While the make up of Providence has changed over the years, the Federal Hill House Association has remained a constant. A multi-purpose human services agency with a highly diverse constituency, we offer a broad range of human services to our constituents, including social and emergency services, early childhood learning classes, before and after school programs, workforce development, and senior activities. We have a team of multi-ethnic multi-lingual workers that work closely with clients from all walks of life.

Last year we helped nearly 5,000 people meet their most immediate needs. Many were residents of Federal Hill, but others were from the greater Providence area. We also serve constituents from other cities. Below we update you on some of our most noteworthy human service programs:

Community Dinner Program: Sponsored by the India Association of Rhode Island, these free dinners are held monthly at our Courtland Street Building. Last year we served nearly 1200 people.

Vet Tech Program: This program helps veterans improve their computer skills and connects them with job opportunities in computer technology. More than 40 veterans participated in the program in 2011.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA): Funded by the IRS, this program provides free tax help to people who make $50,000 or less and need help preparing their tax returns. Last year we prepared 300 tax returns.

In September 2011 we introduced Speak To Succeed, a trilingual immersion program for early learning students (18 months to 5 years old). This program teaches children Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, and English. Studies show that children learning a second language gain huge benefits educationally.

In November we served more than 400 people at annual Thanksgiving dinner celebration, which we co-sponsored with the Providence Police Department. We also joined forces with the police in December to host a holiday community dinner and toy drive. More than 850 children received gifts through the program.

Looking Forward

This year were looking forward to continued growth at FHHA. In January we began sponsoring Providences Special Olympics Basketball team for players ages 8 to 15 years old through our Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Were looking for athletes to join the team and senior volunteers to coordinate activities year-round.

We continue to offer our monthly community dinners and the Vet Tech programs as well as our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), a program we introduced last year. We also continue to offer our Speak To Succeed program, which we plan to expand in the near future, and hold our annual holiday dinner celebrations for constituents at Thanksgiving time as well as our toy drive in December.

This year is FHHAs 125th anniversary. We have activities planned to help celebrate this milestone, including a dinner at the Providence Marriott on Orms Street on June 30. In addition, were looking for anyone who has old photos or memorabilia of activities held by or at the Federal Hill House as well as stories of how it helped people in need.

The Federal Hill House remains committed to providing community-based services that help constituents meet their most difficult challenges. We strive to create key opportunities that empower individuals, build strong families, develop resilient children prepared for the rigors of academic success and societys challenges, and help constituents meet immediate needs.

For more information about the Federal Hill House Association, our 125th Anniversary Celebration dinner, Speak To Succeed, or other FHHA services, contact the Federal Hill House Association, 9 Courtland Street, Providence, RI 02909, Tel: 401-421-4722. E-mail: fhh@federalhillhouse.org

Nina Pande
Executive Director
Federal Hill House Association

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