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• Building a “Healthy” relationship: How Crossroads Rhode Island benefits from its partnership with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

  

  With funding support and technical assistance,  Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has generously  aided Crossroads in providing wellness programming for the many clients that come through our doors each day.

  Volunteers from all areas of health and wellness provide our clients with information relevant to their experience.  These programs are vital to those we serve as we assist them in becoming prepared on their journey towards a better quality of life.    

  The programs have a wide range of topics that include; 

  
  

  -          General Health & Hygiene        -     Safe Sex & HIV
  

  -          Blood Pressure Screening         -     Derma Screening

  -          Yoga                                                                           -     Relaxation & Stretching Techniques

  -          Breast Cancer                         -      Prostate & Male Testicular Cancer

  -          Domestic Violence                 -      Nutrition

  -          Diabetes                                -      Glucose & Cholesterol Screening         
  

  
  

  Many of our clients are eager for the next time they see these volunteers.  Learning new techniques and adjusting their lifestyle to be healthier despite the adversity they face each day. 

  Clients also assist in letting us know topics that they encounter; pridefully letting us know how they have utilized the techniques they have learned courtesy of our health and wellness programming.

  Thanks to funding from and the partnership with BCBSRI, our clients can live healthier and better prepared lifestyle as they move forward on their journey.

• Corporate Partner Spotlight: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

  

  The work that we do at Crossroads Rhode Island would not be possible without the support of our many corporate sponsors and partners who generously donate their time, talents, and financial support to our efforts of ending homelessness for individuals and families in Rhode Island. We are proud to highlight Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) as one of our corporate partners.

  Recently, Crossroads in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Providence was awarded a 2016 Transitional Grant as part of the BlueAngel Community Health Grant Awards. This funding allows us to provide nutrition and fitness education to parents and children in our family programs. Through their BlueAngel Community Health Grant Awards, BCBSRI has given more than $3 million to dozens on local agencies like Crossroads, and helped more than 257,000 Rhode Islanders.

  BCBSRI has also been a generous supporter of our two signature events, Women Helping Women and Men on a Mission. Both events raise critical funds to support the work that we do, and increase awareness of homelessness in our community.

  Additional annual support from BCBSRI helps us provide adult wellness programs to vulnerable and marginalized people staying in our shelters or living in in-site permanent supportive housing. These health and wellness activities include HIV, blood pressure, and cancer screenings, smoking cessation assistance, support groups, nutrition education, exercise classes, and more.

  

  In addition to their generous funding, BCBSRI employees are generous with their time. Last year, they hosted a holiday party for some of our clients who are on their way to becoming permanently housed.

  Last summer, BCBSRI hosted a Family Fun Day at our Kingstown Crossings housing location. The families there enjoyed face painting, outdoor games, a water slide, and arts and crafts, all staffed by BCBSRI volunteers and at no cost to Crossroads Rhode Island.

  Thank you to our friends at BCBSRI for all that you do to support Crossroads Rhode Island's mission, bring a smile to the faces of the people we serve, and help our clients lead healthier lives!

• The Women’s Center of Rhode Island merges with Crossroads Rhode Island

  Providence, RI, July 1, 2016

  The Board of Directors of Crossroads Rhode Island, the state’s largest provider of services to the homeless, today announced a merger with the Women’s Center of Rhode Island, an organization serving victims of domestic violence. After a formal three-year affiliation, the two organizations have merged into one 501(c)3 organization governed by the Crossroads Board of Directors, and all Women’s Center programs and services have moved into Crossroads’ continuum of care as the Domestic Violence Program of Crossroads Rhode Island.

  The Board of Directors of both organizations unanimously agreed to the merger. “This merger represents the coming together of two organizations united in the common goal of empowering vulnerable individuals and families to overcome homelessness and live safe, self-sufficient lives free of violence,” noted Virginia Branch, Women’s Center of Rhode Island Board Chair and Crossroads Rhode Island board member.

  By combining the resources of both organizations, this new entity is better positioned to meet the needs of the community.

  “By merging, we will improve the quality and accessibility of services to survivors of domestic violence and expand the range of services that support clients as they transition to safety, housing and stability,” noted Jack McConnell, Crossroads Rhode Island Board Chair. “The merger not only enhances and expands the scope of services of both nonprofits, but also provides a larger operating platform,” he added.

  From a sample of women who had experienced domestic violence, 38% became homeless after they separated from their abusive partner. An additional 25% indicated that they had to leave their homes during the year following the separation for both safety and financial reasons.

  “By bringing an innovative Housing First approach to our Domestic Violence Program, we hope to break the cycle of violence by providing opportunities for supportive, safe housing options for women and children as they transition from shelter,” noted Karen Santilli, President of Crossroads Rhode Island. “We will continue to offer comprehensive, evidence-based programs and services to individuals and families in crisis, such as 24/7 hotline, domestic violence safe shelter, case management, employment support and supportive transitional and permanent housing that survivors want and need to become independent.”

  A Domestic Violence Committee of the Board will ensure that evidence-based domestic violence programs and services will continue and expand to meet the needs of clients who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence.

  Additionally, Crossroads has applied for affiliate membership with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV), an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence.

