Founder of Program Serving Cranston Honored

Barbara Martin, LICSW, received the Rhode Island State Council of Churches’ “Partners in Faith Award” Thursday October 31 at the Council’s awards breakfast.

She  received the recognition for founding the “Partners IN Service” (PINS) program, an initiative of the Urban Core Family Care Community Partnership (UCFCCP), which is led by Family Service of Rhode Island and funded by the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Under PINS, community partners, such as congregations and businesses, share skills and contribute household goods, clothing and other basics to families receiving wraparound social services from UCFCCP member agencies.  UCFCCP and PINS serve families in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls and Cranston.

“For families struggling to make financial and emotional ends meet, connection to a caring faith community or business can make all the difference,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of Rhode Island. “Congratulations to Barbara, and thank you for bringing PINS to Family Service of Rhode Island!  Your commitment and creativity are transforming lives.”

Nearly twenty congregations, including Christian churches, synagogues and a mosque, participate along with several businesses.  Ms. Martin brought the PINS idea with her from Vermont, where she lived and worked for many years.