Youth Resources

Aspire - The Rhode Island Foster Parents Association
55 South Brow Street
East Providence, RI  02914
For more information contact Kat Keenan at (401) 438-3900.
fax (401) 438-3901
https://www.rifpa.org/programs/aspire.htm

Providence, R.I.  (July 14, 2009) - Citizens Bank, Rhode Island and NBC 10 Today named the ASPIRE Program at RI Foster Parents Association in East Providence as their 2009 third quarter Champion in Action® in the financial literacy category.  As part of the award, RI Foster Parents Association will receive a $25,000 grant, media coverage and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work.
The grant will be used to support the Association’s ASPIRE (Aligning Savings, Permanency, Information, Resources and Empowerment) Program.  Since 2005, RI Foster Parents Association has used the ASPIRE Program as a pathway to financial literacy for youth in foster care.  ASPIRE’s mission is to support the growing needs of underserved Rhode Island youth from ages 14-24 by leading them on the path to economic self-sufficiency.

The ASPIRE initiative is a collaboration among community agencies to help teens in foster care get on the path to economic self sufficiency through financial literacy training, assistance in accessing employment and education services, and support in saving toward a purchase goal.

ASPIRE Referral Form

Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative Qualified IDA Match Request Form

Life Skills Program

https://www.rifpa.org/programs/life-skills-program.htm

The Life Skills Program serves youth, sixteen years of age and older, who are living in foster care through the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).  The purpose of the program is to prepare youth for life after their foster care experience.  The Life Skills Program addresses different areas of independent living including:

• Obtaining affordable housing
• Preparing nutritious meals
• Obtaining employment
• Maintaining proper hygiene
• Health
• Educational planning
• Transportation
• Interpersonal skills
• Anger management and conflict resolution
• Legal skills
• Emergency and safety skills
• Money management
• Accessing community resources
  
  The Life Skills Program receives referrals from a variety of sources including case workers at DCYF, other social service providers, foster parents and youth.  The Life Skills Program sponsors an Open House prior to the start of each semester so that youth, foster parents and others may learn more about what the program entails.  Once a youth has been referred to the program, a staff person will contact him/her to set up an appointment in their home.  During that meeting, the staff person will answer any questions that the youth or the family may have about the program.  A Life Skills Assessment will be completed, and transportation arrangements will be coordinated
  Classes meet twice weekly for three and one-half hours for a total of sixteen weeks. During the summer session, classes meet for a total of ten weeks.  Once a youth has completed their Life Skills Program, he/she will participate with their classmates in a graduation ceremony.  The Life Skills Program is funded through the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF).
  
  Download and print a Life Skills Program Referral Form.

Enrichment Fund / Teen Grant Programs

https://www.rifpa.org/programs/enrichment-fund-teen-grant.htm

The Enrichment Fund offers grants to youth age thirteen and under who live in DCYF sponsored out of home care, and who would like to participate in an activity that will enhance their self esteem, skills or knowledge.  RIFPA maintains this initiative through donations and various fundraising activities.  We provide up to $300.00 annually per child upon request so that foster children may participate in the same activities, at the same facilities as their peers.  Applications that represent requests more likely to be considered as "presents" or "gifts" are much less likely to be approved. Applications to the Enrichment Fund are reviewed monthly by a committee of staff and youth.

Download and print an Enrichment Fund Application Form.

Participation in enrichment activities such as athletics or the arts stimulates social skills and increases motivation for learning and participation in school activities.  The true beauty of the Enrichment Fund is that it lets foster children know they are valued.  It also provides them with a sense of normalcy that too often is lacking in their lives.  Finally, one hundred percent (100%) of the funds donated to the Enrichment Program are dispersed to pay for activities requested by the child on the Application Form.  To donate to the Enrichment Fund, send a check payable to RIFPA Youth Enrichment to:
55 South Brow Street
East Providence, RI  02914
All donations are tax deductible.

Teen Grant

The Rhode Island Foster Parent's Teen Grant Program, funded by the DCYF's Independent Living Initiative, is intended to serve youth between the ages 14-21 who live outside of their biological family's home.  Teens are eligible to apply for grants for up to $300.00 per year in order to enhance self-esteem, build skills and knowledge and prepare for independence and adulthood.

