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Program aims to reverse learning loss
WPRI
For 30 hours a week for six weeks, the Summer Learning Initiative gives students the opportunity to learn in fun and out-of-the-box ways... "There’s ways to be able to explore and be creative without feeling like they are falling farther and farther behind, which I think a lot of youth are feeling right now because of the pandemic," [Marlene] Guay said.
FCARI: Tips for Helping Children on the Autism Spectrum Adjust to a Move
When you have children on the autism spectrum, every aspect of your life is affected. Stability and routine are often the keys to keeping them safe and happy, as is prioritizing them by creating experiences together and letting them help with chores around the house. Moving to a new home poses a unique challenge. Every step of the process must take your children's special needs into consideration – which is much easier if you follow these tips from the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island.
Research Homes
Children on the autism spectrum often need detailed information to thrive, so the first step is gathering data about homes in your target area. Search listings to compare prices and interview several realtors to find the one who understands your needs. Research the surrounding neighborhoods to ensure they have the schools, therapy, and medical services your children require. Also, if a house has more space than you need, remember that an apartment is an option, too.
When you are selecting a home, keep in mind the changes you may need to make for your kids. For example, if you have a child who tends to wander off, reaching out to the Security Garage Door, Gate, and Fence to install an entry gate that blocks the path to the street may be necessary. According to autism experts at the Autism Society, there are many modifications you can make to address the unique sensory needs of your children.
Prepare Your Child
Once you have your plans in place, discuss them with your children. Younger kids can adjust to the news with a few weeks' notice, but teens may need to know months in advance, particularly if it is a long-distance move. Explain the timeline of the move, using visual schedules for clarity when appropriate. Give them time to ask questions and detail the specific tasks they will be responsible for throughout each phase of the process.
Maintain Order
Moving is often chaotic, but an uncertain environment isn't likely to work well for children on the autism spectrum. One of the biggest challenges you may face is accommodating their needs while packing for the move. To minimize stress, keep your home as free of clutter as possible. Ideally, most of the packing can be done in one day to lessen the disruption. If this is not feasible, designate clear spaces for different locations where packed boxes will be out of the way.
Professional cleaners can help you maintain a clean, clutter-free home. Spills are more frequent during moves, and an experienced upholstery cleaner can salvage your furniture quickly so that your children don't get overwhelmed by the mess. After comparing prices, reading reviews, and consulting former customers for specific feedback, you can meet with your top candidates to choose the cleaner you want. Avoid hiring cleaners who use all-in-one tools—you may not get the deep wash you need.
Clarify Moving Day Schedule
The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community notes that there are a lot of transitions on moving day, and they can be a challenge for children on the autism spectrum to navigate. Review the day's schedule first thing in the morning so that it is fresh on their minds. If they have their own specific tasks to complete throughout the process, it will probably go more smoothly.
Once you arrive at your new home, give your children time to adjust. Introduce them to each new space, both inside and outside. If they still have the energy to do so, take a family walk around the neighborhood after the basic things in their room are set up.
Moving can be tumultuous under the best circumstances. If you have children on the autism spectrum, there are other factors you have to consider. By planning ahead and keeping your children informed, you can make the move as calm as possible for them.
The Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island advocates for and provides 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. Connect with us today to find out more! maryam.attarpour@unitedwayri.org
This article was written by specialhomeeducator.com
Check out their site for more great resources like this.
Summer energy bill assistance is available
The Westerly Sun
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is open to all eligible Rhode Island households experiencing financial difficulty and [needing] assistance with energy expenses, even in the summer. The fund is sponsored by Rhode Island Energy, Block Island Utility District, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services and RISEC LP and administered by United Way of Rhode Island.
10 Ways Nonprofits Can Influence Giving
Forbes Nonprofit Council
As nonprofits seek out donations, leveraging... win-win opportunities can be an effective way to further the social goals of the nonprofit and potential donors. Below, a panel of experts from Forbes Nonprofit Council, including Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, each share one... strategy nonprofit leaders can leverage to influence major corporations to support community-serving efforts.
