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.
Join us at the 6th Annual Family
Caregivers Alliance of RI Conference!
Our Voices, Our Stories: Centering the Unique Needs of Caregivers in Rhode Island
Nuestras Voces, Nuestras Historias: Centrando las Necesidades única de los Cuidadores en Rhode Island
The Family Caregivers Alliance of Rhode Island conference will provide free resources, tools and community connections for caregivers. Topics will range from self-care, tips for stress management, getting a break through respite, strategies for caring for your loved one with a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis, to understanding how to access programs and effectively communicating with community based organizations.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel | Plaza Ballroom
801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick RI 02886
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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.
PROVIDENCE EQUITY FUND
United Way of Rhode Island is collaborating with the City of Providence to address the inequities that still exist in all areas of our society, and to help create a community where every Rhode Islander can thrive.
Through a historic allocation of 10 million dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), initially by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, with a continued commitment by current Mayor Brett Smiley, United Way of Rhode Island is helping administer the granting and allocation of $3 million over 2 years through the Providence Equity Fund.
This initiative closely follows the work and recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This is a pivotal milestone for our state in addressing the systemic racial inequities and injustices that have persisted for generations, holding back our BIPOC communities.
These efforts represent one of the most significant commitments to repairing the harm done to these communities anywhere in the United States. This fund and its grants fully align with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and reinforce our commitment to advancing racial and social equity and inclusion throughout Rhode Island.
The fund is designed to address the most pressing inequities within Providence, like systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. It also creates ways to achieve sustainable development and social justice, with an emphasis on communities of color, which have been historically underserved and disadvantaged by the existing structural systems. The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of the disparities that already existed.
United Way of Rhode Island is collaborating with the City of Providence to address the inequities that still exist in all areas of our society, and to help create a community where every Rhode Islander can thrive.
Through a historic allocation of 10 million dollars in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), initially by former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, with a continued commitment by current Mayor Brett Smiley, United Way of Rhode Island is helping administer the granting and allocation of $3 million over 2 years through the Providence Equity Fund.
This initiative closely follows the work and recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This is a pivotal milestone for our state in addressing the systemic racial inequities and injustices that have persisted for generations, holding back our BIPOC communities.
These efforts represent one of the most significant commitments to repairing the harm done to these communities anywhere in the United States. This fund and its grants fully align with the goals of our LIVE UNITED 2025 strategic plan and reinforce our commitment to advancing racial and social equity and inclusion throughout Rhode Island.
The fund is designed to address the most pressing inequities within Providence, like systemic racism and socio-economic disparities. It also creates ways to achieve sustainable development and social justice, with an emphasis on communities of color, which have been historically underserved and disadvantaged by the existing structural systems. The COVID pandemic exacerbated many of the disparities that already existed.
United Way of Rhode Island invests in organizations that support entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and job training to foster lasting economic change. Recognizing the long-term damage caused by urban renewal projects, this investment area also supports advocacy and housing initiatives aimed at rebuilding and restoring communities that have been disproportionately affected. By empowering residents and championing fair housing policies, the fund contributes to healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Additionally, through programs that promote arts, advocacy, and education and serve the needs of diverse communities, the Providence Equity Fund helps build a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Women United Award
This award recognizes a woman who through her selfless dedication to increasing childhood literacy in Rhode Island, and the generous contribution of her time, talent, and treasure, has empowered young minds, fostered a love of reading, and opened doors to brighter futures. Her efforts not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen the community. The recipient of this year’s award is Nancy Serpa.
Nancy is the co-chair of the Women United Executive Committee. She joined the group in 2015 and has been an active member of the Community Engagement Committee since its inception. She has facilitated the Women United “Young Minds in Motion” afterschool program at local libraries and clubs. She has also organized community partner learning series events, served as a skills-based volunteer mentor, and advocated for afterschool and summer learning programs.
Nancy has always been a dedicated ambassador for United Way’s annual Children’s Book Drive, and she currently serves as the Board Chair of Books Are Wings. She has also served on the United Way’s Community Advisory Board.
Dante F. Mollo Award
The partnership between organized labor and United Way of Rhode Island has lasted over seven decades. The Dante F. Mollo Labor United Award recognizes a leader who has provided exceptional dedication to our community. This year’s awardee is Frank J. Flynn.
Francis J. “Frank” Flynn has been an AFT vice president since 2011. Flynn had been the president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals since 2010. Prior to that, he served as president of the Cranston Teachers’ Alliance, Local 1704, for eight years. Flynn began his career in 1977 as a special education teacher. His 34-year career included working at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He was involved in developing and implementing several highly effective inclusion models to better serve the special needs student population in Cranston. Over the years, Frank served as negotiations chair, grievance chair, vice president, and president. During his tenure, he was instrumental in negotiating such education reforms as a professional development institute, a new teacher mentor program, and a teacher evaluation model. Flynn previously served on the AFT Teachers program and policy council. He currently chairs the AFT Legal Defense Fund; and serves on the AFT Constitutional Amendments and Convention Committee as well as other committees in the leadership of AFT, as well numerous educational, labor, and civic boards and committees. He sits on the executive committee of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Working Rhode Island, and the Providence Central Labor Committee. He chairs the state’s Certification Policy Advisory Board and is a board member of the Occupational and Environmental Health Center of Rhode Island.
