Building Futures

This week, Building Futures, local building trades union reps & recovery peers are bringing su***de prevention directly to construction sites in Rhode Island.

As part of our outreach for Construction Su***de Prevention Week, we’re visiting workers at:
🚧 RI Hospital (Suffolk Construction)
🚧Toll Gate and Pilgrim High Schools (Dimeo Construction)
🚧South Kingstown High School, Middletown High School & URI (Gilbane Building)
🚧Pawtucket United (Shawmut Design and Construction)

Every day, 14 U.S. construction workers die by su***de, and an estimated 522 attempt su***de. Thousands more struggle with thoughts of ending their lives.

We're connecting with tradespeople across the state to remind them that there is hope. Mental health treatment and personal connection work.

Check in on your coworkers, and know the resources available through 988, Employee Assistance Programs, Member Assistance Programs & Building Futures. Mental health is a safety issue - looking out for one another is part of the job. We're in this together. We've Got Your Back.

***dePreventionWeek

Building Futures Inside, our training program at the ACI, graduated its 8th cohort this summer. Started in 2023, the program has helped dozens of people enter Construction Registered Apprenticeships or secure careers in other sectors following their release. Thanks to University of Rhode Island and The Providence Eye for highlighting how BFI is combating recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals secure family-sustaining careers.

Rhode Island’s Reincarceration Rates are High. This Construction Skills Program Helps Participants Build Futures Once Outside. Over the last three years, inmates at Rhode Island’s Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) demolished a floor at the minimum security facility to make way for a construction workshop. As they replaced the rooms that used to hold prisoners, trainees learned basic carpentry, floor laying and paintin...

Construction Su***de Prevention Week is coming up, from September 14-18.

More than 5,000 construction workers die by su***de each year. Construction workers continue to have one of the highest su***de rates of any occupation, and many more workers are struggling in silence.

That's why we're offering two free, online trainings: Talk Saves Lives (Prevention) on Tuesday, September 8 and Protecting Your Workforce After a Loss (Postvention) on Thursday, September 10.

Register for Prevention Webinar: www.bfri.org/prevention
Register for Postvention Webinar: www.bfri.org/postvention

RI’s Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program is growing! Launched at the start of the 2025/26 school year with 4 participants, the program now supports 14 apprentices across three school districts - Central Falls, East Providence, and Pawtucket. Join us next Thursday, Sept. 3, to celebrate these apprentices and the mentors, school leaders, and union partners building a stronger educator workforce in our state. RSVP: www.bfri.org/rtap-celebrate

Are you in the trades and living in recovery? Join our second Peer Network event this Wednesday, August 19 from 5-7pm for an All-Recovery Meeting and the opportunity to connect with others committed to supporting recovery in the construction industry. Register at www.bfri.org/peer-network

📢 Calling all Building Futures Alumni: Join us on August 21 at our Alumni Appreciation Picnic for great food, a free t-shirt, and the chance to reconnect with your BF classmates! RSVP: www.bfri.org/2026picnic

Wondering how you can help a coworker or friend who is struggling with their mental health or substance use? Join Building Futures next Wednesday, 8/12 from 5-7pm for our Ally Training. Learn more and RSVP: https://loom.ly/rhS_CTQ

Rhode Island is leading the way in school leadership! The Pathways Alliance recently recognized RI's Registered Apprenticeship Principal Program (RIPRAP) in a case study examining how Rhode Island Department of Education - RIDE leveraged the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity's Principal Residency Network to create a Registered Apprenticeship pathway.

RIPRAP provides an opportunity for aspiring school leaders to gain experience as assistant principals and deans while equipping them with the tools, support, and mentoring they need to be successful. We are proud to have partnered with RIDE & CLEE to build this incredibly impactful program. Read more: https://loom.ly/qljZgw4

Wondering how you can help a coworker or friend who is struggling with their mental health or substance use? Join Building Futures on August 12 from 5-7pm for a Recovery Ally Training. Learn more and RSVP: bfri.org/recoveryally