The Welcome House of South County provides emergency shelter and transitional housing to families and individuals in need both at their beds in the North Road facility and in transitional housing spread out nearby. Those in need of housing are allowed up to two years within the confines of Welcome House transitional housing programs. In addition to sheltering the needy, the House on North Road also operates a soup kitchen Monday through Friday from 12pm - 1pm.
Kingston's Camp is a seasonal day camp for children ages 5 – 11 that operates from June through August. Located on Larkin's Pond in West Kingston, the camp offers swimming, boating, crafting and nature activities.
A variety of multi-day camp packages are available, with flexible hours and scheduling to accommodate families.
Early registration is encouraged and discounts are available.
With a rich history to its name, the historic Church of the Ascension on Main Street in Wakefield caters to a devoted congregation that is big on community outreach and offers a variety of church programming including youth groups, adult education and much more.
The mission of the Church of the Ascension is to provide a dynamic worship environment that appeals to all ages and to continue its extensive outreach efforts throughout the greater community.
The South Kingstown Elks Lodge 1899 and its members belong to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of the USA, a fraternal organization founded in 1869. Lodge membership is approved through a membership nomination and voting process. The South Kingstown lodge hosts banquet facilities, which are available for rental, as well as a members' lounge. Member meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
Founded in 1997, the South County Independent is a family-owned, weekly newspaper that has garnered numerous New England Newspaper Association Awards for its spot-on journalism. Part of the Edward A Sherman Publishing Company, the newspaper group has a sister publication, the North East Independent, and several magazines.
This YMCA summer camp welcomes boys and girls ages 7 - 16 from around the world. Located on Pt. Judith Pond, with access to the Atlantic Ocean, there are land and water-based activities available. You can register online through the website. Weekends are available from April 22 to June 10 and Sept. 1 to Nov. 1 for church groups, conferences and special events.
Founded in 1905, the First Church of God built their house of worship on Allen Avenue in 1938. The Church of God is part of a nationwide network of 2,292 churches headquartered in Anderson, Indiana. The multi-cultural congregation in South Kingstown lends itself to a designation as one of the most unique church congregations in town.
Located off Tower Hill Road, the South County Church of Christ is a place where worship is exciting, the Bible is the standard and digital access is welcomed. Many congregation members bring their Bible with them on smartphones or other digital devices. The fun, family-oritented church caters to all walks of life, and full-immersion baptism is practiced at the facility.
Worden Pond Family Campground is a family-owned campground tucked away just south of Worden Pond. It has electric and water hook-ups, a Wi-Fi hotspot, volleyball and basketball courts, fire pits and even scheduled entertainment. Its close proximity to the pond allows visitors access to recreational activities and swimming.
The Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, located just off Route 1 in Wakefield, is an ideal stop to learn about the South Kingstown area or gather up-to-date information on the community and its events. Offering visitor information, a business directory, a calendar of events and more, the helpful, friendly staff at the Chamber can answer any South County area questions or help citizens become involved in business and social events.
Local lodge #1899 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is open daily to its private members. The building has a large event room that can be rented by members of the public. The lodge also hosts many dinners and charitable events that the public is welcome to attend.
Green Hill Park, located off Green Hill Beach Road in South Kingstown, is a town recreational facility hosting 2.5 acres of meticulously maintained land, picnic and play facilities.
At the park you will find playgrounds, swings, full tennis courts, full and practice basketball courts, as well as a volleyball pit. Fields and open areas abound for football, soccer and other sporting activities.
Plenty of benches are available for relaxing and taking in the surroundings. The picnic area has several grills and tables available for use. Reservation of the area and rental is made through the Town Parks & Recreation department. Please book at least 48 hours in advance.
For walkers, a short 1/4 acre loop of walking trail winds its way through the facilities.
Restroom facilities are available seven days a week.
Dogs are allowed on leash and waste removal is required.
No alcohol is allowed at the facility.
More than just a thrift store, the Jonnycake Center on Kingstown Road extends itself beyond its storefront to help eliminate hunger in the community. The center also aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need, no matter what the circumstances. Proceeds from the store and food donations support not only the work of the center but also the emergency food pantry located just behind the store. Here Jonnycake Center staff issue food and other essential goods to more than 1,100 individuals each month. The center also provides holiday meal baskets, clothing and other household items. Cooking and nutrition classes are available, as are clothing and supplies for young children. The Center has even partnered with the local Animal Rescue League to provide an emergency pet food pantry as well.
Located in the heart of Wakefield, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is the oldest Catholic Church in South Kingstown and commands a large, devoted congregation. The church's summer chapel in Matunuck has taken on a life of its own and offers year-round services.
Aside from the church sanctuary itself, the campus of St. Francis of Assisi includes a large multipurpose hall in the rear and a rectory and offices on Winter Street.
This branch of the South Kingstown Public Library, located in the Perryville/Matunuck section of town, has more limited hours than the main branch in Peace Dale but many of the same services are available. There is free Wi-Fi and interlibrary loans are also available. Check its website for up-to-date information on the events calendar.
Though the Peace Dale Library Association was founded in 1853, it was not located in the idyllic location it resides in now until 1891, a gift in memory of Rowland Hazard. The landmark building sits high above Kingstown Road, but don't let its imposing visage fool you. Inside are thousands of square feet to roam and over 35,000 items to browse within the surprisingly modern facility. The circulation and information centers are newly-renovated and feature a self-checkout option at the reference desk. Enjoy some quiet time in the elegant front reading rooms, or surf the Web at their computer center.
Formerly know as the Women's Resource Center, the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County knows that domestic violence spans all genders and types of families. Count on it for education, counseling and support. The center provides help with obtaining restraining orders and other matters before the court. Child care is available during the drop-in women's support groups.
Founded by Rowland Hazard and his wife Margaret Anna Rood in 1857, the Peace Dale Congregational Church has grown with the village itself to an immense, open and diverse congregation.
The church's cornerstone was laid in 1870, and is listed in the National Register of Historic places. The building itself is a marvel of architecture with modern flair in its supporting rectory and offices.
Child care is available during services, and a variety of programs are available for members including middle school and high school youth group, Bible study, contemporary and traditional choirs, a bell choir, a youth chime choir and a cherub choir for young children.