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/
Community Resources Map - https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ll=41.6897272784301%2C-71.42704399268868&z=10&mid=1k1C0wedw8AyrS-W0R3R5S7rx4Oy2di4
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 ADRC, 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.
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive.
Local Leaders join United Way’s Community Advisory Board
Providence, R.I. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island has bolstered its Community Advisory Board, appointing two new members to serve on the volunteer leadership group. The advisory board is a diverse collection of industry leaders who come together to lend their expertise and unique experiences and insights to help United Way align […]
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
Signing of Minimum Wage Bill is a Win for Rhode Island Workers and a Step Forward for the Ocean State
Earlier today, Monday, August 4, United Way of Rhode Island had the honor and the privilege to be represented at the ceremonial signing of the legislation that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 an hour by 2027,
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and United Way of Rhode Island at the 7th Annual Family Caregiver Alliance Conference
This year's theme is: "Together in Care: Stories, Strength, and Support"
This two-day event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm and Saturday, November from 9:00 am to 2:00pm in the RISD Washington Place Auditorium located at 20 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903 - Free parking will be available for registered participants.
Whether you care for a loved one, support a friend, work in health or social services, or advocate for caregivers, this conference offers valuable resources and connection.
The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Please register for the days you wish to attend.
Who Is a Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers are everywhere. The FCARI supports youth, grandparents, friends, or neighbors who step up to help someone they care about.
That includes those who:
-Support a loved one with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability (ID/DD)
-Provide care for someone living with dementia, cancer, or another serious illness
-Help an older adult with daily tasks
-Care for a child or youth with complex needs
Links for registration:
Day One https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373734
Day Two: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373832
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island