OUR HISTORY

OUR MISSION

Tides Family Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit social services agency focusing on addressing the needs of children at risk. Since its incorporation in 1983, Tides has promoted family preservation and maintenance of youth within their communities through individual, family and group counseling; home visitations; educational and court advocacy as well as the networking of social services. Tides aims to provide the children, youth and their families with the services they need. The overall goal of Tides’ effort is to keep within the mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

Tides Family Services Timeline

1975

In 1975, Br. Michael co-founded the Ocean Tides School. During his term as President of   Ocean Tides, Br. Michael recognized a need   for at-risk youth to have more support to preserve families and in their communities and out of residential programs.

1982

In 1982, Br. Michael designed a program that would work to preserve youth in their families and communities providing the support and services they needed at a critical time in their lives.

1983

In 1983, Tides Family Services was incorporated as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. The Agency started with a $10,000 grant from Diocese of Providence and $5,000 grant from the Governor’s Justice Commission.

1987

In 1987 Youth Outreach Project (YOP) begins with a contract with RI Department of Children and Family ( DCYF).

1990

In 1990 Tides Administrative offices moves from Providence to West Warwick.

1992 – 1994

In 1992 Tides expands and begins a tutoring program, parent group and counseling at Barton St. Community Center in Pawtucket. In 1993 Tides Outreach Project(TOP) begins in Pawtucket/Central Falls with 6 staff members and 1 clinician. In 1994 Tides Outreach Project (TOP) begins in Pawtucket/Central Falls with 6 staff members and 1 clinician.

1996 – 1998

In 1996 managed care changed the way Tides did business, DCYF becomes major funding source. In 1997 Tides begins a tutoring program, parent groups and counseling at West Ave  Community Center partnering  with Pawtucket Police. In 1998 Tides begins a certified Special Education school in Pawtucket with a $75,000 grant from RI Department of Education.

2001

In 2001 Governor’s Justice Commission awards Tides a Truancy Prevention Grant in West Warwick that allows us to expand services again.

2003 – 2005

In 2003 Tides administrative office moves to new location for two years while building renovation occurs due to new building codes. In 2004 a new contract with the Department of Human Services obtained to have home based therapeutic services. A way to diversify funding. In 2005 Tides budget reached $4.1 million.

2007

2007 brought significant program expansion to TFS. Both the Youth Transition Center (YTC) and the Preserving Families Network (PFN) started in 2007. The YTC, modeled after the Massachusetts Day Reporting Centers, provides services to youth transitioning out of the training school. PFN is currently Tides’ largest program; an intensive in-house network of services originally designed for youth returning from out of state care.

2009 – 2010

In 2009 Tides received the first Accreditation through the Council on Accreditation. In 2010, Tides was awarded a SAMSHA grant, Transition to Success, to provide transition work for youth in the RI Training School identified as having concerns with substance use.

2012

In 2012, TFS launches a new database and begins relationship with Yale University to start the development of logic models and more closely evaluate program outcomes throughout the Agency.

2017

In 2017, Tides is awarded a contract to provide an additional Evidence Based Practice, Functional Family Therapy (FFT). With a budget exceeding $8.2 million and a staff of 140, Tides provides services to approximately 500 high risk youth and their families every day statewide.

2018

In 2018 Brother Michael Reis transitions to Chief Visionary Officer and Beth Bixby hired as new Chief Executive Officer.

We never reject a youth or a family…
We never give up on a kid…
Never.

Everything we do would not be possible without your incredibly generous support. We’re so grateful for your contribution to these kids, and in turn, our community.

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