SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 160TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHILD & FAMILY AND RECOGNIZING ITS IMPACT ACROSS RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island Senate resolution recognizes Child & Family for 160 years of service and impact across education, housing, health, and aging, honoring its leadership and community rol

05/12/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of SR 3277 (2026) – Rhode Island

What the bill is

A Senate Resolution recognizing and commemorating the 160th anniversary of Child & Family, an Rhode Island human services organization founded in 1866.

Introduced by Senator Louis P. DiPalma on May 12, 2026 and recommended for immediate consideration.

Purpose and intent

To publicly celebrate Child & Family’s 160-year history of service to Rhode Island.

To acknowledge the organization’s impact on individuals, families, and communities through a broad range of evidence-based programs and compassionate care.

To express appreciation for the organization’s staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners.

To officially recognize Child & Family as a vital community resource and leadership in delivering services that support children, families, and older adults.

Key provisions and changes

Declaration of celebration: The resolution notes Child & Family’s founding, evolution, and ongoing mission.

Summary of impact: Details the scope of services provided over the years, including:

Early childhood education (e.g., Sandpipers Early Learning Center)
Foster care and adoption services
Family support and preservation programs
Behavioral health services
Supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness
Aging well programs enabling safe aging for older adults

2025-2026 performance highlights (as examples of impact):

Served more than 1,835 Rhode Islanders in 2025
Delivered 165,000+ hours of care and services statewide
Provided early education to 135 children
Supported 42 families with housing and stabilization services

Formal recognitions:

The Senate congratulates and commends Child & Family for its commitment to improving lives in Rhode Island.
An official acknowledgment of its leadership in delivering evidence-based services.

Certification and transmission:

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Child & Family leadership.

Who is affected

Child & Family (organization) – receives formal state recognition and congratulations.

Staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners – acknowledged for their contributions.

Rhode Island residents and communities – benefit from the continued mission and services of Child & Family.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Recommended for Immediate Consideration by the Senate as of May 12, 2026.

No regulatory or fiscal changes are imposed; the resolution serves as formal recognition and celebration.

The resolution authorizes dissemination of a certified copy to the organization via the Secretary of State.

Notable details

The bill highlights specific programs and impact metrics from 2025 and ongoing services, illustrating the organization’s breadth and reach across Rhode Island.

Co-sponsor: Senator Lou DiPalma.