Successes - How Your Gifts Change Lives in RI

From Lazy in School to College Bound

When Steven's counselor in middle school noticed he could draw, he suggested that Steve check out RiverzEdge Arts Project. "I was really lazy and I wasn't planning on college. I didn't want to deal with school."

But in the ScreenWorks studio, Steve got into the technical part. "I liked working with the digital tools." RiverzEdge got on him when his grades were falling and he brought them up and kept them there. Now Steve's headed to Full Sail University, and he's going for art. 

This once-lazy, talented designer tells us, "I can't wait. It's everything that I'm into!"

Teens Dare to Dream

The message to teens was clear at the Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conference – “find your voice, build your support network and follow your dream”. High school transition age students 14-21 with special needs from all over Rhode Island gathered at an event organized primarily by RI Parent Information Network. They came to learn from, and be inspired by, young adults who have overcome obstacles along the road to reaching their dreams.

When asked to rate the day on a scale of 1 to 10, a group of students from Providence responded “100." Another teacher reported to RIPIN, “The girls came back all excited. One of my students really connected with one of the guest speakers. She said, "I thought she was speaking to me."

From Dependency to Advocacy

Dawn developed a psychotic depression and was unable to continue working as an LPN. She became homeless and self medicated with alcohol. An NRI Community Services’ (NRICS) client assisted her in getting long-term services (Medicaid and SSI.) She progressed from a group home stay to a supervised apartment and finally moved into a HUD subsidized independent assisted living apartment owned by an NRICS affiliate.
Being older, sober and stabilized psychiatrically, she kept busy encouraging other clients to get involved in Wiley Center and NRICS’ advocacy projects. At the time of her death, she had served with distinction on the NRICS Board and won several awards for her advocacy.

From an angry fighter to a special needs camp assistant

As a teenager, Bob became very depressed and angry following the death of his mother. He began fighting at school and experimenting with drugs. His school enrolled him in the Viola M. Berard School at NRI Community Services (NRICS). He and his father used their Neighborhood Health Plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse services at NRICS.
Bob’s school work improved dramatically, he returned to his middle school, and was able to feel okay without antidepressants or street drugs. Bob’s activities at a YMCA sparked an interest in recreation and education. He was assisted in enrolling at CCRI, and last summer Bob worked with young special needs kids who attend a local camp supported in part by NRICS.