Families First Rhode Island

Families First Rhode Island (Families First) is a non profit organization that matches "mentor moms" to moms of newborns who may be at risk for or are already experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD)and to women who are in the late stages of pregnancy and are experiencing depression. At the core of our program are our dedicated and compassionate mentor moms who provide non-judgemental and compassionate care to their matched mom for one hour a week.

Description:
We serve all women in need, regardless of their insurance status or their ability to pay.
At the heart of our program is our core of volunteer, mentor moms whom we recruit, train, and then match them with moms who are in need of a non-judgmental and compassionate mentor figure. After a match is made, the "mentor mom" meets with her assigned mom for approximately one hour per week for the baby's first year. This relationship epitomizes the term, “mothering the mother” or as Families First puts it, “Moms Helping Moms.” The program also provides "Mom's Gatherings" which offers an expanded support system, parenting education, and the tools to find resources in the community. Free taxi service is provided to women without transportation so that are able to attend the gatherings.

History:
Families First is modeled after the Visiting Moms Program developed by the Newton Jewish Family Services in Newton, Massachusetts. Their program has been successfully serving the Newton and Boston area for 18 years. Families First’s Clinical Program Director, Sally Harrison, RN, APRN, brings four years of experience running a similar program in the Providence area.

Contact person: Sally Stevenson, Executive Director, (401) 383-9933, (email)

Address:

16 Stimson Avenue Providence, RI 02906 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.familiesfirstri.org

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	No
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families, Helping People in Crisis
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	No

Last updated on September 1, 2010