PROVIDENCE, R.I. — U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., on Thursday announced $430,000 in federal funding for Children's Friend, a Providence nonprofit that serves young children and families, during a tour of the organization's therapeutic classrooms in Providence.

Whitehouse said he secured the money as an earmark in the 2026 minibus spending package. According to his office, the funding will let Children's Friend expand mental health assessments, clinical capacity, therapeutic classroom visits and staff training.

Whitehouse's office said the money will improve individualized mental health and disability services for more than 800 children enrolled in the organization's early childhood centers and allow it to nearly double its behavioral health staffing.

"Children's Friend does heroic work to support some of Rhode Island's most vulnerable children and families," Whitehouse said. "It is wonderful to see this funding at work ensuring that kids facing mental health challenges can get individualized care that meets their needs."

David Caprio, president and CEO of Children's Friend, said the mental health needs of young children are growing and are often overlooked.

"This funding is about giving children the clinical support they need at the earliest possible age, equipping educators with the tools to respond to their needs, and helping families build a stronger foundation for the future," Caprio said.

Children's Friend, founded in 1834, runs early childhood education and care sites in Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls, providing educational, developmental and mental health services to young children and families.

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