Town of Foster - Department of Human Services

Department of Human Services

Services Provided By The Department Of Human Services

The following is a summary and description of some of the Social Service Programs offered in the Town of Foster. The DHS Director is available 7 days a weeks/24 hours a day, but in an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

GENERAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE/FOOD STAMPS/MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS - currently handled by State officials at the John O. Pastore Complex in Cranston.
DEPT. OF ELDERLY AFFAIRS GRANT - awarded every year since 1990; provides funds for--- food vouchers; plowing/sanding/shoveling; trips/outings/luncheons; emergency fuel assistance medical assistance, chores/housekeeping, etc.
ELDERLY IN-HOME SERVICES - abuse/self-neglect cases are handled by Elder Care Case Management located at Tri-Town Community Action Agency in Johnston when referred by DHS Director.
FOSTER FOOD BANK - located in the Department of Human Services Office. Available to assist families/individuals in need of emergency food.
‘SPECIAL NEEDS FUND’ - established in 1973 to assist clients in need of emergency services - - oil, food, prescriptions, hotel for the night, medical assistance, car repairs, etc.
TEEN FUND – In May, 2000 I was asked by parents at PHS/PMS to start a fund that would help students in need of funds for class dues, help with school trips, prom tickets/clothes, college application deposits, etc.
SALVATION ARMY – As the Foster Service Unit Secretary for the “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” we provide assistance for clients who are over the federal guidelines, but are in need of oil/gas/wood to heat their homes, and for families in jeopardy of having their electrical service terminated.
HOLIDAY DISTRIBUTIONS - Thanksgiving as many baskets as needed are filled and given to families/individuals in need. Christmas tags are made up according to families/individuals in need and left at local churches, Foster Post Office, Bank of America in Scituate, and the Town’s two libraries. Paine Elementary School sponsors a food drive and monetary assistance. Food and gift card/vouchers are received from local organizations, local churches and Comprehensive Community Action Agency in Cranston.
COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM - available to assist frail elderly in our community who are alone and need help making important health care/end-of- life decisions with dignity and security.
RI MEALS-ON-WHEELS PROGRAM - available to elderly/disabled in need of a daily hot meal. Meals are provided by Cranston Senior Center and delivered by Meals on Wheels, Inc. drivers.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ROAD TO RECOVERY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM - this is an outreach program available to residents who need transportation to cancer-related treatments ONLY!
RYDD - Reducing Youthful Dangerous Driving - this program targets court-referred youths between the ages of 16 to 20 years who have been caught speeding, etc. and are required to perform 16 volunteer hours of community service in their Town.
Senior Services, Inc. - provides Community Information Specialists to be available to the elderly in our Town. For more info, please call: 766-3734.