Lucy’s Hearth, a homeless shelter for women and their children, recently upgraded its on-line abilities with a new website and by plunging deeper into social media. 

Now, thanks to a $2,950 grant from Ocean State Charities Trust, it’s improving its phone system.

 “In this age of email, websites and social media, our phones still remain integral to our daily operations,” said Jennifer Barrera, Lucy’s Hearth’s program director.  “We often receive more than 150 calls a day from families requesting shelter, program participants requesting assistance, volunteers and donors.”

 Callers, she said, too often would get busy signals, as Lucy’s staff not only was tied up answering incoming calls, but also making calls researching housing opportunities, making medical appointments and the like for residents.

 Thanks to the Ocean State Charities Trust grant, Lucy’s Hearth has upgraded its phone system to lessen busy signals by helping callers navigate to individual staff voice mail if the system is overwhelmed. 

 “We prefer having a person answering the phone, but that’s not always possible,” she said, noting Lucy’s Hearth has a small staff.

 So, visit Lucy’s Hearth’s website, www.lucyshearth.org, and follow it on Facebook and Twitter. “But, if you’re a woman needing shelter, now more than ever, you can call us at 847-2021 and, thanks to the grant, will be better able to serve you,” she said.

 Lucy’s Hearth, located in Middletown, Rhode Island, serves homeless mothers and their children through an emergency shelter program, a transitional apartment program, a permanent apartment program and an outreach and aftercare program.

Lucy’s Hearth, a homeless shelter for women and their children, is upgrading the way it communicates on-line.

“Our new website, at the click of a mouse, swiftly explains who we are and what we’re doing,” said Jennifer Barrera, Lucy’s Hearth’s program director. “Our previous website was very limited and difficult to update.” Check out the new site, she said, at www.lucyshearth.org.

The site was made possible through a grant from New Roots Providence and in-kind assistance from the web developer, Windlass Creative, a Newport-based firm.

“Everyone on Aquidneck Island knows Lucy’s Hearth and the important work it does for women and children,” said Windlass Creative’s owner and creative director SallyAnne Santos. “It was gratifying to create a website that empowers the staff to swiftly and easily publish timely communications in support of their critical mission.” In addition to designing the site, she trained Lucy Hearth’s staff to update it.

“This year the supporters of our Adopt-a-Family program helped nearly 300 children have Christmas presents,” said Ms. Barrera. “In seconds we shared this information on our new website. This wasn’t possible in the past.”

This site also has a news section where web surfers can read about Lucy’s being named a recipient of the NBC 10/Citizens Bank “Champion in Action” award, its need for help just before Thanksgiving, and its annual wreath sale.

Donors now may also donate to Lucy’s on-line, a first for the agency, located in Middletown.

In addition to the new website, Lucy’s is now on Twitter, thanks to volunteer Colleen Hopkins, who is director of special events at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Newport. Find Lucy’s Hearth by going to @lucyshearth.

“Lucy’s does such great work that it is a privilege to help tell its story,” said Ms. Hopkins, who, as a volunteer, is a member of the “Friends of Lucy’s Hearth,” a growing group of volunteers who work to raise awareness and funds, and help out at the shelter. She said Lucy’s Hearth is also on Facebook, having recently transitioned to a community organization page.

This year there's going to be a gourmet bake sale too!

11^th Annual

Lucy’s Hearth

Designer Wreath Sale

Homeless shelter adds bake sale to Saturday, December 3 Event

There is usually a line of people waiting before the annual Lucy’s Hearth designer wreath sale opens for business.

“Last year there must have been 40 people in line a half hour before the sale began,” said Jennifer Barrera, Lucy’s Hearth’s director.  “Get to Easton’s Beach early!”

This year the homeless shelter for women and children is adding a gourmet bake sale to the designer wreath sale, now in its 11^th year.  “Need a housewarming gift or a holiday dessert?” asked Ms. Barrera.  “Come to our designer wreath and gourmet bake sale!” Cookies, cupcakes, pies, breads and more will be available.

The sale takes place Saturday, December 3, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Rotunda at Easton’s Beach in Newport.  The event is a project of the “Friends of Lucy’s Hearth” and all proceeds benefit Lucy’s Hearth, a Middletown-based shelter serving homeless mothers and their children.

“Many thanks to the ‘Friends of Lucy’s Hearth’ and everyone who decorated the wreaths and baked and helped in many other ways to make this all possible,” she said.  “And thank you to all who have supported us in the past, and who will be joining us this year.”

For more information about Lucy’s Hearth visit www.lucyshearth.org.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and Lucy’s Hearth’s director, Jennifer Barrera, has dozens of families that need help this Thanksgiving.

“Donations this year haven’t been as strong, and the need is greater,” she said.  “I’m hoping that the community will be able to lend a hand as in the past, so we’re trying to get the word out.”

She said about 45 current and former residents of Lucy’s Hearth need help.

Items needed include gift cards to purchase turkeys: potatoes; stuffing; canned vegetables; turkey gravy; cranberry sauce; pie filling; pie crust; and rolls.

Thanksgiving donations may be dropped off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, November 21^st during the same time period. After November 21st, please call the shelter at 401-847-2021. Or email info@lucyshearth.org before dropping off.

Lucy’s Hearth, located at 913 West Main Road in Middletown, Rhode Island, serves homeless mothers and their children through an emergency shelter program, a transitional apartment program, a permanent apartment program and an outreach and aftercare program.

For more information about Lucy’s Hearth visit www.lucyshearth.org.

L-R, Vick Vetters, NBC 10; Jennifer Barrera, Lucy's Hearth; Ned Handy, Citizens Bank

Champions in Action!

Citizens Bank and NBC 10 have named Lucy’s Hearth as the Champion in Action for Homelessness.  Lucy’s Hearth receives a $25,000 unrestricted grant, media coverage, and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work!

Lucy’s Hearth is a Family Service of Rhode Island affiliate.

Ned Handy, president, Citizens Bank for Rhode Island and Connecticut, said “Lucy’s Hearth has been providing critical homeless and social services for more than 27 years in Newport County.  We are pleased that this award will help them to continue to deliver these high-quality services.”

Vic Vetters, NBC 10’s vice president and general manager, said “Its unique collaboration with the homeless-provider and prevention network within Newport County has maximized the ways Lucy’s Hearth helps resident in crisis or at risk.  We are pleased to name it a Champion in Action.

“To be recognized as the Citizens and NBC 10 Champion in Action for homeless services is an honor,” said Jennifer Barrera, Lucy’s Hearth’s program directors.  “It’s a true testament to the hard work of our staff, board of directors, friends of Lucy’s Hearth and volunteers.  The support we will receive through the Champions in Action award will be invaluable.”

To view NBC 10 video about Lucy’s receiving the award, please click here.