For assistance with SNAP, please contact Jonnycake Social Services. Call (401) 377-8069, Option 1, or email Sarah Cote, Social Services Program Director, at [email protected].
SPLASH Program
The Summer Program Looking to Alleviate Student Hunger (SPLASH) runs during the summer months and over school vacations in order to ensure that students who receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch at school do not miss those meals when they are home. Eligible families living in Westerly, Hopkinton, Charlestown or Richmond are encouraged to sign up through the Jonnycake Center Social Services Department. Groceries are available for pick-up the week prior to vacations, or weekly during the summer.
Domestic Violence Advocacy Program
Domestic violence does not discriminate between economic class, age, gender, or race and is affecting many of our neighbors right here in Westerly. The Jonnycake Center is here to provide advocacy and empowerment to victims through our Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. Every Monday from 12pm-3pm and Wednesday from 9am to 12pm we will have an advocate from the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County here to provide confidential, face-to-face advisement in safety and financial planning, court processes and advocacy, barriers and solutions to leaving, and understanding what makes a healthy relationship. Know you are not alone!
For more information on this program, call our Social Service Agency at 401-377-8069 ext. 101 or come in person Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm. If you need immediate assistance call the statewide domestic violence hotline at 1-800-494-8100. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Read The Westerly Sun’s article about our program to learn more about addressing domestic violence.
Thanksgiving Dinner Basket
Current clients can sign up for a Thanksgiving meal basket which includes a turkey and all the trimmings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The baskets are distributed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Christmas Dinner Basket
Current clients can sign up for a Christmas meal basket which includes a turkey and all the trimmings for a traditional Christmas dinner. Distribution of the meal baskets begins in mid-December.
Adopt-a-Family Holiday Presents for Children
The Adopt-a-Family Program provides Christmas presents for children who otherwise might not have a present to open on Christmas morning. Existing clients may sign up for the program in the fall and will be matched with a donor “adopting” their family for the holidays. The client is assigned a number which will identify the household. Neither the adopter nor the adopted will know the names of each other. Traditionally this program provides Christmas presents for over 350 local children in need of holiday cheer.
To register as a family in need of gifts, please contact Jonnycake Social Services. Call (401) 377-8069 and select Option 1 or email [email protected].
To sign up as a donor who can help with gifts, call Lee Eastbourne, Jonnycake Executive Director, at (401) 377-8069, x106, or email [email protected].
Annual Coat Drive for Children
Every fall, winter coats, hats and mittens are distributed to children in need. If you would like to help or you know of a child who needs warm clothes for the winter, please contact the Social Services Department at 401.377.8069 ext. 101.