Fair Planned to Help Islanders Access Social Services

The Aquidneck Island Clergy Association shares the following news:

Representatives from more than 25 organizations will share information on social services available to Aquidneck Island residents during a March 27 event. 

Sponsored by the Aquidneck Island Clergy Association, the social services fair is designed to assist people in getting the help they need by gaining access to Aquidneck Island services. The fair will be open free of charge from 6 to 9 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located at 42 Dearborn St. in Newport. August B. Cordeiro, president and CEO of Newport Hospital, will present a keynote address at 7 p.m. 

During the remainder of the event, participants may learn about available services, including housing and energy assistance; meals and food pantries; clothing and household goods; health-related services; women’s resources and shelters; legal and immigration advice; children’s support and activities; education and literacy assistance; resources for senior adults; pregnancy and infant services; assistance for ex-offenders; and addiction support. 

“While religion seems to divide so many people today,” said Rabbi Marc Jagolinzer, president of the Aquidneck Island Clergy Association, “we believe that it is imperative to come together as congregations and people of faith to give back to the community in which we live and practice our respective faiths. Our hope is that people who encounter the great challenges of today’s economy will come to this event and be able to learn about local resources that will help meet their needs and make their lives easier. Having the knowledge of where to turn and access the various agencies is the goal of this fair.”