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On a cold winter evening, a police officer responds to a distress call about a domestic incident. Amid the chaos, a young child sits quietly in the corner, clutching a worn-out teddy bear, eyes wide with fear. These are the moments where Family Service of Rhode Island’s (FSRI) Go Team makes an immeasurable difference. With a trauma-trained advocate arriving on scene alongside the officer, the child receives immediate comfort and support. This advocate, focused solely on the child’s emotional well-being, gently helps them begin to process the trauma they’ve just endured. It’s in these critical first moments that the cycle of trauma can be broken, providing a pathway toward healing and hope.

FSRI is a behavioral health and social service organization supporting Rhode Islanders across the state from infancy to adulthood with the mission “to advance equity, opportunity, and hope in our communities.” Founded in 1892, FSRI’s long history of non-profit service has always been tailored to meet the unique and ever-changing needs of the diverse Rhode Island communities in which we serve.

The Go Team program is built around the core belief that no victim of crime should navigate their trauma alone. Co-locating trauma-trained police liaisons within local departments, the Go Team ensures that victims receive 24/7 on-scene response. These advocates accompany officers on ride-alongs, ready to step in and provide immediate support, help access basic needs, assist in navigating the complex criminal justice system, connect victims to essential community resources, and offer ongoing advocacy. This unique model has proven highly successful in mitigating the long-term impacts of trauma and helping victims begin their journey to recovery and has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to trauma-informed care.

Launched in 2003 through a visionary collaboration between then Providence Mayor David Cicilline, Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman, FSRI CEO Margaret Holland McDuff, and former Vice President Dr. Susan Erstling, the Go Team has grown to now serve seven police departments across Rhode Island: Barrington, Central Falls, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Woonsocket, and the Rhode Island State Police. Each year, the program touches countless lives, offering critical support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

“Every time the Go Team steps onto a scene, they bring more than just support—they bring hope. It’s about showing victims, especially children, that they are not alone in their darkest moments,” states Holland McDuff.

To ensure the sustainability and continued expansion of this vital program, FSRI has established the Go Team Endowment Fund, enabling it to continue its life-saving work and reach even more communities in need. By contributing to the Go Team Endowment, donors can play an active role. Together, we can ensure that no child, no family, and no community member stands alone in the face of trauma.