Tocqueville United Award
This award is given to outstanding people whose values and commitment reflect the United Way of Rhode Island’s mission, and whose extraordinary concern, foresight and dedication inspire and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community. This year’s recipients are Frances and Peter Trafton.
Frances and Peter met while they were both studying in Boston. After Frances graduated from Boston University and Peter from Harvard Medical School, they moved to San Francisco for Peter’s surgical training. Following a couple of years at an Army hospital in Alaska, Peter joined the UC San Francisco faculty at San Francisco General Hospital. Frances soon retired from teaching grade school. In 1984 they moved to Providence and Peter joined Brown University’s Orthopedic Surgery Department at RI Hospital, where he worked for 20 years, until he stepped back to focus on international education with the AO Foundation and Health Volunteers Overseas, eventually becoming Emeritus Professor of Orthopedics at the Alpert Medical School in 2015.
Frances had the primary role in raising their three children, while Peter had long shifts at the hospital. Despite this, Frances found time for singing, tennis, debate club, and leadership and volunteering roles at the Gordon School.
Peter and Frances are impressed by United Way of Rhode Island’s focus on identifying needs and opportunities for improvement in their communities, and they have given regularly through United Way. They devote much of their time and energy to helping Rhode Island achieve a just and equitable transition to renewable energy and a resilient, joyfully livable environment for all Rhode Islanders.
Community United Award
This award honors the collective impact needed to make progress in our state, and illustrates the power of the many to address key issues. This year’s awardee is the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.
This delegation is a dedicated assembly of individuals who are approachable, present, and always fighting to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. They are true strategic partners to the United Way, and have worked with us over the years to reduce the barriers that Rhode Islanders often face when seeking stability, health, and prosperity. This past year, they partially funded the 211 and the Point call centers.
At the national level the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation has led the charge on encouraging the Bureau of Labor Statistics to release nonprofit employment data on a quarterly basis, just like every other employment sector does. This allows us to understand the sector’s landscape in real time as it changes, and to react in a timely manner when necessary.
Top Corporate Partners
Each year, about 70% of the funds we raise come from our Corporate Partners Workplace Campaigns. These companies have shown a consistent and generous commitment to the United Way and to Workplace Giving. Many of them have been United In Action with us for decades, and some of them for close to a century. The funds these companies help us raise truly help us move the needle towards a more equitable community.
These partnerships extend beyond financial support. Our Top Corporate Partners all run impactful employee giving campaigns, and support other United Way initiatives like 401 Gives. In addition, they engage deeply with the community through our volunteering programs and other initiatives like VITA.
BOARD CHAIR FERNANDEZ
It’s truly a humbling moment for me to write as the newly appointed chairperson of the board of directors. This is the continuation of a personal journey that began over 20 years ago, when I first joined United Way of RI as an administrative assistant with the Community Investment team.
As a staff member, I didn’t just witness the incredible work being done, I lived it!
We didn’t always get to see the faces of the people whose lives were changed by the organization, but we all felt a deep sense of purpose that drove every staff member, volunteer, and community partner. The mission of this organization isn’t just something I support in words; it’s woven into who I am, and the values and the community spirit I found here helped shape me, both professionally and personally.
Moving into the role of chairperson is not just about leading the organization—it’s about giving back to a place that has given so much to me. I am not just returning to a role but to a family—a community of people who share a commitment for helping others.
It is an exciting time at United Way! And as we prepare to reach the 100th year in Rhode Island, we invite you all to be part of the journey --- which is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to honor our past while ensuring we’re ready for the future. And continue the important work of changing lives, pushing even further to meet the needs of those we serve. UNITED IN ACTION and driven by progress, our potential to impact lives is limitless.
Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity, and I look forward to working alongside all of you to continue making a difference in the community we care so deeply about.
Finally, I want to recognize my predecessor as board chairperson, Dolph Johnson.
Dolph has beautifully served as board chair over the last 3 years, during a time of much growth for United Way of RI. Dolph’s expertise, along with his compassion to serve our community has catapulted our Live United 2025 Plan and will leave an incredible legacy that I am so proud to carry on.
Dolph, I, and all of us on the board are inspired by you. You have a way of making all of us feel heard and cared for. You lead with love and a generous spirit. You have taught us all so much of what it means to live in service to others.
Rhode Island and United Way of Rhode Island are better because of you!
Paola Fernández
Board Chair, United Way of Rhode Island
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United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign
Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]
United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us at the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
We are excited to have you join us for the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC)
Date: January 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rhode Island State House Library
82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903