These grants are reviewed by an all-volunteer committee comprised of current or former youth in-care, teen programming staff, foster family members and DCYF representatives. This committee meets monthly, generally the last Monday of every month, to review submitted grant applications.
Several issues have come to the Teen Grant Committee's attention and in an effort to process grant applications more efficiently, the committee would like to make several suggestions to all youth planning to apply for future Teen Grants.

Application Process

Applications must be filled out completely by the youth.  Foster parents, DCYF and Agency Caseworkers are strongly discouraged from filling out and applying on behalf of youth.  The grant process is intended to help build independence and self-esteem. When an adult takes on the responsibility of applying on behalf of a young person it undermines the spirit of the grant process.  Applications filled out by anyone other than the applicant will only be accepted under circumstances where the youth is unable (either physically or developmentally) to complete the application.  Youth should also be researching their requests fully. For example, “I want a computer to help me with my school work”, isn't sufficient. The youth should have a particular computer in mind, the cost of the computer, where it will be purchased, and how s/he will pay any remaining costs (if any).  In cases where musical instruments, etc. are requested, previous lessons or a mentor should be identified to show that the youth will be able to fully utilize the item requested.

Time

Please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for processing the grant application.  This means that the youth should be applying for any requested monies well in advance of the anticipated need.  The committee meets only once monthly and no application is reviewed individually between meeting dates. Remember it not only takes time to review the grant, but the processing of checks and the mailing of grant decisions also takes time.

Eligible Requests

Youth are encouraged to make grant application for things that will enhance their self-esteem, independence, skills and knowledge.  Applications requesting funding for things likely to be considered 'presents or gifts' are much less likely to be approved.

Likely to be approved:
Driving Lessons/Education classes, Music/Art/Dance Lessons, Sports Equipment/Camp, School/Club Activities, Prom Expenses, Desktop Computers, etc.

Less likely to be approved:
Personal Electronics (CD players, DVD players, Laptop Computers, etc, Clothing, Rent, Most furniture and baby items.

Approval

Teen Grants are subject to committee review and grant application guidelines. Submitting an application does not automatically mean the grant is approved.  Teen Grant funding is very limited and not to be thought of an 'Individual's Account' where youth draw down funds. There is no such thing as “How much do I have left in my account.”  In addition, it is the responsibility of youth who apply for several grants to maintain a copy of their grants and the amounts they have previously requested.  The committee bases approval on need, available funding and priority of use.

Funds Dispersement

Checks will be issued in the exact amount of the purchase directly to companies, stores, camps, schools etc.  Checks will not be issued to teens, foster parents, etc.

Receipts

All applicants must provide proof of use, by way of receipts, within 15 days of purchase. Youth who do not return receipts will forfeit the ability to apply for future Teen Grants.

Any questions should be left on the Teen Grant Committee's new voicemail system. Again, whenever possible, youth should be making their own inquiries.  The new Teen Grant telephone number is (401) 438-3900 Voice mailbox number 115.  Youth should leave a brief message which includes: their name, contact number and any questions and/or information.  Teen Grant committee members return calls on a weekly basis, generally on Fridays.

Download and print a Teen Grant Application Form.

New Urban Arts
743 Westminster Street
Providence, RI  02903
phone (401) 751-4556
fax (401) 273-8499
E mail: info@newurbanarts.org
New Urban Arts is a nationally recognized arts studio for high school students.

The Youth 4 Change Alliance (Y4C)

672 Broad Street

Providence, RI  02905

phone (401) 751-4264 x.7
http://www.y4cri.org or http://www.facebook.com/y4cri

The Youth 4 Change Alliance (Y4C) is an alliance between five different youth organizations in Providence, Rhode Island.
Y4C is a group of five organizations in Providence, RI that believe in youth power and leadership.  They came together because they are deeply concerned about the lack of youth presence in public discussions.  Decisions are made that affect youth first and sometimes more seriously than adults, without their voice at the table.Y4C believes that when young people have the access, support, and opportunity to impact policies and systems, the entire community benefits.  
Right now, Y4C is working on Providence’s first Youth Bill of Rights, which will focus on the issues that impact young people most.  They’re also building a youth network to keep youth informed about issues and their community and ways to work on real solutions.  The Y4C organizations are Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE), Providence Public Schools District Wide Student Government (DWSG), Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), Young Voices, and Youth in Action. 

