Monday, May 12, 2025
5/12/2025
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending - Construction - Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) respectfully requests funding for critical capital improvements and necessary upgrades to our federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) facilities located at 55 Hope Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Our proposed project will allow for use of our second floor for client services, effectively doubling accessibility, as well as promoting a healing and healthy environment for our clients and staff and remediating other physical plant challenges. The need for behavioral healthcare is greater than ever. “Nationally, children and youth were experiencing mental health challenges before the COVID-19 pandemic, but since the onset of the pandemic, the number of children experiencing anxiety and depression has increased. In 2022, Rhode Island pediatric and behavioral health organizations declared a Child and Adolescent Mental Health State of Emergency" (2024 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook). CCBHCs are critical for addressing this behavioral health crisis as they ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral and physical healthcare regardless of a person's ability to pay. FSRI’s CCBHC is particularly centered on increasing access to care, and since opening its doors in 2022, has provided thousands of children and families with critical behavioral and mental health programming. Our ability to increase access, maintain our buildings, and keep pace with technology has a direct impact on continuing to provide high quality programming to the thousands of Rhode Islanders who benefit from our services. Our proposed project includes: - Installing a new ADA compliant elevator and associated shaft within the two-story building to accommodate clients of differing abilities; - Creating 14 office spaces to allow for more meeting rooms/offices on the second floor to meet the increasing demand for our services while promoting a healing environment and remaining HIPAA compliant; - Upgrading technology equipment and technology access points (like docking stations and switch ports) to ease access to care for clients who choose virtual visits and increase productivity for mobile staff; - Replacing all 19 fixed/inoperable windows, plus two door sidelights, on the second floor to improve air circulation and energy efficiency during the warmer months; - Replacing the carpeting and painting the walls on the second floor; and - Contracting architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering. While not required, we have secured $254,083 in foundation grants to support this project. More than 130 years old and a federal CCBHC since 2021, FSRI is a statewide, full-service nonprofit behavioral health and social service organization. A leader in providing evidence-based and trauma-informed care, FSRI annually impacts 20,000+ children, youth and adults, most low income, through culturally competent, quality programs tailored to meet the needs of our highly diverse clients. FSRI is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (now known as “Social Current”).
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).