Get to know us,

The Rhode Island Center for Youth Wellness (RICYW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit behavioral health organization dedicated to advancing the health, healing, and resilience of transition age youth and young adults (TAY) ages 16–26 who have a history of foster care involvement and/or a documented disability.

We are governed by a Board of Directors and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations as defined by the RI Nonprofit Corporation Act § 7-6-2. 

Our Mission

To promote whole-person wellness through community health worker (CHW)-led services that bridge gaps in behavioral health, social support, and systems navigation specific to transition-age youth and young adults (TAY). Based in Providence, Rhode Island, RICYW will operate as a statewide hub for TAY-centered services and systems transformation.

Our Vision

Rhode Island Center for Youth Wellness envisions a future where every transition-age youth with foster care involvement or a disability is empowered to achieve whole-person wellness, self-determination, and thriving community connection.

We aspire to create a Rhode Island where healing-centered care, lived-experience leadership, and equitable opportunity are the foundations of every young person’s journey to adulthood.

Lived Expertise

We believe that young people and adults with lived experience of foster care, disability, and systemic marginalization are essential leaders, decision-makers, and healers in the work of wellness and system change.

Whole-Person Wellness

We recognize that wellness extends beyond mental health to include housing stability, educational and employment opportunity, community belonging, and a sense of purpose.

Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered

We operate from a trauma-informed and healing-centered framework that honors resilience, acknowledges harm, and supports holistic recovery.

Excellence in Service

We uphold the highest standards of practice for CHWs and Peer Wellness Coaches, valuing continuous learning, reflective supervision, and ethical service grounded in compassion and accountability.

Equity & Social Justice

We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers rooted in racism, ableism, and economic injustice, and to advancing equitable access to services, opportunities, and supports.

Empowerment

We honor the autonomy, voice, and choice of each young person, offering services that are youth-driven, culturally responsive, and strengths-based.

Collaboration & Collective Impact

We believe true change happens through collaboration — with youth, families, public agencies, community partners, and advocacy networks.