Do you have a question about JRI services?
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.
Family Advisory Council Virtual Open House
Join the council and help us create a greater sense of family partnership, engagement & collaboration as we improve treatment for individual.
Learn about the mission and accomplishments of the Family Advisory Council.
Caregiver Connection Series include:
- Tips for Managing and Understanding Challenging Behaviors
- Reality of Crisis Planning
- What No One Tells You About When Planning for an IEP Meeting
- Turning Pain into Power- Stories of Resiliency
Reserve a spot for event here.
Family Advisory Council
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.
We want to hear your thoughts!
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.
Check out the 15 tips to help bridge the gap between family and support.
Join the Family Forum Facebook Group!
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.
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.
Permanent
Connections are Vital for a Child's Success
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.
Meet Rachel Arruda, JRI's Director of Service Coordination and Family Engagement at JRI.

How to contact Rachel:
(508) 468-6042 |
navigator@jri.org |