Mission/Vision/History
Mission Statement
To strengthen families and individuals through social services, education and economic opportunity while respecting the dignity of the people we serve.
Vision Statement
Family Resources Community Action empowers families and individuals to achieve their potential to become productive citizens. Through its programs, advocacy and collaborative initiatives, families and individuals will have their basic needs met and develop the capacity to become fully functioning human beings and members of society.
History
Established in 1891, Family Resources Community Action (FRCA) is one of the oldest not-for-profit 501(c) (3) family centered social service organizations in Rhode Island. Dedicated to serving vulnerable families in Woonsocket and throughout Northern Rhode Island, FRCA has been a leader in the development of community based services to strengthen families.
Originally known as the Woonsocket Day Nursery (1891) and then Woonsocket Child and Family Services (1940’s), the agency was renamed Family Resources, Inc. in the early 1990’s to reflect its growing array of family based support services.
In 1997, the agency affiliated with the Woonsocket Shelter Community Action Program (WSCAP) expanding its reach to serve the homeless and assist low-income persons in addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, housing and utility assistance. An employment and training program has evolved partnering with local businesses to create economic opportunities for individuals and families living in poverty.
In 2000, the affiliation between Family Resources, Inc. and WSCAP resulted in a merger between the two organizations creating Family Resources Community Action (FRCA). The respective Boards of the two organizations merged creating a tri-partite Board of Directors composed in equal numbers of low-income, public and private sector representatives in accordance with federal Community Service Block Grant regulations governing Community Action Agencies.
In 2002 the Agape Center, a small HIV/AIDS service and support organization, merged with FRCA. The integration of these resources within one organization greatly enhanced service delivery for people living with HIV/AIDS, as individuals seamlessly access multiple services across FRCA.
Family Resources Community Action offers over 25 programs organized within five service Divisions:
The Board and Staff views collaborating with the families and individuals we serve and approaching service delivery comprehensively as critical to effective practice. FRCA continuously seeks opportunities to better serve individuals and families through developing outcome-driven innovative programming and establishing collaborative partnerships with other formal and informal organizations.