ShelterWalk

Many thanks to the walkers, including teams of walkers from local schools, businesses and organizations, and sponsors who helped make ShelterWalk 2012 a great success! Check out more ShelterWalk photos on FRCA's Facebook page!   SAVE THE DATE! - FRCA's 25th Annual ShelterWalk is October 19th 2013 at River Island Park, 100 Bernon St. Woonsocket. We are currently seeking teams of walkers and sponsors. Want to get involved? Download the Registration form or Sponsor form. Donations are also being accepted online on FRCA's FirstGivings page. For more information, please contact Wendy Pires at 401-235-6096 or wpires@famresri.org

Thanks also to our ShelterWalk 2012 Sponsors as well as businesses that donated food and raffle items. View list. We want to give special thanks to our 2012 Major Banner Sponsors:

• St. James Baptist Church
• St. James Episcopal Church
• Soucy Insurance Agency
• Provider Insurance
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

 The Woonsocket Shelter is one of the largest emergency shelter and transitional housing programs in Rhode Island. In addition to emergency shelter, residents receive services such as case management and life skills training, and are linked to employment & training programs, financial literacy, health services and parenting skills training--supports needed to transition to safe, permanent housing.  Below is a story of one family who was able to transition to permanent housing thanks to the shelter program.

Alissa's struggles with substance abuse had led to many losses over several years...her job, home, and most heartbreaking, the temporary loss of custody of her young son. After a period of sobriety, and without a place to live, Alissa sought refuge at the Woonsocket Shelter, and then at the Women's Recovery House, a permanent supportive program for women with substance use concerns. She was determined to do whatever it took to get her son back.

Like many people who struggle with substance use, the road to recovery was not without bumps along the way. "I realized I needed to reach out to my support system. I used every resource I could," she said. In addition to the shelter and recovery house, Alissa received assistance from a recovery coach through FRCA's Visitation Center as well as substance abuse counseling. She was linked to other community resrouces including a support group, nutrition classes, counseling for her young son, and basic needs supports for clothing and food.

With a support network around her, Alissa transitioned to her own apartment through the permanent supportive housing program. She reunited with her son, has welcomed a baby daughter, and is in a relationship with someone who is supportive and a role model for her children. "I am so thankful for the help I got," she said. "I am motivated now. I am interested in more things. Everything has changed. My goal is to stay positive. I want to succeed to a point I never though I ever could."

DONATE NOW to support the Woonsocket Shelter & homelessness prevention and other FRCA programs. Thank you!