Social Services

Getting help is easy.

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1. Bring a photo ID, proof of residency, and proof of dependents

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2. Fill out paperwork and meet with case manager

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3. Receive services and referral

Social Services & Food Pantry:

 

Phone Number:  (401) 377-8069, option 1.

 

Mondays 12 – 3
Tuesdays 9 – 12
Wednesdays 9 – 12
Thursdays 9 – 12 & 3 – 6
Fridays 9 – 12
Saturdays 9 – 12

 

We provide basic needs to support our mission, including:

  • Food Pantry for a full week of food, every 30 days
  • Programs for children (Food, School Supplies, & Birthday Vouchers)
  • Financial Assistance for crisis situations, including housing, utilities, heating, medical assistance and education.
  • Clothing, Household, and Furniture Vouchers for our Thrift Store
  • Holiday and Adopt-A-Family programs
  • On-site services such as 211 United Way, SNAP Outreach, and RI Energy Resources.

Am I eligible for services?

In order to be eligible for services at the Jonnycake Center:

  • You must be a resident of either Westerly, Charlestown, Richmond or Hopkinton, Rhode Island. A copy of your lease or utility bill must be provided to prove residence.
  • You must provide proof of income with current documentation. This includes pay stubs; Social Security award letters; unemployment, bank statements; proof of child support payments.
  • We also require a current state-issued photo ID or passport. Military Ids, prison Ids, temporary Ids, and birth certificates will also be accepted in lieu of a state photo-ID.

For more detailed Services information, please call the office or click on the tabs below.

Social Services

THRIFT SHOP VOUCHERS

Eligible clients are able to shop in the store with a voucher for clothing every three months, and household items and furniture once every six months.  Please see the Social Services Department staff for voucher forms.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

In cases of financial crisis, assistance is available to clients unable to meet the expenses of basic needs, such as housing, utilities, heating, medical assistance and education. Applying clients should update their financial information to prepare for an interview with the Case Manager.

 

What kinds of bills will not be considered for financial assistance?

 

The Center will not consider requests for payment of temporary motel stays, gas, laundry, cable TV, cell phone or internet bills.

SPECIAL/HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

SNAP

Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously the food stamps program, permits eligible families to buy food at participating groceries.
For assistance with SNAP, please contact Jonnycake Social Services. Call (401) 377-8069, Option 1 or email our Social Services office at SocialServices@jonnycake.org.


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.


Power Pack Program

The Power Pack program offers nutritious, delicious supplies for school-age children on weekends and holidays during the school year. This program is intended to supplement the nutrition of students who depend on access to meals at school. Eligible families living in Westerly, Hopkinton, Charlestown or Richmond are encouraged to sign up through the Jonnycake Center Social Services Department.


Adopt-a-Family Holiday Meals and Presents for Children

The Adopt-a-Family Program provides financial assistance during the holidays for our community. Assistance is made available so that clients can make their own unique and personal purchasing decisions that best suit the needs of their families. Registered clients receive gift cards to Westerly-area grocers and retailers so that they can purchase food, supplies, and gifts for children.

 

If you or your family can benefit from this program, contact our Social Services offic. Email SocialServices@jonnycake.org, call (401) 377-8069 and select Option 1, or visit the Social Services office during its operating hours.

 

To register as a Donor in support of the program, contact Lee Eastbourne, Executive Director, by October 25, 2021. Email holiday@jonnycake.org, call (401) 377-8069 x106, or visit our Thrift Store during its operating hours.


Birthday Presents for Children

Contact the Jonnycake Social Services office to learn about receiving a FREE birthday toy or present for your school-age child! Clients can take advantage of this new program that offers birthday presents in time for your kid’s birthday. Get in touch with us today! *Program valid while supplies last.


Coats and Gloves 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.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness has a variety of helpful resources in Southern Rhode Island and Newport.

 

 

Want to learn more about hunger and how to help?  The Rhode Island Community Food Bank has some excellent resources and information:  http://www.rifoodbank.org/

 

 

Find more about resources in Washington County.