June 3, 2020
Your monthly news & updates
In this edition:
  • Telemed services support health and behavioral health patients
  • Emergency food distribution taking place throughout the east bay
  • Recovery Center uses technology to continue connecting with participants in recovery
  • Recovery Center offers free Naloxone with drop-in distribution hours during weekdays
  • Virtual fundraiser held by EBCAP Board Member Julie Chalue
Telemed services implemented at EBCAP
Connection is key to behavioral health patients' care and recovery
Story by Catherine Norton, Development Associate

In order to continue to provide services to health and behavioral health patients with little disruption and while implementing key safety procedures East Bay Community Action Program quickly introduced Telemed services at all four of its healthcare and behavioral health sites.

Staying connected to family, friends and the community is key during times of crisis. This is especially true for those dealing with mental health issues who can be overwhelmed with feelings of isolation and helplessness.  Read more
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Emergency Food Assistance

EBCAP's three food pantries, located in East Providence, Newport and Tiverton, continue to serve local communities.

In addition to food, a limited supply of cleaning products, personal care items, diapers, pull-ups and wipes were added to the pantries' offerings. Some of these much needed items are being offered as a result of private donations and grants, and some are being offered with assistance of private donors through a newly created Amazon Smile Charity List.

To allow for social distancing, clients wishing to access the food pantries must call for an appointment:

100 Bullocks Point Avenue, East Providence
401-437-0006 x127

19 Broadway, Newport
401-848-6697, ext. 212

1048 Stafford Road, Tiverton
401-625-5134, ext. 103
Recovery Center participates in "Coach Effect"
East Bay Recovery Center (EBRC) is participating in the State of Rhode Island's Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) Coach Effect which provides peer recovery support hotlines to the community. EBRC has 2 lines, one being the only Spanish hotline in the state.

East Bay Recovery Peer Support Hotlines:

401-302-6231
401-602-6735 (Spanish)

Photo: Ernie Thivierge, Peer Specialist, utilizing technology to continue recovery support services. Individual recovery coach sessions are being held remotely by telephone, and support groups are being provided twice daily, virtually, using Zoom meetings. The Qigong Meditation Group is offered virtually on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m., and a Women’s Support Group is offered on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.
Recovery Center distributing Naloxone now - free of charge

East Bay Recovery Center distributes Naloxone, a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, restoring normal respiration to a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an overdose with heroin or prescription opioid pain medicine.

This drop-in Naloxone distribution service is free of charge to the public. Both intramuscular and nasal kits are available.


WHEN: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: 31 Railroad Ave., Warren, RI 02885
CONTACT: 401-289-2055 or 401-302-6231

Photo: Thomas Joyce, Director of East Bay Recovery Center, distributes Naloxone, free of charge to the public on weekdays at East Bay Recovery Center in Warren.
EBCAP Board member holds online fundraiser for EBCAP's work during COVID-19 pandemic
Story by Maggie Laurianno, Communications Specialist

When Julie Chalue, EBCAP Board Member and owner of New England Properties in Barrington, heard that EBCAP needed to cancel its annual fundraising events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she knew she wanted to help.

After talking with friends Debbi-Jo Horton and Taylor Wells, representatives from Scout & Cellar clean crafted wines, she developed an idea for a virtual wine tasting party, and "Love the WIne You're With" began to take shape.

In just a matter of a few weeks, Chalue enlisted the support of family, EBCAP staff, friends, musicians, event attendees and sponsors from area businesses. She promoted the event online via Eventbrite and on social media. A total of 148 tickets were sold, with nearly $8,000 raised.

The virtual wine tasting was held online via Zoom on Saturday May 30, and attendees were able to sample four Scout & Cellar wines which had been delivered to their homes earlier in the day along with picnic pairings donated by Tom's Market, Blue Water Bar and Grill, and Chalue's company New England Properties. During the party Chalue invited EBCAP Leaders Dennis Roy (President and CEO), Norma Conley (VP of Human Resources and Communications), and Rita Capotosto (VP of Family Development) to share information about the agency's work. Guests were treated to the musical talents of musician Pat McGee and band Mojo Rising. Guests also had a chance to win prizes during this interactive event with their guesses about the wine sampling.

Dennis Roy, EBCAP President and CEO, thanked Chalue for her hard work on the event and generous contributions, and he encouraged her to hold it again next year. He wasn't the only one - several guests echoed his sentiments.

Thank you to all participants for joining Julie Chalue to help support EBCAP's work. Special thanks also to sponsors New England Properties, Scout & Cellar Representatives Debbi-Jo Horton and Taylor Wells, Blue Water Bar & Grill, RE/MAX River's Edge, Tom's Market, Conaty Law, Figliola & Romano, Hope & Main, Shaw's, Slepkow & Slepkow Associates, and Zammarelli Law Offices.