9 out of 10 families in Rhode Island lack access to affordable, reliable, quality child care. We partnered with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island to help parents share their stories. Here’s Sarah’s story:
My name is Sarah and my 5-month-old Alma and I have been trying to access childcare since October 2022 in Rhode Island. I have contacted DHS over 5 times in person in Woonsocket and Providence and over the phone with 4-and-a-half-hour wait times and have been continuously denied for RI Child Works. Infant childcare is the most expensive, costing $300 a week, out-of-pocket. I recently began a Workforce Training program through Lifespan and cannot access childcare because they believe I can take care of my baby now since I’m unemployed. I am constantly being given the run-around and it feels like no one wants to help. Something needs to change to support those like me and my daughter.
