A Visting Resource is an adult volunteer (and, if applicable, his/her family) who is available for visits from a boy who is a Harmony Hill resident.
The Visiting Resource can see the boy for a day visit and/or an overnight (on weekends) and/or a school vacation (up to two weeks). The Visiting Resource helps the boy sample and practice
"non-institutional" living in the community.Who are the boys who need Visiting Resources?
All Harmony Hill boys have emotional and behavioral problems. Many of these problems
relate to the boy's histories of being neglected and/or abused. Note that Harmony Hill never takes boys who have serious (violent) criminal records, who have drug addictions, or who have
severe mental illnesses. Once a boy has been at Harmony Hill for 3-6 months, he is usually stable and capable of interacting very much like a more fortunate child. The staff will match boys to the
interests and experience of the volunteer Visiting Resource. The average length of stay at HHS is two years, so there is often an extended period for the relationship to develop.
What type of commitment is needed?
At least one weekend day per month. We strive to create regular and predictable visits for the boy(s).
What qualifications do I need to become a Visiting Resource?
The adult volunteer must be 21 years of age or older (an occasional exception
can be made). We need volunteers who live in Northwest Rhode Island, Greater Providence, and Northeast Connecticut. The volunteer must have an apartment or
owned home with adequate space if the boy is to stay overnight. The volunteer should have a car and also have no criminal history, nor any past problems
involving DCYF contact. Affidavits are required and police records are checked. The most important quality is the desire to help a boy and a capacity to interact and share some recreation and/or interest with the youth.
How do I apply?
Call Rebecca Maddock, Administrative Assistant, at 401-949-0690. She will take some preliminary information. That information will be reviewed by the program's
coordinator and passed on to the clinicians in our Social Services Department. If your information matches the needs of one of our clients, that youth's clinician
will call you. They will send application materials for you to complete and a visit to your home will be arranged. If you are approved by Harmony Hill School, your
approval will be passed on to the Department of Children, Youth and Families for their review. Once clearance is received, the clinician will contact you to discuss meeting the boy.
VISITING RESOURCES