• In an emergency, call 911
• 
  
• GENERAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE / SNAP FOOD PROGRAM / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS - currently handled by State officials at the John O. Pastore Complex in Cranston.

• DEPT. OF ELDERLY AFFAIRS GRANT - awarded every year since 1990; provides funds for food vouchers; plowing / sanding / shoveling; trips / outings / luncheons; emergency fuel assistance medical assistance, chores / housekeeping, etc.

• ELDERLY IN-HOME SERVICES -  abuse/self-neglect cases are handled by Elder Care Case Management located at Tri-Town Community Action Agency in Johnston when referred by DHS Director.

• FOSTER FOOD PANTRY – available to assist families/individuals in need of emergency food-located in the Dept.of Human Services office.
  USDA Commodities are distributed monthly as part of the duties of the CCAP Manager.

• ‘SPECIAL NEEDS FUND’ - established in 1973 with private donations to assist clients in need of emergency services - - heating assistance, food, medical assistance, emergency housing, car repairs, etc. Over the past 30+ years this fund has grown and has helped thousands of families/individuals in crisis and still exists today due to private donations--not Town funds.    
  

• TEEN FUND – In May, 2000, parents at PHS/PMS initiated a fund that would help students in need of funds for class dues, help with school trips, prom tickets/clothes, college application deposits, etc.

• SALVATION ARMY –  “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” provides assistance for clients who are over the federal guidelines, but are in need of oil/gas/wood to heat their homes, and for families in jeopardy of having their electrical service terminated.
  ~The Foster Service Unit sponsors other programs for children going back to School--with new backpacks, shoes / boots / socks, calculators, etc.

• HOLIDAY DISTRIBUTIONS -
            THANKSGIVING - baskets are made up as needed.  Food is donated from local schools, Churches and generous townspeople.                                       
            CHRISTMAS - Each year over 300 Christmas “requests” are distributed to various Churches, the local elementary school, Foster Post Office, Foster libraries, and Town employees. Vouchers are received from the Foster Lions, the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and numerous and generous townspeople.          
  

• OUTREACH WORK - available to young/elderly through CCAP--providing food, shelter, clothing, and family health services, daycare, Head Start, all types of counseling, employee assistance program, comprehensive emergency services, etc…

• VOLUNTEER GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM – available through Cornerstone Agency in Warwick. 

• EMERGENCY FUEL FUND… initiated in Dec. 2005 with generous private donations from townspeople to assist with emergency fuel deliveries once clients have used their heating assistance through CCAP and their emergency assistance from the State’s Energy Office.                       

Updated 2/1/2011