Family Service of Rhode Island’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is a 24/7, no-cost crisis response program for children and youth ages 2 to 21. 

Whether it’s a child in emotional distress, a teen experiencing a mental health crisis, or a family struggling to manage intense behaviors—MRSS sends trained clinicians directly to the home, school, or community within about an hour.

We help stabilize the situation, support the family, and connect youth to longer-term care.

  Free to all Rhode Island families
No referral or insurance required
Available day or night, all year long

Call Crisis Support Line: (401) 854-6678
Learn more: https://www.familyserviceri.org/programs/crisis-response-services/

Why Recognition Matters

For LGBTQIA+ individuals, being recognized—by their families, schools, workplaces, and communities—can be transformative. Affirmation of gender identity and sexual orientation is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide. Yet too often, LGBTQIA+ people face discrimination, marginalization, and systemic barriers to care, housing, and employment.

Recognition goes beyond mere tolerance. It means seeing LGBTQIA+ people as full and equal members of society, with unique experiences and contributions. It means creating space for their voices, respecting their pronouns and identities, and ensuring inclusive access to services and support.

The Impact on Individuals

When someone is misgendered or told their identity doesn’t matter, it chips away at their sense of self-worth and belonging. For youth in particular, being told—directly or indirectly—that their identity is “wrong” can lead to lasting trauma. On the other hand, when we affirm LGBTQIA+ identities, we tell people they are worthy of love, respect, and care. That simple affirmation can change a life—and sometimes save it.

Our Commitment

At FSRI, we believe that true equity means meeting people where they are and recognizing the diverse identities that shape their lived experience. That includes race, ethnicity, ability, and it most certainly includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

Whether we are providing trauma-informed mental health care, supporting families in crisis, or advocating for systemic change, we are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ clients, staff, and community members.

We know that advancing equity means more than words—it requires action. That’s why we invest in culturally responsive care, ongoing staff training, and partnerships with LGBTQIA+ organizations and advocates. We are proud to walk alongside those working to ensure every person, regardless of their identity, has the opportunity to live with dignity, access resources, and find hope.

We are also proud to be a sponsor of Rhode Island Pride and excited to join the community at this year’s PrideFest on June 21. Events like PrideFest celebrate visibility, joy, and solidarity—values that reflect our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable Rhode Island for all. See you there!

May is Foster Care Awareness Month—a time to honor the incredible strength, resilience, and love that exists within foster families, biological families, and most importantly, within the children and youth who navigate the foster care system every day. According to the most recent data, approximately 1,272 children under the age of 21 are in the care of Rhode Island’s Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and living in out-of-home placements.

At Family Service of Rhode Island, we believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow, heal, and thrive. Foster care is not about replacing families—it’s about wrapping around children and their parents with the support they need during times of crisis. When families face challenges, foster parents step in as partners in care, offering stability and compassion while maintaining the goal of reunification whenever possible.

We are always in need of more foster parents—especially those who reflect the diverse communities we serve and who are open to older youth, sibling groups, and children with complex needs. If you’ve ever considered opening your heart and home, know that you won’t do it alone. Our dedicated team stands beside every foster parent with training, resources, and 24/7 support.

The Need in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is facing a shortage of foster homes, especially for:

• Sibling groups so brothers and sisters can stay together.
• Teens, who often wait the longest for placement.
• Children with medical or behavioral needs, who require specialized care.
• Children of color and LGBTQ+ youth, who deserve affirming, culturally responsive placements.

Too often, children are placed far from their communities—or even in institutional settings—because there simply aren’t enough foster families available. You can help change that.

Who Can Foster?

Foster parents come from all walks of life. You can be single, married, partnered, LGBTQ+, a renter or homeowner, a parent or not. What matters most is your willingness to open your heart and home to a child in need.

With support and training provided through agencies like [Family Service of Rhode Island], you don’t have to do it alone. Foster parents are part of a team that includes social workers, therapists, and educators—all working together to help children heal and thrive.

