Right to Life Services Inc. was separately incorporated in 1979 to help us better respond to the challenges a mother may face either in making a decision about having an abortion or in moving forward with her decision to carry her child to term. Right to Life Services is able to help ease the burden of these mothers with material assistance and friendship.
We provide love, counseling, and support to women and their families during over 3,000 client visits a year. This number includes hundreds of “newborn packages” and other clothing packages, tens of thousands of diapers, and other items such as cribs, changing tables, strollers, all as available from donors. These personalized packages are put together as needed by our staff with gowns, onesies, t-shirts, blankets, bibs, washcloths, sweaters, hats, and bootie sets, diapers, and wipes. Toddlers also are often given clothing, diapers, and toiletries.
Although we occasionally purchase new clothing and baby gear using donations from individuals, most of the items we give out are donated to us either brand new or “gently used.” Right to Life Services maintains a small “food pantry” that provides baby food and formula in emergency situations. Pregnant moms can come in or call to request specific items and packages as well as maternity clothes as they become available. Part of our service is to provide referrals to appropriate agencies for assistance with medical needs, housing, adoption, food programs, and post-abortion counseling. We sit with the clients and help them make the calls to navigate the various agencies so that they never feel alone and afraid within our walls.
Right to Life Services is blessed to have dedicated volunteers and part time staffers. Together they help sort and wash donated clothing. We cooperate with the Life and Family Ministry office of the Diocese of Providence and Father James Ruggieri, Pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in a Gabriel’s Call Support Group. RIRTL conducts weekly homemaking and mothering skills classes along with cooking classes in our kitchen.
We have been encouraged by the positive response of the young women who have participated in the group. This relaxing and informal get together gives moms a chance to discuss issues of importance to them, such as communication, relationships, and how to deal with stress.
A line in an Irish blessing says, “May the hand of a friend always be near you.” We hope that the mothers who come here for material help, counseling, or support can feel that hand when they arrive.
We invite you to donate material goods or to volunteer some time to help us support life here in Rhode Island, please call Lydia at (401) 521-1860 or click here to contact us. All donations are tax deductible when made to Right to Life Services. To make a donation of money, please send a check made out to Right to Life Services and mail to: