South Providence Neighborhood Ministries (SPNM),
Providence, Rhode Island

South Providence Neighborhood Ministries (SPNM) is an ecumenical Neighborhood Action Program of the American Baptist Churches USA located in Providence, RI.  We were begun by Calvary Baptist Church, an American Baptist Church, and are still using space in Calvary.  In 1988, about 20 - 25 years later, we were incorporated as a separate organization with 501 (c)(3) IRS status and a separate Board of Directors.  At that point we were recognized as a Neighborhood Action Program.   

SPNM is a multi-service neighborhood center. Our mission is to respond to Jesus’ call in Matthew 25: 36 to feed the hungry, satisfy the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, minister to the sick, visit the imprisoned; to enrich the quality of life for children and adults, to provide services that encourage self-worth and self-sufficiency, and to foster a sense of community pride in a neighborhood of diverse ethnic, racial and social backgrounds. 

With one staff person and numerous volunteers we have a food pantry that is helping over 100 families a week.  In addition we have bread and vegetables available on Fridays.  Emergency food boxes are available every day.  On Tuesdays, volunteers help us pull food out of our tiny food closet and organize it by types on tables in the church's dining room.  Between 3 and 6:30 p.m., neighbors come in and register (verifying where they live and that they have children under 18 in their household or are on disability).   Once registered they get a laminated card which they present every time they come for food.  Then they get to pack their own food box, according to their family size, with the specific foods that are best for their families.  They choose the type of beans, the type of cereal, the type of vegetables and fruit and starches and soups and protein items that their family can best use out of what we have.  Personal care and cleaning products are available with the regular distribution.  Families with infants may also get disposable diapers, formula and/or baby food. 

By giving neighbors choices on the specific foods and other items they put in their boxes we recognize them as adults who can and do decide what their family can use.  We recognize them as valid individuals with their own particular tastes.  In return, neighbors learn to trust that we will be there and will be sure to have a balance of different types of foods available for them every week.  They do not take items they do not need or won't use, and they don't come unless they need to.  Most families do not come for food every week.  During 2002, SPNM distributed 5,705 food boxes to families.  Additional bread and produce was given to 3,374 families.    

A special distribution is done at Thanksgiving.  Churches in the greater Rhode Island area collect food and deliver it to SPNM after church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving food boxes include dessert and condiments not usually available and a turkey or supermarket voucher that will cover the cost of a turkey as well as the normal food items.  In 2002, 386 families (1,546 people) received Thanksgiving food. 

At Christmas, SPNM tries to support the family unit by helping the parents have something they can give to their own children.  Families pre-register and then come in by appointment the week before Christmas.  Gift items are collected from churches and civic organizations, including American Baptist Churches throughout the country.  They are arranged on tables in the dining room by age appropriateness.  In addition, donations of hats and gloves and socks are recruited and arranged on tables by size.  Parents get to select one gift for each child in their family plus hats and mittens and socks for each child.  They also get wrapping paper. At the end they get to choose a small gift for themselves as a token of our appreciation for the hard work they do all year long raising their children.   In 2002 we provided Christmas gifts and clothing for 1,140 children in 420 families. 

In addition, SPNM provides emergency rent, oil deliveries and help with utility bills as much as we can.  In 2002 we helped 342 families.  We usually provide a portion of the utility or rent money they need, working with the managers or utility companies to set up payment plans and with other organizations in the area to contribute to the initial debt reduction plan. 

Finally, we encourage families to participate in self-help programs like the Serve New England food cooperative that helps them stretch their food dollars but is not a charity, or in cooking and nutrition and other programs available in the area. 

-- Written by Wanda Michaelson

Contact point:

Wanda Michaelson, Executive Director
South Providence Neighborhood Ministries (SPNM)
747 Broad Street
Providence, RI   02907
Phone: 401-461-7509
Fax: 401-785-8277
E-mail:  spnm@juno.org
Website: www.spnm.org