Our History

1972

Founded as St. Charles Residence, Providence, one of the first group homes in RI

1978

Established Apartment Program, including assisted living units at Aaron Briggs Manor

1981

Incorporated as ReFocus, Inc.

1985

Opened Olney Arnold Residence, Cranston

1986

Opened Beechnut Drive Residence, Johnston

1986

Opened Cooke Drive Residence, North Scituate

1987

Opened Cumberland Street Residence, Providence

1988

Opened Bourne Avenue Residence, North Providence

1989

Opened East Side Residence, Providence

1989

Opened Parkside Avenue Residence, Pawtucket

1990

Initiated DCYF Parenting Program

1993

Developed Community Supportive Living Arrangement (CSLA)

1994

Developed Vocational Program

1994

Developed “Home of Our Own” to explore home ownership opportunities for clients

1995

Opened Sampson Avenue Residence, North Providence

1995

Opened Bellevue Place Residence, North Providence

1996

Opened new offices at 1228 Westminster Street, Providence

1999

Began Independent Living Program at 45 School Street, Johnston

2001

Expanded Independent Living Program at 12 Andover Street, Providence

2003

Opened Chestnut Hill Residence for Supportive Living, Cranston

2004

Opened School Street Residence, Johnston

2005

Opened Garden City Residence, Cranston

2008

Began Shared Living Program

2009

Relocated offices to 45 Greeley Street, Providence and opened ReFocus Community Center

2011

Opened ReFocus Community Center at 1228 Westminster Street, Providence

2012

Established E-Zone Employment Training Program

2013

Introduced a new logo and communications initiative to promote our mission locally and nationally

2017

Sister Pat's Place at 31 Nahant Street, Providence - Day Services opened. Renaming and dedication of Gilbane Community Center at 45 Greeley Street

2019

Cumberland Street Residence is closed

2021

Self-Directed Service started

2022

Dedication of Sr. Christine Kavanagh, RSM Community Pollinator Garden at the ReFocus 1228 Location