Carrie Miranda

Says Carrie Miranda, Executive Director of LOOKING UPWARDS, “The way we deliver services has been turned upside down by COVID, while so many people are depending on us. Our direct support professionals and our entire staff have shown tremendous spirit in overcoming these challenges.”

Looking Upwards is a Middletown-based nonprofit. The agency supports over 1,200 individuals with disabilities and children with special healthcare needs and their families throughout Rhode Island. Agency staff are re-inventing services, changing roles when needed, and working tirelessly. They demonstrate real heart – always doing more for individuals and families’ well-being, despite being incredibly stretched.

For instance, when individuals in residential services and those living at home with their families were at risk of isolation, the team rapidly launched online options to keep people connected and uplifted. Facing the challenge of providing a Covid-safe children’s summer program, the team not only came through, but they extended services when school openings were delayed. Every team is rising to similar challenges with boundless commitment to those they support. Says Carrie, “I am truly proud and grateful.”