April 5, 2010

 Many in Rhode Island have been devastated recently by the incredible flooding which has blanketed the area. Certainly, almost everyone in Rhode Island and nearby states has been impacted by the flooding.

Children’s Friend has been fortunate to have weathered the situation in fairly good shape. None of our sites sustained any significant damage from the water, and most were able to operate as usual throughout the situation. Like the surrounding community our staff had to deal with water damage and flooding in their own houses as well as homes of their family and neighbors. 

The greatest impact to our work came from the loss of our catering services. Our caterer, located in the vicinity of the Pawtuxet River was flooded from their building and neighborhood for most of last week. Food service to our 1,200 children in Head Start and child care classes was at risk.

We activated our emergency food plan, and staff from throughout the agency pitched in to help ensure that all children received nutritious meals at all of our sites everyday. It was a great team effort. Lead by our health and nutrition staff, and heavily supported by staff in child development, administrative support, property management, and family development, not one child missed a meal or a snack.

We remain thankful to our dedicated and high-quality staff that are committed to the children and families we serve. We are grateful that our agency was spared the devastation that many others in our area experienced. We extend our sympathies and concern to all those who were impacted by the record flooding and wish them a speedy and full recovery.