On the eve of the most important election of modern times energies are high. Fueled by Covid, the economy, and the societal stresses of systemic racism, our families and staff are under tremendous stress. We are all trying to get through it, anxiously awaiting 2021. With all that is happening in the world, I often…
This is the time of year when we begin to make our holiday plans with family and friends. A time to celebrate our culture, faith, and family connections. It is often one of our most favorite and treasured times of the year when we can spend quality time with those we care most about. We…
We are just four days out from our Annual Investing in Our Children Luncheon on Friday. This year, we are going virtual! We’d love to have your participation, so please join us to see our mission in action and learn more about the impact of Children’s Friend services and programs in our community. We may be…
Domestic violence has been called an epidemic, but now with COVID-19 and its associated stressors, we have seen an even greater increase in incidents. We know that that exposure to domestic violence can negatively impact children’s social and emotional health and can lead to a wide range of difficulties. At Children’s Friend, we serve high…
The federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System data for 2019 was recently released. The data shows 423,997 children in foster care in the United States on the last day of the federal fiscal year. This number is roughly the same as in 2009. The data also showed the median age of the…
Our mission and priority at Children’s Friend is improving the well-being and healthy development of RI kids – and doing so by preventing and treating toxic stress. We know that toxic stress (or Adverse Childhood Experiences) in childhood can cause negative impacts on mental and physical health later in life. And earlier this summer,…
When the Pandemic began in March, I set up a ‘quarantine’ for my groceries. My visits to the grocery store were quick, with what I’m sure looked like a makeshift hazmat suit. I put hand sanitizer not only on my hands, but on the door handle of my car, the steering wheel, and any other…
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Americans who hail from Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the President to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded it…
While this year has brought much change and uncertainty in the face of a worldwide pandemic, Labor Day weekend is the passing of one season and the beginning of the next. It also marks a day to honor hard work in this country. I want to take this opportunity to highlight our dedicated staff,…
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Healthy Families America (HFA) graduation ceremony. Healthy Families America is an evidence-based home visiting program that focuses on nurturing relationships and healthy development. Developed over 25 years, and based on extensive and ongoing research, the approach is relationship-based, culturally respectful, family-centered, and grounded in the parallel…