Youth Pride, Inc.
171 Chestnut Street
Providence, RI  02903
phone (401) 421-5626
fax (401) 274-1990
http://www.youthprideri.org
info@youthprideri.org

Youth Pride, Inc. provides support, advocacy, and education for youth and young adults throughout Rhode Island who are impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

Mission
YPI’s goals are to meet the social, emotional and educational needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and their allies through empowering programs of support, education, organizing and advocacy, while working to change the homophobic, biphobic and transphobic environments in which they live.

Vision
YPI's vision is to build a strong and vocal community of youth and their supporters in order to allow LGBTQQ youth and their allies in Rhode Island to be heard, accepted and nurtured.  The future we strive to create is one in which prejudice against LGBTQQ youth and their allies has been eliminated, and LGBTQQ youth, young adults and their allies are empowered to live healthy, full lives.

YPI’s support services include:
            Individual and family counseling
            Advocacy
            Crisis intervention and
            Case management services
Academic tutoring and GED preparation support is provided by volunteer, certified educators.  This provides opportunities for youth to focus on academic performance without fear of negative perception and consequences for identifying as LGBTQQ.

The Way Out, a weekly support group, provides an opportunity to share their experiences with other LGBTQQ youth.  This peer-facilitated support group is every Thursday from 4-6 PM.  We are an official Hate Crimes Reporting.

YPI has a drop-in center that is open 47 hours every week for our young people, ages 13-23.  Come check out our space at 171 Chestnut Street in Providence.  We have a huge library, full kitchen, tons of hang out space and great people to meet!  Play some games, eat way too much pizza, get involved in one or more of our many programs, get support and/or make new friends in a safe environment!

Drop-in Center Hours:
Monday-Friday 12am-8pm (Fridays we leave the drop-in center for activity at 4pm.)
Saturdays 10am-5pm 

Office for Family, Youth & School Success (OFYSS)

3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI  02908
phone (401) 222-5927
fax: (401) 222-1442

School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) in Rhode Island.

School based Health Centers:
Offer a range of physical, behavioral, and oral health services to students in school. Allow students to take care of their health needs so they are better able to learn. Make getting health care easy.
Students do not have to leave school, which avoids transportation problems and absences from school.  Students do not need medical insurance to receive services.There are currently 8 school based health centers in urban communities in Rhode Island.
Central Falls
Pawtucket
Providence
West Warwick
Woonsocket

CENTRAL FALLS:
Central Falls High School
24 Summer Street
Central Falls, RI  02863
Anne Ravenscroft, PNP
phone (401) 729-5731
Operating Agency: Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc.
(401) 729-0800

PAWTUCKET:
Samuel Slater Jr. High School / Virginia Cunningham School
281 Mineral Spring Avenue
Pawtucket, RI  02860
Judy Mendes, PNP
phone (401) 721-2108
Operating Agency: Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc.
(401) 729-0800
Shea High School
485 East Avenue
Pawtucket, RI  02860
Julie White, PNP
phone (401) 721-2128
Operating Agency: Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, Inc.
(401) 729-0800

PROVIDENCE:
The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical School
325 Public Street
Providence, RI  02905
Bethany Baker, FNP
phone (401) 752-2695
Operating Agency:Providence Community Health Centers, Inc.
(401) 444-0400

WEST WARWICK:
Thundermist Health Hut at John F. Deering Middle School
(Also serving West Warwick High School)
Webster Knight Drive
West Warwick, RI  02893
Dawn Cater, FNP
phone (401) 615-2900
Operating Agency: Thundermist Health Center
Lauren Nocera, MSW
(401) 767-4163 x3462

WOONSOCKET:
Kevin K. Coleman School
(Also serving 5th Ave School)
96 Second Avenue
Woonsocket, RI  02895
Carol Morris, FNP
phone (401) 767-5474
Operating Agency: Thundermist Health Center
Lauren Nocera, MSW
(401) 767-4163 x3462
Woonsocket Middle School
357 Park Place
Woonsocket, RI  02895
Cynthia Buckley, FNP
phone (401) 767-4779
Operating Agency: Thundermist Health Center
Lauren Nocera, MSW
(401) 767-4163 x3462
Woonsocket High School
777 Cass Avenue
Woonsocket, RI  02895
Rebecca Sheenan, FNP
phone (401) 767-4648
Operating Agency: Thundermist Health Associates, Inc.

