PROCAP SERVICES

Food Distribution Program:

In these difficult economic times many people are struggling to obtain even their most basic needs. Sadly, some of our citizens may go hungry tonight! ProCAP operates Rhode Island's most ambitious food distribution program which provides basic foodstuffs to those in need. ProCAP currently distributes approximately 200,000 lbs of food each month to 26 sites located throughout Rhode Island. 11 of these sites are located in Providence, one of the hardest hit communities in our state.

We also partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to supplement the provisions we currently distribute to the various sites allowing us to provide a wider array of the necessities our clients so desperately need. ProCAP operates a Food Pantry at our Elmwood Community Center which, in addition to basic foodstuffs and staples, provides fresh fruits and vegetables to our clients. .

LIHEAP:

ProCAP administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Providence residents who are facing an energy burden and whose monthly heating bills represent a significant portion of their monthly household income. This program only operates during the "heating season" which generally runs from October thru March.

The first criteria for qualifying for a LIHEAP grant is that the applicant must demonstrate an "open energy burden" meaning that they heat their dwelling with gas, oil or electric and meet certain income requirements. Participants who meet these guidelines can qualify for a one time heating grant which is paid directly to the energy supplier. Clients who qualify for this program are also eligible for a lower rate with utility suppliers and we coordinate this rate change directly with the gas and electric companies. LIHEAP also frequently offers crisis grants for program participants who face an immediate energy crisis. An energy crisis is defined as the following:

Interim House Emergency Shelter for Families:

The agency shelters approximately 130 homeless families annually through Interim House, the first shelter in Rhode Island to house homeless families and the only shelter in Providence to house families together in apartments.

In addition to providing approximately 5,500 nights of shelter for homeless families, Interim House is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year. In the past year, the shelter also provided more than 500 items of clothing, 200 items of furniture, and 500 food baskets.

Shelter Case Managers provide comprehensive case management services to address each family's root cause of homelessness. Families are referred to supportive service agencies for supplemental services.

Youth Success Program:

At ProCAP we recognize that the future of our community lies in the hands of our young people and, as such, we must make every effort to ensure their long term success. Our Youth Success (YS) Program is a valuable tool in assisting pregnant and parenting teens with the resources, education and skills necessary to obtain self sufficiency and a better quality of life.

The Youth Success Program, operated in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, assists pregnant and parenting teens in a number of ways. The program offers them a path toward of obtaining a High School diploma or G.E.D. which is critical to their future success. YS also teaches valuable parenting and life skills which are essential not only for the clients, but for the long term benefit of the child as well.

Each teen is assigned a case worker who works closely with the client and assists them in identifying available resources such as following:

Educational Resources-- Medical Providers-- Child Care-- Parenting Classes-- Employment Opportunities-- Transportation-- Housing Assistance-- Child Support-- State and Federal Benefit Programs.

Services for Senior Citizens:

At ProCAP we recognize the value that our senior citizens bring to our community and we seek to not only ensure their independence, but to enhance their lives as well. Our senior transport service provides safe transportation for our clients for doctor visits and other vital appointments.

ProCAP's Elmwood Community Center offers a number of programs geared toward our senior citizens which are designed to enrich their lives. We conduct numerous activities including recreation, fitness, arts and other enriching programs aimed at improving the quality of their lives. We have also recently instituted a senior citizens meal program which provides a hot meal served in a congenial, vibrant environment.

Being a multi-disciplinary human service provider, ProCAP offers our seniors Case Management Services which allows our clients to avail themselves of a broad range of programs offered by both our agency and outside providers as well. As with all ProCAP programs, our goal is to provide the tools for our citizens to attain self sufficiency. Our Senior Citizen Programs afford our clients both this independence and an enriched quality of life.