travel
- Spend time with friends and family
- Relieve stress
- Restore energy
- Receive medical care of their own
- Avoid burnout
If you’re a primary caregiver, you may benefit from looking into respite care. Respite care exists to offer home care assistance to primary caregivers who could use some time off. You do a great job taking care of your loved one, but it’s a lot of hard work. If you’re feeling like you could benefit from a break, talk to a reputable and trusted care service about respite care.
CAREGIVER RESOURCES
The CareBreaks respite services program provides unpaid primary caregivers of physically disabled individuals, those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, and frail seniors a break (respite) from caring for their loved one.
The CareBreaks respite services program is administered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. It is funded by Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging via the Older Americans Act and general revenue state funds. Both in-home and
out-of-home respite care services are provided on an intermittent and regular basis.
To apply call (401) 421-7833 x 212 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm
Or visit https://dioceseofprovidence.org
Respite care can be free or through shared cost based on the caregiver's household income* Care recipient income is not counted.
2. Free group respite at University of Rhode Island
3. VA Providence – for caregivers of Veterans
There are two types of respite:
Home Respite Care is a service that pays for a person to come to a Veteran's home or for a Veteran to go to an adult day health care program while their family caregiver takes a break or runs errands.
Nursing Home Respite Care is a service that pays for a Veteran to go to a nursing home while the family goes out of town for a few days without worrying about leaving the Veteran alone at home. Nursing home respite may take place in a VA Community Living Center or a community nursing home and is available for a maximum of 30 days each calendar year. This type of respite should be scheduled in advance. Services may vary by location.
The program is for Veterans who need help with activities of daily living. Examples include help with bathing, dressing, or fixing meals. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden. Respite Care can be used in combination with other Home and Community Based Services.
Respite Care can help lower the stress the Veterans and their family caregiver may feel when managing a Veteran's short-term or long-term care needs at home.
If you are a caregiver for a Veteran, you can get support by contacting a VA Providence caregiver support Program. We can help with:
- Getting caregiver assistance available through VA
- Matching you with services and benefits
- Connecting you with local resources and programs
CALL the VA Caregiver Program 401-273-7100, ext. 13283
Or visit https://www.va.gov/providence-health-care/health-services/caregiver-support/
Respite Locator Service - https://archrespite.org/caregiver-resources/respitelocator/
Other Resources
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Hotline - 800.272.3900
Grandparents as Caregivers Program at the YMCA
Through our partnership with the YMCA, we offer free educational and wellness programming year-round for children whose primary caregivers are 55 or older. After-school care, summer camp scholarships, and free Y-based programs are available. This service is available to families in the greater Providence, Pawtucket, Lincoln, and Woonsocket areas; there are no income restrictions
20 Summer St, Pawtucket
RI 02860
The Village for RI Foster & Adoptive Families
The Village was incorporated in March of 2016 as RI’s only foster and adoptive family founded and governed support organization. Today, The Village offers Peer Support for Kinship, Foster and Adoptive Families through monthly support groups, a community closet and family events.
For more information visit RIVillage.org, email admin@rivillage.org or call (401) 481-5483.
Caregiver Action Network – CAN
National Organization that works to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for a loved one with chronic conditions.
Call the Caregiver Help Desk 855-227-3640
Caregiveraction.org
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Evidence-based self-care education program for family caregivers that provides tools and strategies to better handle unique caregiver challenges. Free of charge.
Call Catholic Social Services at 401-278-25-02
Dioceseofprovidence.org/elderservices
National Alliance for Caregiving 202-918-1013. www.caregiving.org
Archangels - https://www.archangels.me/
RESOURCE LOCATOR - https://tari.myresourcedirectory.com/
Need other resource information, referral or application assistance?
The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI and the Aging and Disability Resource center can provide caregiver crisis management and or practical caregiving help and advice.
CALL the POINT, RI’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at Call (401) 462-4444
Or contact the Family Caregiver Alliance Program Officer at denise.meza@unitedwayri.org
Subscribe for Updates and Caregiving News
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.
It’s time to broaden view of what nonprofits really are. Hope & Main shows how
I’ve spent the majority of my life immersed in the nonprofit sector, and one of the most common misconceptions is that they’re often placed beneath a "social services" umbrella. That narrow view couldn’t be further from the truth.
When nonprofits are seen only as organizations that address basic needs, it’s a limited perception that overlooks their far-reaching influence. They are the heartbeat of our communities, enhancing and influencing our daily lives in ways many do not even notice.
Nonprofits can be found everywhere – from youth sports leagues and museums to community gardens, arts foundations and public media. Your niece’s town soccer team? They’re part of a nonprofit. Enjoying a WaterFire lighting, hiking at a preserve or watching PBS on a quiet evening? Those experiences are made possible by nonprofits as well. They’re also economic engines, civic leaders and innovation hubs. Sometimes, they’re all of those things at once.