Form Symbiotic Nonprofit Relationships
Forbes Nonprofit Council
"If not done carefully, a business relationship has the potential to hinder rather than help the work being done by both organizations. To prevent collaborations that hinder nonprofit work, 11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council, including Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, share how nonprofit leaders can form mutually beneficial relationships with a partner or another organization."
Nonprofit Center Design Team Announced
GoLocalProv
"United Way of Rhode Island announced on Tuesday the... members of a 'Design Team' that will be tasked with co-creating a vision and plan for... a Nonprofit Resource Center... 'We had a strong application response, and [these] individuals particularly stood out for their collection of unique insights and commitment to collaboration,' said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way."
401Gives raises $3.09M for 507 nonprofits
Providence Business News
"This year's 401Gives Day raised the bar, once again, in supporting the state's nonprofit sector. As of Monday afternoon, the annual online fundraising initiative raised $3.09M, breaking last year's record total by close to a million dollars. It also saw a record number of donors – 12,850 in total as of 2:15 p.m. Monday – and number of organizations supported at 507, exceeding last year's mark by 87."
Support youth literacy by donating books
The Rhode Show
"This morning on The Rhode Home we welcomed NIROPE – Ron & Pete Cardi – along with Lori DiMatteo, Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement for United Way of Rhode Island, and Jocelyn White, Executive Director of Books Are Wings. We learned about the upcoming [Children's] Book Drive starting in April, [hosted by United Way, Women United, and Books Are Wings]."
401Gives 2022 // ‘Car Pooling with Ben’
Ben DeCastro
"Cortney Nicolato joins 'Car Pooling with Ben' to chat about the excitement that is 401Gives as well as other ways that... United Way of Rhode Island supports anyone and everyone through their wide range of programs & services!"
Utility Bill Assistance Still Available as RI’s Shutoff Moratorium Ends
Households at risk of losing utilities service amid high energy prices and back bills may be eligible for help through Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund
United Way of RI Hosting 14th Annual Children’s Book Drive
Held throughout April and May, the collection supports the work of Books Are Wings
Eligible Rhode Islanders Still Have Time to Get their Taxes Prepared for Free
The United Way-led Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available at 20+ sites statewide
Rhode Islanders Affected by Latest Changes to SNAP Benefits Should Call United Way’s 211
Upwards of 10,000 Rhode Islanders are expected to be impacted by changes set to take effect on March 1, 2026, including thousands projected to lose eligibility entirely
Philanthropists Betsey Purinton and James English Honored by United Way of RI
In recognition of their extraordinary philanthropy and dedication to helping their fellow Rhode Islanders, Betsey Purinton and James English were presented with the Tocqueville United Award by United Way of Rhode Island. The couple was honored during a special donor celebration event on May 9 at the Roger Williams Park Lakeside Pavilion.
Amid Rising Energy Costs, RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund Expands Eligibility to Help More Rhode Islanders
Through May 9, households may qualify for assistance with income up to 350% of the FPL
401Gives Exceeds Goal, Tops $5 Million Raised for Local Nonprofits Thanks to Rhode Islanders’ Incredible Generosity
At a time organizations need it most, 20,000+ donors stepped up to make 32,000+ gifts
United Way Hosts 14th 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.
Amid Rising Energy Costs, RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund Expands Eligibility to Help More Rhode Islanders
Through May 9, households may qualify for assistance with income up to 350% of the FPL
Just Two Weeks Left for Nonprofits to Sign-up for 401Gives
More than 520 organizations have already registered for this year’s effort, which kicks off
bright and early on March 31 and continues through April 1
Rhode Islanders Affected by Latest Changes to SNAP Benefits Should Call United Way’s 211
Upwards of 10,000 Rhode Islanders are expected to be impacted by changes set to take effect on March 1, 2026, including thousands projected to lose eligibility entirely
Get Ready Rhode Island Nonprofits, 401Gives is Back
Registration is open for the state’s largest philanthropic effort supporting local organizations