| R 309 |
| 2026 -- H 8538 Enacted 05/12/2026 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| CELEBRATING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHILD & FAMILY AND RECOGNIZING ITS IMPACT ACROSS RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Representatives Cortvriend, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Finkelman, Carson, Abney, Kennedy, Santucci, and Shallcross Smith |
| Date Introduced: May 12, 2026 |
| WHEREAS, Child & Family was founded in 1866 by Ellen Townsend, establishing one |
| of Rhode Island’s oldest and most trusted human service organizations dedicated to supporting |
| children and families in need; and |
| WHEREAS, For 160 years, Child & Family has evolved to meet the changing needs of |
| Rhode Islanders, strengthening individuals, families, and communities through evidence-based |
| programs and compassionate care; and |
| WHEREAS, Child & Family provides a comprehensive continuum of services across the |
| lifespan, including early childhood education, foster care and adoption services, family support |
| and preservation programs, behavioral health services, supportive housing for families |
| experiencing homelessness, and services that enable older adults to age safely and independently; |
| and |
| WHEREAS, In 2025, Child & Family served more than 1,835 Rhode Islanders, |
| delivering critical support through programs such as the Sandpipers Early Learning Center, |
| Family Centered Treatment, Functional Family Therapy, foster care and youth transition services, |
| and aging well programs; and |
| WHEREAS, Child & Family provided 135 children with early education, supported 42 |
| families with housing and stabilization services, and ensured access to essential resources for |
| individuals and families across the State; and |
| WHEREAS, Child & Family delivered more than 165,000 hours of care and services |
| statewide, reflecting its deep and sustained investment in strengthening Rhode Island |
| communities; and |
| WHEREAS, Through these programs, Child & Family helps children build strong |
| foundations for lifelong success, supports families through crisis and stabilization, provides safe |
| and supportive environments for youth in care, and promotes dignity and independence for older |
| adults; and |
| WHEREAS, The organization’s success is made possible through the dedication of its |
| staff, leadership, Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners, whose collective |
| efforts have strengthened communities across the State; and |
| WHEREAS, In 2026, Child & Family proudly celebrates its 160th Anniversary, honoring |
| a legacy of service while continuing to advance innovative solutions that meet the needs of future |
| generations; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby |
| congratulates Child & Family on the occasion of its 160th Anniversary and recognizes its |
| longstanding commitment to improving the lives of Rhode Islanders; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this House hereby acknowledges Child & Family as a vital |
| community resource and commends its continued leadership in delivering impactful, evidence- |
| based services that strengthen children, families, and older adults across the State; and be it |
| further |
| RESOLVED, That this House expresses its sincere appreciation to the staff, volunteers, |
| board members, and community partners whose dedication continues to advance the mission of |
| Child & Family and create stronger, more resilient communities; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the leadership of Child & Family. |
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| LC006422 |
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