Children’s Friend Celebrates Grand Opening Of Newly Renovated Friendship Center
State and local officials on hand to unveil $1.25 million expansion, upgrade

Providence, RI- September 9, 2011 — Children’s Friend, a leading provider of child welfare, family support, mental health, and child development services, was joined today by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, Providence City Council President Michael Solomon, and Sandra Powell, Director of Rhode Island Department of Human Services, to ceremonially cut the ribbon in front of the organization’s newly-renovated Friendship Center in Providence. The event marked the culmination of the $1.25 million project that expanded and upgraded the center where approximately 300 children receive Head Start services daily.  The school year begins on September 12.

The renovations to the existing building, done by Vision 3 Architects of Providence and Gilbane Building Company, included a sprinkler system, a new fire alarm system, a second means of egress in classrooms, private offices, records room, additional bathrooms, new classroom doors, and an expanded food prep area. A 1,500-square-foot addition to the Friendship Center provided a secure reception area and additional meeting rooms.

“This project has brought numerous, much-needed changes to our facility. It will be a safer, up-to-date space in which to operate, and these upgrades will allow us to more effectively serve local children and their families.” said David Caprio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Friend. “We are extremely thankful to our supporters for making this project possible, and hope to continue to raise funds to make similar upgrades to our other centers.”

“This newly renovated center will allow Children’s Friend to serve more of Rhode Island's low income children and their families,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “I applaud Children Friend for their work to help Rhode Island children.”

“Every child deserves a safe, healthy and caring learning environment. With the much needed renovations to the Friendship Center, we are giving our young children the tools they need to kick off their education on the right track,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.  “I commend Children’s Friend for their continued support of our community through the diverse programs the organization provides to keep families together.”

“Children’s Friend does a great job providing Head Start and other vital services in our community. Leadership and staff set a high standard and are clearly committed to providing children with the support and opportunities they need and deserve,” said Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.