  “The Women’s Center was one of the founding member agencies of the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1979, and they have been an integral component of the domestic violence movement in our state. We are looking forward to working with Crossroads Rhode Island, and to helping them maintain critical services for victims of domestic violence in the Providence area,” noted Deborah DeBare, Executive Director of the RICADV.

• Crossroads Rhode Island Teams Up With WSBE Rhode Island PBS in April

  

  Here at Crossroads Rhode Island, we are very excited about the expansion of our partnership with WSBE Rhode Island PBS. During the month of April, donations made to WSBE will be shared equally with Crossroads.
  
  The unique campaign is the first of its kind for both organizations. WSBE's past community outreach initiatives have typically brought attention to issues and problems through television productions and community forums.
  
  "With more Rhode Islanders facing homelessness through job loss and foreclosure, our initiative comes at a critical time," said David W. Piccerelli, president and CEO of WSBE.
  
  Contributions to WSBE support the programming on its two channels, Rhode Island PBS and Learn. Contributions may be made by check or credit card, by mail or online at www.ripbs.org/crossroads. Donations made in April should note "Crossroads" on the check, or in the "Comments" box when the contribution is made online. Fifty percent of contributions received by WSBE from April 1 through April 30 will be sent to Crossroads Rhode Island.

• Crossroads Rhode Island Re-opens the former Rhode Island Family Shelter in Warwick

  Providence, RI, September 4, 2015

  Today, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian announced plans to re-open the former Rhode Island Family Shelter located on Beach Avenue in Warwick.

  Through a mutual and amicable agreement between the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Family Shelter and Crossroads Rhode Island, Crossroads will begin operating the shelter for homeless families on Friday, September 4th. Crossroads will also provide services and support to the families living in the supportive housing units at that same location.

  A collaborative effort by the Rhode Island Office of Housing and Community Development, Rhode Island Housing, the City of Warwick and other local community partners and donors will provide funding to operate the shelter and housing program.

  “I am very happy to know that this partnership will preserve all of the shelter bed space that was offered in the City of Warwick, and I am happy to see the relationship that has developed between Crossroads and the Rhode Island Family Shelter,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian. “It’s great to see a positive resolution to this issue, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been involved in the process for coming together to ensure that some of the most vulnerable citizens of Warwick and Rhode Island will continue to have a safe and nurturing place to stay.”

  “Crossroads is honored to have been asked by the Board of the Rhode Island Family Shelter and the Mayor of Warwick to step in to re-open this valuable community resource for families who are

  homeless,” said Karen Santilli, President of Crossroads Rhode Island. “This is a particularly difficult time of year for families with schools opening as well as the coming holidays and winter. While Crossroads’ goal is to secure stable homes for these families, the need is outpacing the resources available for affordable housing, and emergency shelter is necessary. We are committed to working with these families to get them housed as quickly as possible.”

  The shelter offers space for up to ten families at a time. While in emergency shelter, these families will receive case management and supports from Crossroads to move into housing as quickly as possible. The seven families in the permanent supportive housing program will also continue to receive supportive services from Crossroads. With overwhelming need for shelter capacity for Rhode Island’s homeless families, this collaboration will provide families safe and secure temporary housing and will keep families together as they seek permanent solutions to their homelessness.

  “The Rhode Island Family Shelter Board of Directors is excited about the reopening of the shelter as our goal was always to keep with our original mission of helping families in need. We appreciate Crossroads’ collaboration and experience during this transition time and look forward to our on-going relationship,” said Christina Johnk, Board Chair, Rhode Island Family Shelter.

• BCBSRI and Crossroads celebrate Earth Day

  Organized in partnership with Crossroads Rhode Island, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) executive management team celebrated Earth Day 2011 at Crossroads Rhode Island’s 160 Broad Street location on Friday, April 15th.  In a joint effort to appreciate our environment and create a safe and respectful place for Crossroads’ clients and residents, the BCBSRI volunteers, along with Crossroads’ staff and adult clients, spent the day completing a major clean-up effort at Crossroads’ main location.  “Given the current economy, the number of our fellow Rhode Islanders who are homeless is staggering,” said James E. Purcell, president and CEO at BCBSRI.  “Crossroads does a remarkable job helping those who need it most, and we are proud that our associates volunteer their time to help keep the property at Crossroads safe and clean." As part of the activities, BCBSRI associates weeded and mulched the garden areas, picked up litter, and cleaned up the property as well as the surrounding neighborhood.  BCBSRI donated all cleaning and gardening supplies, as well as lunch for all participants. 

   

  Crossroads Rhode Island prides itself on providing an environment that ensures the feeling of security and respect for all, including maintaining a green friendly environment for clients and staff.

   

  "We are grateful that our grounds and facilities are clean and well maintained as we want to ensure every person that receives assistance here does so with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Anne Nolan, President, Crossroads Rhode Island.  “We are grateful to have a community partner, like BCBSRI, that shares our vision and values the overall health and wellness of our clients and our earth.”

   

  The mission of Crossroads Rhode Island is to assist the homeless and disconnected on their journey toward a better quality of life.  We do this by providing a continuum of care that includes basic emergency needs, shelter, housing, case management and vocational services for individuals and families.

   

  Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 600,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  For more information, visit www.bcbsri.com and follow us on Twitter @BCBSRI.