The McAuley Corporation

The Warde-robe

 

The Warde-robe located in Central Falls, Rhode Island, was established by the Sisters of Mercy of Rhode Island and the Americas ten years ago as a "Thrift Shop." It was taken over by The McAuley Corporation to further meet the needs of the economically poor, predominantly Hispanic Community of Central Falls. The program continues to offer donated clothing and small household items at minimal prices. Extensive outreach has also been done in this two mile square community, the poorest per capita in the State of Rhode Island, to the Churches and Social Service Providers to assist the indigent Women and Children with resources of needed clothing and housewares free of charge. Named after Francis Warde, founder of the Sisters of Mercy in the United States, the Worde-robe is also a listening, networking, and emergency relief center where people in need will be heard, helped, or referred on for further assistance.

On September 1, 2005, Donna Benetti the former Assistant Manager of the Warde-robe, was appointed Manager due to a vacancy. Donna has been employed at the Warde-robe since the Sisters of Mercy of Providence managed the storefront ministry to the economically poorest community of Rhode Island in Central Falls. Donna brings to her position a wealth of experience having owned and managed a re-sale shop for over ten years. Donna has said that her greatest love of working in this financially poor community is providing whatever help she can to make a mother and her children's lives easier.

In the late summer, Donna and the many dedicated volunteers of the Warde-robe including Sisters Lois Harten, RSM and Mary Alberic Martins RSM; worked diligently to collect appropriate children's clothing to assist with the back to school needs of the community. The Mother's in need received vouchers from the McAuley House and Project Hope (another agency for the poor in Central Falls) to dress and ready their children for the up and coming school year. The McAuley Ministries received a donation of 150 back-packs stocked with all the school supplies needed by students of all ages. This generous gilt from the St. Phillips Parish in Greenville, Rhode Island, gave the "Children of the Warde-robe" the best first day of school.

The Warde-robe continues its storefront ministry to the poor by offering a kindness and respect to everyone entering the front door. A 'Guest' in crisis can be referred to the McAuley House social services team. We continue to offer a sense of dignity to a Mother budgeting to make a small purchase of needed clothing for her family or a household item. The sales add to the sustainability of the program.

McAuley Ministry recently received a grant from the United Way of Rhode Island to be a Volunteer Income Tax  Assistance Program to assist poor families and individuals learn about the various tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can bring these families additional household income. This tax assistance program is being site managed by Sharon Custis, Director of Development of McAuley Ministries. Sister Dolores Crowley, RSM. Executive Director of McAuley Ministries, and six volunteers, will educate low income families in obtainment of their additional incomes through filing their taxes. The volunteers have recently gone through a 24-hour training with the IRS. Our trained VITA Volunteers are proficient in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Southeast Asian languages. Starting on January 2, 2005, the Warde-robe, along with McAuley House and McAuley Village, will offer free tax preparation and budgeting management to help the residents in the poorest communities obtain some financial assistance and accountability.