May is both Foster Care Awareness Month and National Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of that, this May the Missions Committee voted to contribute $350 each to two Rhode Island based organizations, Foster Forward and Tides Family Services.

Foster Forward’s mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. They recognize the strength and potential of youth in and aging out of foster care and deliver programs to help them thrive. Foster Forward offers employment training including paid work-based learning experiences and a mentoring program connecting youth with positive long-term adult role models.

Foster Forward runs a Youth Drop-in Center that, among other things, provides showers, a washer and dryer, food, clothing, computer access and clinical supports. They also operate a rapid re-housing program for youth who have aged out of foster care and are experiencing homelessness. Foster Forward believes every young person deserves a safe home, a supportive network, and the chance to pursue their
dreams.

Tides Family Services addresses the needs of children at-risk ages 6-21. Their programs promote family preservation by providing community and home-based services including individual, family, and group
counseling; educational and court advocacy; home visitations and a 24/7 immediate crisis response program. By extending services to an entire family,

Tides Family Services is able to keep a large percentage of youth at home instead of in residential programs and group homes. This leads to a higher rate of school achievement and a greater chance for youth to reach their potential.

Tides Family Services also operates two small schools. These schools have a no-reject philosophy accepting any student a school department refers to them and providing multiple opportunities for students to be
successful. On their website Tides Family Service’s notes:
“We never give up on a kid…never!”

Gail Elliott