The Board of Directors of the non-profit The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families announce the appointment of city resident Shannon Dos Santos as Executive Director.

Dos Santos has been the Cranston-based organization's project coordinator for the last four years.

The Village offers families monthly in-person and virtual support groups (including groups for foster, kinship, Grandparents, Single and Spanish families) 1-1 peer-mentoring, family events, throughout the year, a resource closet for clothing and toys, and informational meetings to educate and recruit potential foster parents around the state.

In addition, the organization is involved in an initiative to identify and provide support to the growing number of grandparents and other relatives raising children under the age of 21 in Rhode Island due to issues with biological parents such as substance use, incarceration, behavioral health, suicide, domestic violence, etc.

“I want to thank the Directors for believing in me, supporting me, for guiding me, and giving me the space to grow and learn. The Village is an important resource for foster, adoptive and kinship families," said Dos Santos. "I am honored to be the Executive Director of The Village and look forward to working with the Board and our strategic plan to continue to build the foundation of important support The Village offers to families all over Rhode Island.”

Dos Santos and her husband Dennis have been married for 23 years and live in East Providence. They have three biological daughters and three adopted children ages 32, 6, and 3.

“Shannon has demonstrated leadership skills through her creativity, excellent communication and organizational abilities, positive attitude, passion for the work of The Village, and her sincere determination to make a difference in the lives of foster, adoptive and kinship families and children in their care in RI," said Sue Babin, chair of the organization's board of directors.

Said fellow board member Robin Perez, “Shannon has done an amazing job in her role at The Village and will continue to grow, learn and excel. We are all very proud of her and the work she does every day for families and children.”

Added still another board member Ann Marie Dunbar, “There is no one better for this position than Shannon . A true example of professionalism, her heart and soul are always first for the families and children in care and need.”