Volunteers Needed for “Day of Action” on June 7 to Help Prepare Donated Books for Distribution to Local Children
Providence, R.I. (May 27, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island’s annual “Day of Action” is quickly approaching, and the organization is looking for additional volunteers to help prepare thousands of donated books for distribution to local children. The event is one of United Way’s largest volunteer-driven initiatives of the year to improve childhood literacy.
“Day of Action” will take place on Saturday, June 7, at United Way’s 50 Valley Street headquarters in Providence, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a fun, family-friendly event and provides a great opportunity for individuals needing community service hours for school or professional development.
During “Day of Action,” volunteers will help with sorting, labeling, and packaging thousands of books collected during United Way’s recent Children’s Book Drive in partnership with Books Are Wings, whose mission is to put free books in the hands of kids. Thanks to the drive’s many partners, community drop-off locations, and collections organized by businesses, schools, and other groups, the effort has thus far collected more than 10,000 books.
Once the books are ready for their new homes, Books Are Wings will distribute them to children across Rhode Island through summer learning and afterschool programs.
Volunteers on “Day of Action” will receive United Way “UNITED IS THE WAY” t-shirts and refreshments, including a pizza lunch at 12:15 p.m. Families and children are welcome and encouraged to participate; those aged 16 and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
If you would like to volunteer, or if you have questions, please contact Lori DiMatteo at Lori.DiMatteo@unitedwayri.org. Volunteers may also us this link to register.
Over the past decade, United Way’s Children’s Book Drive has provided more than 300,000 books to kids throughout the Ocean State.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
United Way of Rhode Island Statement on the House Budget Cuts
United is the Way— and that means standing up for every Rhode Islander.
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe budgets are moral documents — they reveal what we truly value. The budget passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22 fails that test.
This federal budget proposal would devastate communities across our state. It includes sweeping cuts to programs that tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders rely on — putting healthcare, food assistance, housing, education, and veterans’ services at risk.
Slashing Medicaid funding and adding harsh work requirements would jeopardize care for more than 366,000 Rhode Islanders — including older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans who’ve earned better. Cuts to SNAP would force families to choose between food and rent. And new restrictions on services for homeless students and immigrant families betray our most basic commitments to dignity and fairness.
Every day, through 211, we hear the real stories behind the headlines — Rhode Islanders struggling to afford food, find housing, or access healthcare — and we’re here, answering the call, connecting them to the help they need.
By gutting funding for clean energy, stripping environmental protections, and attacking safety net services, this bill tears at the very foundation of strong communities.
Rhode Island should never be punished for choosing compassion — for expanding healthcare access, investing in sustainability, and protecting our neighbors. This isn’t just bad policy. It’s a betrayal of what we stand for.
Rhode Island deserves a budget that builds people up — not one that tears them down in the name of tax cuts.
It is critical that we advocate for the needs of our residents and take action that shows
United Is The Way. Because fairness and dignity, is critical to create a Rhode Island where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Call your U.S. Senators today and tell them you stand with them in standing up for the people of Rhode Island.
Senator Jack Reed: (401) 943-3100 https://www.reed.senate.gov/contact
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: (401) 453- 5294 https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/contact/
Contact Jack | U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
Lawyers’ Committee for RI seeks Volunteer Attorneys to help Nonprofits Navigate the Evolving Regulatory and Funding Landscapes
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty
Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.
UPCOMING EVENTS
RI Young Professionals Statewide Summer Social
Join us for Rhode Island's re-vamped Young Professional Statewide Summer Social.
Co-hosted by United Way of Rhode Island's Emerging Leaders program, Millennial Rhode Island, and Southern Rhode Island Young Professionals, this is the largest young professionals networking event of the year and your chance to connect with your peers across companies, industries, and sectors.
When and Where?
Whaler's Brewing Co.
1174 Kingstown Road
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Wednesday, July 9th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136323132
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931
RI Young Professionals Statewide Summer Social
Join us for Rhode Island's re-vamped Young Professional Statewide Summer Social.
Co-hosted by United Way of Rhode Island's Emerging Leaders program, Millennial Rhode Island, and Southern Rhode Island Young Professionals, this is the largest young professionals networking event of the year and your chance to connect with your peers across companies, industries, and sectors.
When and Where?
Whaler's Brewing Co.
1174 Kingstown Road
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Wednesday, July 9th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136323132
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931
RI Young Professionals Statewide Summer Social
Join us for Rhode Island's re-vamped Young Professional Statewide Summer Social.
Co-hosted by United Way of Rhode Island's Emerging Leaders program, Millennial Rhode Island, and Southern Rhode Island Young Professionals, this is the largest young professionals networking event of the year and your chance to connect with your peers across companies, industries, and sectors.
When and Where?
Whaler's Brewing Co.
1174 Kingstown Road
South Kingstown, RI 02879
Wednesday, July 9th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136323132
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931
