For more than two decades, Wayne Kezirian and Elizabeth Paroli have supported Children’s Friend through annual donations, the Investing in Our Children Luncheon, and the Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive. They are proud to give back to an organization that has remained steadfast in its commitment to children and families for nearly 200 years.
Hannah was just 13 years old when she enrolled in Healthy Families America (HFA). She had recently given birth to her son, Elliot, and was adjusting to life as a new mother while living with her own mom and five-year-old sibling. Managing severe anxiety on top of new parenthood made daily life challenging, and the family dynamics were often difficult.
A child’s emotional well-being in the earliest years of their lives shapes everything that follows. It impacts how they learn, build relationships, and navigate the world around them. This year, Children’s Friend expanded its commitment to whole-child development through the growth of our Mental Health and Disabilities program, bringing critical early childhood mental health services to children up to the age of 5.
In April, we joined the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission, the City of Providence, and Pennrose for a ribbon cutting celebrating a new mixed-use affordable housing development in Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood.
Amanda struggles with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can cause painful menstruationand infertility. She tried for a year and a half to get pregnant. Just as she was about to start fertilitytreatment, she got pregnant. Amanda had anxiety throughout her pregnancy. It had been such a longjourney to this point, and that added to…
Melissa Sanchez is a Family Advocate in our Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Program. The role of a Family Advocate is critical to family and child success. It’s what sets Early Head Start and Head Start apart from other early learning programs. Every family enrolled in our Early Head Start and Head Start programs…
When Kathleen was seven years old, her parents told her she was adopted. She always considered it an interesting fact about her life. Her parents gave her everything a child could need, and they had built a community for her. She knew other children who were adopted, including her sister.
Elaine never expected the call. It came late one night, through Facebook Messenger. The foggy voice on the other end was her half-sister, Lisa*, someone she’d barely spoken to, and Lisa was pregnant.
PROVIDENCE, DECEMBER 9, 2024 – Children’s Friend will aim to fill holiday wish lists for over 2,000 children through its annual Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive. However, this year, the agency is behind in meeting its goal to serve over 900 families this season. Over 300 families are still waiting to be sponsored, and only…
Over the past 30 years, Project Connect has kept children safe and families together. The program serves families statewide who are identified by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). We recently sat down with Geneva Washington, Project Connect Home Visitor, and asked about this special program. This October marks nine years since Geneva joined the Project Connect team at Children’s Friend.