How You Can Help

• Become a foster parent: If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Reach out to learn more, ask questions, and explore whether it’s right for you.
• Spread the word: Share this post or talk to friends and family about the need for foster parents.
• Support foster families: Offer practical help like meals, childcare, or mentorship to those already fostering in your community.

This month, and every month, we celebrate the village it takes to care for our children—and we thank you for being a part of it. Foster care isn’t easy—but it is deeply rewarding. By opening your home, you can help a child feel safe, valued, and loved.

Learn more about becoming a foster parent at: https://www.familyserviceri.org/programs/foster-care/

Steve dedicated his life to service, enriching countless lives through his work in government, human services, faith communities, the arts, and local organizations. Since 1996, he was a steadfast and compassionate member of Family Service of Rhode Island, where his unwavering dedication and kindness left a lasting mark on those he served. His leadership extended beyond FSRI—he was a Past President of the Providence Rotary, championing charitable causes, and a devoted volunteer for churches, political efforts, arts initiatives, and community groups. 

His love for the arts was profound. From the mid-90s to early 2000s, he played a key role in founding The Narrows, now a thriving arts and music venue in Fall River. He shared his passion for history through the Providence Tour Company, guiding walking tours that brought the city’s past to life. 

Steve was a gifted songwriter, performer, and actor, lighting up local stages and lending his talents to charitable performances, including for FSRI. His love of music was legendary, and he could talk endlessly about his favorite bands—especially The Kinks. Most recently, he acted in the independent film Article 92, which will be released soon. 

In his early years, Steve was known as “Steve Valentine” on the airwaves, working as a DJ across multiple radio stations. That he left us on Valentine’s Day feels fitting—a poignant reminder of the love, joy, and generosity he brought into the world. 

Above all, Steve cherished his family. He is survived by his sons Stephen and JJ, his daughter-in-law Stacy, his beloved grandson Noah, his loving partner Laura, and his brothers Richard and his wife Kim, and Christopher and his wife Tanya. He also leaves behind a community of dear friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him.

Steve’s presence at FSRI—and in the many communities he touched—was immeasurable. He will be deeply missed. We hold close the memories of a remarkable man whose impact will continue to resonate. 

Our hearts are with all who loved him. 

We are turning to you—our donors, partners, and friends—to help us bridge the gap and ensure that vulnerable children, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans and young working families have the support they need to thrive even in the face of future instability or unreliability in federal aid sources.

Family Service of Rhode Island exists to serve those most at risk—like parents working tirelessly to provide for their children and struggling to find stability, or teens seeking a safe place to turn and many more. These are human lives, not statistics or figures on a balance sheet. They are our neighbors and given the collective actions and rhetoric exhibited in the initial days of this new White House administration, they are facing a whole new level of uncertainty and fear.

Our mission—to advance equity, opportunity, and hope—stands in stark contrast to policies and platforms that threaten the well-being of the very people we serve. Yet, while policy is at the forefront of everyone’s minds with these recent federal actions, we must persist in keeping the people we serve front and center.

This is a wake-up call. The need is urgent, and we cannot do this alone. Your support today can mean the difference between stability and crisis for families in Rhode Island.

Please, stand with us. Donate today to help us ensure stability and continuity of this critical work.

With gratitude,

Margaret Holland McDuff
Chief Executive Officer
Family Service of Rhode Island

Sarnya’s background has strongly influenced her commitment to equity and inclusion. Sarnya immigrated to the U.S. in 2014 from India, where she left behind a successful career in software engineering to pursue the field of social work, with a specific focus on justice and advocacy for women and children. This career switch enabled Sarnya to not only speak out against injustices against women and children, but to do the work, day in and day out, to empower vulnerable populations.

Sarnya has demonstrated strong leadership in promoting DEIB initiatives both at FSRI and in the community.

