Stories

The Woonsocket Shelter

Anna never imagined she would end up this way, wandering in the woods, cold and scared, no place to go. Just weeks before she had a job, a home. But when the co-worker she relied on to get to work left, Anna was suddenly stranded and had to move out of her apartment. "I lost my ride, I lost my job," she said, relaying the series of events that led to her becoming homeless.  Read More

Employment & Training

"This training gave me a step in the right direction to get into the medical field. It gave me some new skills, kept me positive. You can get down when you’re unemployed." - Medical Billing & Coding Participant

Catherine, a 53 year old woman who had worked her entire life, suddenly found herself unemployed. Her initial attempt at a job training program was put on hold when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her treatment, she was referred to FRCA for career training. The prospect of finding a job was daunting, as she hadn’t been on a job interview in over 30 years.

A month after graduating from FRCA's Medical Billing Training Program, Catherine accepted a temporary placement, and a short time later was offered a permanent position in a medical office. "There's a lot of opportunity where I am now," she said. Catherine credits the support she received from FRCA with helping her re-enter the work place.

The Agape Center

"I was told about the Agape Center through a friend after I was diagnosed several years ago. That was the best thing that happened to me. With the Center I wasn't alone. The Center gave me a feeling of compassion and love, that with the help of the staff...I could get through this and learn that I'm living with HIV/AIDS not dying with it. Thank you for everything."

"I remember when I came to Agape for the first time, it was like walking into an unknown family, but with time I felt like I belonged. Your family became my family; your dreams became my dream. Thank you because your vision changed the course of my life."

Family Support Center

"I have been impressed by the positive attitude of the staff at FRCA. They have always treated me and my family with kindness and tried to meet my needs and guide me towards the resources that could help me."  - Family Support Center Client

"Due to a recent job loss in our household, we sought emergency housing and utility assistance. We were treated with compassion, dignity and respect by your staff Von, Madeline and Emidio. The professionalism and compassion that was shown to us during this very difficult time made an unbelievable difference in our current life situation and has restored our hope. Your agency was there in every sense of the word during our recent crisis, and we can't thank you and your team enough." - Family Support Center Client

A couple sought assistance from the Family Support Center after their medical and caretaking concerns left them unable to make utilities payments. Staff helped the couple develop a payment plan and tapped resources at the agency and in the community to prevent service shut-off. The support helped stabilize the couple's situation so they could begin addressing important medical and family concerns.

"I grew up listening to my mom, who was an employee at Family Resources, talk about the great work being done for families there. When it came time for me to do an internship for my Associates Degree in Human Services, it was a natural choice for me to go to FRCA. My internship was such a great experience that I decided to sign on as permanent staff!" - Nicole McKenna, Family Service Care Coordinator/Family Preservation

"My journey as an employee at Family Resources Community Action started when I was a student in the Employment & Training Program. I trained as a Case Manager and have been working toward my LCDP as a substance abuse counselor. In addition to counseling, I am now a Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager. FRCA is more than my place of employment; it is my family. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to grow professionally and personally with FRCA." - Bette Gallogly, Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager

"My first job out of graduate school was at Family Resources. I decided to leave in order to pursue other areas of professional development, knowing I would someday return to the agency that helped get me started in my career as a social worker. I'm back now and am thrilled to be working with this amazing group of people once again!" - Meghan Farrelly, Clinical Supervisor/Family Preservation

"In 2000, I enrolled in the Customer Service Training at FRCA. Because of the training I was able to get off the Family Independence Program (FIP). When the opportunity came to work at FRCA I was excited knowing that I would have the chance to work for the same agency that helped me get to where I am today. I'm now able to work and give back to the community that I reside in. This has truly been a full circle for me." - Maria Williams, Transitional Housing Family Case Worker

Nancy Benoit, Board Chair

"I first became a Board member of Family Resources Community Action in 1974 when the agency was the Woonsocket Family and Child Service and served until 1987, three years as chair. I had been the Director of a Day Care Center, had young children, and then later was in the Legislature and was teaching, so I had a great interest in Child Welfare. I was always intrigued about the founding of the agency by Reverend White of the First Universalist Church. After discovering children locked at home alone while their parents worked, he established Woonsocket Day Nursery and Children's Home to care for the children of working parents. I came back as a Board member in 2003, when the Agape Center merged with FRCA.

"Since 1891, the agency has been helping people and strengthening families. The services have changed over time to fit the needs of the community, from early childhood education, parenting programs, emergency shelter, counseling, job training, and support to individuals with HIV/AIDS and foster care.

"It is very rewarding to see people change their lives, provide for their families, and nurture their children because they've received help or empowerment from FRCA. It is also rewarding to work with other members of the community who are disturbed by poverty and homelessness and want to improve the lives of children and families. I believe that it does "take a village to raise a child," and FRCA is continuing the work started by one person, Rev. White, who was troubled by what he saw in the community."

Cindy Roy has been serving as a FRCA volunteer since 2003. "I like working with the staff at FRCA, and I like helping families. It makes me feel good to help people in need," she said. Cindy provides invaluable support to Adopt-A-Family, giving over 70 hours of her time each year taking applications for low income families so their children can receive holiday gifts. She has also assisted with other holiday programs. Cindy's efforts are rewarded by the response she receives from families. "It is nice to see people that are so grateful." - Cindy Roy, Volunteer

"This is a time of great need. We couldn't believe the generosity of the community. Thank you for letting us be a part of it." - Melissa Pantalena, RI College BSW student who coordinated a donation drive for the Woonsocket Shelter.