About the Event

The Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families brought together community human service and health providers with corporate, government, and philanthropic leaders at our 2023 Policy and Awards Luncheon at the Providence Marriott Downtown on October 30, 2023. First initiated in 2018 and suspended during the COVID-19 epidemic, our event celebrates the work of our sector in promoting the safety, health, and success of children, youth, and families. This year’s luncheon was an opportunity to hear from a dynamic leader in our field, honor elected leaders and lift up particular legislative actions and recognize the contributions of public sector and community champions.

RICCF is a statewide Coalition comprised of forty-two community-based organizations and allied groups providing or advocating for comprehensive and quality social and health services for children, youth, and their families in every community in Rhode Island (see list www/riccf.org/members). Our mission is to educate, advocate, and collaborate for transformational, equitable and just policies, practices, and resources to support and strengthen children, youth, families, and communities. 

This year our keynote focused on the lived experience of youth and families that have had contact with our systems and the importance of their inclusion in our work. Our keynote speaker was Sixto Cancel, Founder & CEO of Think of Us, a national organization working to reform the child welfare system.

We honored the following individuals and groups:

• Legislative Champion: Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi

• Legislative Champion: Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio

• Champion for Children: Jennifer Griffith, Esq,

• Public Service Champion: Kevin Aucoin, Esq.

• Inaugural Heroes Among Us Award: Patricia Dedora- St. Germain.