In her role at FSRI, Sarnya has demonstrated expertise in providing evidence-based care to children and families impacted by trauma with a DEIB lens.  In her current role as Project Director, Sarnya leads the RIDE Trauma-Informed Schools Partnership, where she has been pivotal in integrating comprehensive mental health practices into educational frameworks. Last year, Sarnya had trained over 1000 RI school staff on providing trauma-informed support for students, and has highlighted the historical trauma minority communities have endured in these trainings. Sarnya collects demographic data of each school district before she provides a training, and fine tunes the training to help staff learn how they can best support students who come from varying backgrounds. Many schools have expressed having a shift in mindset and starting to utilize a trauma-informed lens with their students after Sarnya’s trainings. Sarnya is currently also working on getting CCBHC school-based services up and running for Providence School District and has been successful in starting with 2 Providence schools so far.

Additionally, Sarnya developed and currently leads the Peer Connect initiative at FSRI intended to foster a sense of community and support among staff. She has taken this initiative to the next level by planning and hosting two meaningful events for FSRI team members – the Throwball tournament and the recent committee potluck – both of which were an opportunity to highlight staff culture and experience. Sarnya also participates as an active member of three FSRI committees – the Equity & Justice Committee, the Employee Engagement Committee, and the Policy and Advocacy Committee.  Sarnya goes beyond advocacy to action, creating an inclusive and supportive culture for FSRI staff.

Sarnya has a long and impressive list of achievements and awards related to DEIB for her contributions to the community:

• Selected to participate in the Rhode Island Foundation’s 2023/2024 Equity Leadership Initiative with other leaders across the state;
• Recognized by Providence Business News as one of RI’s and Southeastern MA’s top “40 under Forty” for her professional achievements and active involvement/contributions to communities;
• Honored by the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England with their “Leading Women of Distinction” award;
• Featured in the Faces of Woonsocket art exhibit for sharing her migration story;
• Received an “Outstanding Community Leadership” recognition and a “Resilience Honoree” citation from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos; and
• Received a “Social Justice and Equity Leader” citation from RI senators for her contribution to community organizations.

Additionally, Sarnya is a current member of Women’s Policy Institute Leadership program at Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, where she is going to advocate for a bill that will increase the number of social workers in RI schools. Sarnya is also a Board Member at The Economic Progress Institute and the Rhode Island Coalition against Domestic Violence.

We are honored to have Sarnya as part of FSRI family, and present this well-deserved award to her.

Prior to joining FSRI, Kristen served as the Director of Development for Rhode Island PBS and The Nonviolence Institute, where she led fundraising initiatives that significantly increased community support for the organizations. She was also the Founding Executive Director of Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education, an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for children impacted by parental incarceration.

Kristen is deeply committed to community service and currently serves on several local boards, including the Rhode Island Black Business Association, reflecting her dedication to promoting equity and inclusion throughout the state.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kristen to Family Service of Rhode Island,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of FSRI. “Her proven leadership and passion for making a difference will play a key role in strengthening our philanthropic efforts and expanding our impact.”

As Vice President of Philanthropy, Kristen will oversee all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and strategic partnerships, ensuring FSRI’s programs have the resources needed to address Rhode Island’s most pressing challenges.

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About Us: At Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI), we succeed by lifting others. Founded in 1892, our long history of non-profit service has always been tailored to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of the diverse Rhode Island community in which we serve. We have three offices located in Providence, but our employees provide impactful services state-wide. We are engaged, committed, and passionate about our work helping others, and care deeply about our mission to advance equity, opportunity, and hope in our communities.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Will Tregaskis at 401-744-3565 or emailtregaskiswi@familyserviceri.org.

This year, the need remains just as urgent. Rising costs and ongoing challenges mean more families are reaching out to Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) for help. And once again, we’re asking you to make it possible to bring joy, hope, and empowerment to children and families who need it most.

Here’s how you can give the gift of hope this holiday season:

Gift Cards

The Most Empowering Gift: By giving a gift card, you allow parents the dignity of choosing exactly what their children need—whether it’s clothing, essentials, or the perfect toy that brings a smile.

• Gift Card Wishlist

Specific Gifts by Age Group

Fulfill the wishes of children at every stage of childhood:

• Early Childhood Wishlist
• Teen Wishlist

Make a Donation

Your contribution helps us bring light and joy to families who might otherwise go without:

• Donate Here

Last year, your generosity helped fulfill the wishes of every child who came to us for support. This year, we know that the need will be just as great, and we need your help to make this happen again.

