JRI Leader in Social Justice
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For Families

From the beginning of our work with every client and their family, JRI’s professional caregivers seek to learn from, support and strengthen the close bonds between our clients and their families. When we think of families, we include anyone that our clients identify as part of a permanent, lifelong relationship that sustains them.

Because we believe that permanency in human relationships is essential to the health and well-being of every individual, JRI seeks to nurture and help strengthen those permanent connections throughout our interaction with all of our clients. Family engagement is the lens through which we provide services and make decisions with each of our clients, whether they are receiving assistance in one of our residential programs, outpatient clinical programs, group homes, foster care or community-based programs.

We encourage families to assist in JRI’s program development and quality improvement efforts by participating in our Family Advisory Council, which advises JRI leadership and staff on how best to serve our clients.

JRI believes family voices are vital when determining services and treatment. We empower families to navigate challenges and celebrate triumphs together. We welcome all families and work closely with them to provide the high-quality trauma services they need. 

 

It is abundantly clear that JRI's got a team that is well trained, that works hard to figure things out, and that cares! In every instance we experienced responsiveness and willingness to innovate in managing her wide-ranging challenges. In every instance her voice has been heard. And in every instance parental input has been welcome: we feel very much a part of her team. It has been a very long process but under JRI's guidance our daughter's future looks more hopeful and we, as parents, can breathe a little more deeply.

 

A Guide for Family Support Services

This guide will provide you with comprehensive information about family support services and includes helpful resources to connect you to DDS and the Family Support Centers.

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Supporting Families Guide

 

Family Advisory Council

Help Make Us Stronger!  Seeking caregivers who can bring their experiences and perspectives to the council and make us stronger

JRI’s Family Advisory Council offers a supportive space where caregivers have a guiding voice and work side by side with agency leaders to set goals to improve care for the individuals we serve and their families.

Help us create a greater sense of family partnership, engagement and collaboration as we improve treatment for individuals and families at JRI. Together, we’ll create a stronger support network within the agency for navigating any challenges that may arise.

If you are interested in joining JRI’s Family Advisory Council, please contact Rachel Arruda at rarruda@jri.org.

Caregiver Connection Series with Event Dates

JRI's Family Advisory Council is excited to announce our NEW caregiver connection series. These quarterly facilitated conversations are intended to create spaces for support and resource sharing.

  • June 16th 12:00pm-1:00pm -To Medicate or not Medicate: A conversation around the stigma often associated with choosing to medicate our children and what influences the decisions we make.
  • August 19th 6:00pm-7:00pm - IEP101 and Beyond: What no one tells you about how to plan for an IEP meeting – Join us to share your stories and tips for how to be prepared to advocate for your child before and during an IEP meeting.
  • October 21st 12:00pm-1:00pm - Stories of Resiliency: Individuals share their lived experiences, the tools that helped them through difficult times and the ultimate positive impact it had on them.
  • December 9th 6:00pm-7:00pm - No Perfect Parent – We are all trying our best even on our worst days. Let’s support each other in an nonjudgmental space and celebrate our parenting journeys. You are not alone.

Each discussion is facilitated by a caregiver with lived experience. Please join us for any and all discussions that resonate with you to expand your village.

 

Check out the 15 tips to help bridge the gap between family and support.

Join the Family Forum Facebook Group! 

Families Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you currently on a waiting list for services and not sure where to look next?  JRI's Family Advisory Council developed this Families Sharing Resources list to help while you are waiting for services.  These are not programs or services of JRI.

 

Housing Resources One Pager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Housing Resources list can help connect you with housing resources throughout the community.  These are not programs or services of JRI.

Resources for Talking to Children About School Violence

In response to the devastating shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, here are some resources to help families talk with their children and to help navigate this horrendous situation.

 

I am proud to be part of this group. I feel like what I say and how I feel as a parent matters. A little understanding of where I’m at in my child’s treatment/journey and where my child is at in their journey goes a long way.

 

Permanent Connections are Vital for a Child's Success

Justice in Action Podcast Permanency episode with photos of Jason Galli, Meredith Rapoza, and Rachel Arruda

We all need the people in our lives who know us and care about us, who celebrate our successes and comfort us in hard times. These are the people we call when we get a new job, lock our keys in the car or are facing a big decision.  Listen to this podcast episode featuring Jason Galli; who entered the social services system from birth, and found permanency for himself; Meredith Rapoza, division director of permanency and latency services for JRI, and Rachel Arruda, director of service coordination and family engagement at JRI.

JRI did a phenomenal job supporting me as a mother, helping me with my concerns and checking in with me. It helped me relax knowing I have you guys

 

Meet Rachel Arruda, JRI's Director of Service Coordination and Family Engagement at JRI.

Picture of Rachel at her desk with a bio, which says: Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.

 

How to contact Rachel:

phone

Email plane

(508) 468-6042

navigator@jri.org

 

 

 

 

Joy's quote I was with JRI for 3 years and each person that came into our lives had such compassion and love for their job. The skills and knowledge that JRI staff bring is incredible. Each person at JRI brought a ray of sunshine to my family and today we are shining so bright because of the work that we all did together.

@JRISocialJstce

JRI Service Navigator

Do you have a question about JRI services?

(508) 468-6042
navigator@jri.org
Rachel Arruda

Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.