About

Mission

We are peer professionals on a mission to help Rhode Islanders of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds get the support they need to thrive.

Vision

A Rhode Island where systems work for the people who rely on them, driving improved and more equitable outcomes.

Values

Lived Experience – valuing the knowledge, skills, and empathy gained from navigating life’s challenges
Inclusivity – Embracing the contributions of community members of all abilities and backgrounds, building equitable systems within RIPIN and our community
Integrity – Pursuing our mission with professionalism, ethics, transparency, and accountability
Empowerment – Building the knowledge and skills of our staff and community, to foster a culture of ownership of our lives and our work
Collaboration – Earning trust through respectful communication that helps people, families, colleagues, institutions, and communities succeed together

History

RIPIN is a 501(c)(3), charitable, nonprofit organization established in 1991 by a passionate group of parents of children with special needs. These parents recognized that together they could provide support through sharing essential information and helping to find the resources they needed for their loved ones. This peer model continues to be at the heart of our work and has lead RIPIN’s network to expand statewide. Today we have over 100 employees, most of whom have personal experience caring for a loved one with special health care or educational needs.

RIPIN State and Federal Designations:

Cedar Family Center: coordinates care for children with special health care needs
Early Intervention (EI): Parent Consultants supports families of infants and toddlers with developmental delays
Family Voices & Family-to-Family Health Information Center: resources and support for families who have children with special health care needs
Medical Home Portal (RI): information for parents and professionals caring for children with special health care needs
Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC): for parents of children navigating special education
RIPIN Healthcare Advocate: ombudsman for Rhode Islanders with Medicare and Medicaid
RIREACH: Rhode Island’s health insurance consumer assistance program

Board

RIPIN is proud to acknowledge our Board of Directors who are comprised of parents and community leaders including supporters in the area of education, health, medicine, business, non-profit management, and others. Our Board is an integral part of the Mission and Vision of RIPIN and assists in areas of organizational direction, fiscal health, and governance.