You can be the reason children in Rhode Island wake up with smiles on their faces, knowing they are loved and cared for by their community. Together, we can continue to make the holidays magical for those who need it most.

Thank you for being the heart of this effort. Because of you, brighter days are possible for the families we serve.

October marks LGBTQ History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of LGBTQ individuals throughout history. It’s an opportunity to recognize the courageous trailblazers who have fought for equality, visibility, and inclusion, and to celebrate the progress that has been made toward a more just and equitable society.

LGBTQ History Month allows us to honor the achievements of individuals who have not only shaped the world in fields such as culture, politics, science, and the arts, but have also championed human rights and equality for all. From the bravery of activists during the Stonewall Riots to the modern legal victories that have advanced LGBTQ rights, this month serves as a reminder that the journey for equality is ongoing—and it is one that involves us all.

At Family Service of Rhode Island, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where all people are respected, valued, and empowered. In alignment with this commitment, we are proud to announce that we have achieved Safe Zone Certification through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. This certification reflects our dedication to creating an affirming and supportive space for LGBTQ clients, staff, and community members.

Safe Zone Certifications

Safe Zone Certification demonstrates that our team has completed specialized training to enhance our understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals. It also ensures that we are providing services that are culturally competent and inclusive of all identities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background.

As we celebrate LGBTQ History Month and embrace the importance of equality and inclusion, Family Service of Rhode Island remains committed to serving our community with compassion and care. Our Safe Zone Certification is one step in our continued efforts to ensure that our workplace and services provide a safe and affirming environment for all.

Let’s use this month to educate ourselves, honor those who have fought for LGBTQ rights, and continue advocating for a brighter, more inclusive future.

If you are interested in learning more about the Safe Zone certification through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, visit: https://www.bcbsri.com/safezones

Official Safe Zone Press Release: https://www.bcbsri.com/newsroom/press-releases/bcbsri-certifies-22-new-sites-lgbtq-safe-zones-bringing-total-more-130

The CCBHC model represents a national standard for delivering high-quality, coordinated behavioral health care. This model is designed to address the critical needs of individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve.

The Importance of Access to Behavioral Health Services

Access to substance use and behavioral health services is more important now than ever. Many individuals and families struggle with mental health issues and substance use disorders, often feeling isolated and without the necessary resources to seek help. The CCBHC model helps bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Outpatient Mental Health Services
• Substance Use Treatment
• Home and Community-Based Services
• Crisis Services
• Primary Care Coordination
• Community Education and Support

By integrating these services, we can provide holistic care that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term recovery and wellness. This approach has been shown to improve community health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and support providers in delivering higher quality, more sustainable services.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

“The certification as a CCBHC is more than just a designation; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make generational change to the behavioral health system in our state. It allows us to expand our reach, improve the quality of care, and ultimately enhance the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Our commitment to healthy families and strong communities drives everything we do.” Said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward in our journey as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we remain dedicated to creating a healthier community for all. We invite you to join us in this mission, whether by seeking help for yourself or a loved one, advocating for mental health awareness, or supporting our programs and initiatives. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to the behavioral health services they need to thrive. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to sharing more updates on our progress in the coming months.

If you are passionate about social work, healthcare, administration, or community outreach, we have opportunities waiting for you! Find our available positions online at www.familyserviceri.org/careers

Find Help

For more information about our services or to find help, click here or call (401) 519-2280. Your wellness is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Family Service of Rhode Island Is your partner in Health, Hope, Healing, and Home.

24/7 Crisis Support Line Available –

If you are having suicidal thoughts, experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or are witnessing someone in crisis, please call 988 or (401) 854-6678.

Life Threatening & Medical Emergencies –

For a health emergency, like severe chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, or a head injury, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. You should also call 911 if you or someone you care about are in immediate danger or threatening to hurt themselves.