Thirty years. Three decades springing from the idea that an all-volunteer run organization could make a difference in the lives of those dealing with financial hardship. One of the founders of the organization, Pam Faulkner, says that TAPIN began with one phone and a desire to help.
Today, several phones are in use, supplying rides to medical appointments for the elderly or disabled, and providing them with basic household goods and groceries. Each year, Thanksgiving meals and children’s Christmas toys are organized for clients, with help from the local community. “We could not have foreseen how large we’ve become and how many services we provide,” Pam says.
TAPIN – short for Touch a Person in Need - is located in Barrington, but serves people in Bristol, Warren, Barrington and East Providence. Co-presidents Lynn Moran and Ann Wood say the needs have only grown over the years. “Private donations are down, cost of food is up and the demand has increased quite a bit since 2008,” Lynn says, adding that a volunteer staff makes a considerable difference in keeping the doors open in diffcult economic times. The organization helps up to 1,600 individuals a month with their various services.
Ann says they provide needs for those who would find it diffcult to purchase something as simple as a frying pan, toaster or blankets, and match people up with needs for larger items like upholstered furniture. “I think it’s fantastic we’ve been able to survive and really thrive for 30 years,” Ann says.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here