Rhode Island Title X Family Planning Program
3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI  02908
HEALTH Information Line: 1-(800) 942-7434
Mission Statement
The mission of the Title X Family Planning Program is to provide women and men, including teenagers, with information and services that will enable them to maintain their overall health, avoid unintended pregnancy or achieve a planned pregnancy when they are physically, emotionally and financially prepared to take on the responsibility.
The Title X Family Planning Program provides high-quality care, services, education and counseling to women, men and teens.  If a person has health insurance, their health plan is charged for the services provided.  When a person does not have health insurance, the cost for services and supplies is figured on a sliding fee scale, based on income.  No one is denied services

Programs & Services:

• Title X Family Planning Services and Agencies
• Title X HIV Testing & Services
• Women’s Health Screening & Referral Program
• Vasectomy Program
• Educational Materials Order Form
• Forms
• Information for Providers
• Publications & Resources

Some of the services offered are:

• Education and counseling about birth control methods
• Birth control for you and your partner
• Pregnancy testing
• Confidential HIV counseling, testing and referral services
• Physical exams.
• Pap smears
• Breast exams
• Infertility information and referrals
• Free vasectomies for men without health insurance does not cover a vasectomy
• Some lab testing
• Referrals to specialized care when necessary

Transportation

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)
401-781-9400
265 Melrose Street Providence, RI 029007

RIPTA Bus Pass Program
401-784-9500 Ext. 604

RIPTA Flex Service
877-906-3539

RIDE Program           
401-461-9760/800-479-6902

Rhode Island Youth and Employment Information Centers

Pawtucket
Pawtucket Youth Center
RI DLT One Stop
175 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI  02860
(401) 305 5919 – Lizette Fuentes
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 8-4

Woodlawn CDC
210 West Avenue
Pawtucket, RI  02860
(401) 475-7968 – Melissa Orphen-Tuz
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 12-8

Providence
Providence/Cranston Youth Center
RI DLTL One Stop
1 Reservoir Avenue
Providence, RI  02907
(401) 228-8350 – Ellen Petit
Hours of Operation Mon, Wed & Fri 8-4, Tues & Thurs 8-8

E. Providence
East Bay Community Action Program
East Providence Boys & Girls Club
115 Williams Avenue
E. Providence, RI  02915
(401) 405-6193 – Lisa Maduro-Perkins
Hours of Operation- Tues, Wed, Thurs from 3-8 and Fri 11-4

Bristol/Warren
199 Chestnut Street
Mt. Hope High School
Bristol, RI  02809
(401) 257-9931 – Nikki Ferreira
(401) 447-4052
Hours of Operation Tues & Wed 10-3

Newport
East Bay Community Action Program
95 Church Street
Newport, RI  02840-2937
(401) 619-2759 – Steve Dolce
(401) 692-2695
Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs 3-8
Warwick/W. Warwick
The Warwick Skills Center
3027 West Shore Road
Warwick, RI  02886
(401) 732-5562 – Deana Pecchia
Hours of Operation Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Fri 8:30 – 5:00

The Westbay Youth Center
222 Washington Street
West Warwick, RI  02893
(401) 615-7690 – Valeri Gallagher
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 8-5

Woonsocket
Family Resources
55 Main Street
Woonsocket, RI  02895
(401) 235-6059 – Mark Foley or Jo Goode
(401) 235-6011
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9-5

Johnston
Tri-Town Community Action
1126 Hartford Avenue
Johnston, RI  02919
(401) 519-1929 – Jamie Sisto
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9-5

Wakefield
South County Community Action Program
1935 Kingstown Road
Wakefield, RI  02879
(401) 789-3016 Ext. 330 – Jaclyn Murphy
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9-5

Charlestown
South County Community Action Program
4350 South County Trail
Charlestown, RI  02813
(401) 789-3016 Ext. 330 – Jaclyn Murphy
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9-5

Westerly
South County Community Action Program
34 Pond Road
Westerly, RI  02891
(401) 789-3016 Ext. 330 – Jaclyn Murphy         
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 9-5