06/27/08 AIDS Project RI and Family Service of RI Merge   At a press conference held Friday (June 27, 2008) at the mayor's office in Providence city hall, AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) and Family Service of RI (FSRI) announced that they have merged--with APRI becoming part of FSRI  . The new, expanded program will be known as AIDS Project Rhode Island, a division of Family Service of Rhode Island. The decision by both of the boards reflects a growing belief among the organizations that by joining forces, they will be able to reach out and help a larger and more diverse group of people living with HIV and AIDS. “Bringing together these two organizations will only better serve the community at large,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, FSRI CEO, in the photo along with Mayor David Cicilline. She thanked The Rhode Island Foundation for assisting the merger process with a grant, and noted the United Way of Rhode Island has championed non-profit mergers.  Both organizations sent representatives to the press conference.  Former APRI executive director Christopher Butler was also present at the press conference, as was longtime APRI volunteer, Rep. Frank Ferri, who also spoke. In addition, Sally Lapides, a leader of Equity Action, a field of interest fund at The Rhode Island Foundation, was present. Sue Johnson, (below photo) board member at APRI remarked,  “This is really a win-win situation for the both of us.  It will not only strengthen both organizations, but the impact we can have on the community as well.”   Ms. Johnson, as part of the merger, has joined the FSRI board of directors as has APRI board member Jason Preciphs. Mayor Cicilline, a former APRI board chair, said, “I am extremely pleased that two of Rhode Island’s most respected AIDS service organizations will be under one roof, reducing operating costs and ultimately better serving their current and future clients.”  The unification of two major HIV/AIDS service organizations will allow for a wider range of services being offered to their clients, along with creating a more powerful force to improve the way the healthcare system treats those living with chronic diseases. The winning combination of APRI’s visibility and long history of serving the HIV/AIDS community, the historical ties between FSRI and APRI, and the reputation and strong administrative foundation of FSRI will be beneficial. Besides moving APRI offices to the FSRI headquarters, the leaders of both organizations ensured that they are working together to see that the services of both organizations remain the same.  Al Wroblewski, APRI former executive director will remain in a leadership position at FSRI.   The merger is primarily focused on the welfare of the clients the two groups serve.  Both organizations believe that together, they will be a much more powerful force in AIDS prevention, education and helping those infected to live better lives.  In the end, the merger preserves the history of service of APRI, while providing a springboard for the combined agencies to grow and better face HIV/AIDS issues in the future.