Native Rhode Islander Tuni Schartner is sometimes referred to as “Rhode Island’s Economic Gardener.” She earned this nickname due to her personal mission of “helping businesses thrive, and to help the Rhode Island economy grow; always focusing on the greater good.”
Since graduating from URI, Schartner has held community-driven leadership roles all over Rhode Island, including serving as one of the founders and early directors of Innovate Newport, the Innovation Studio at Venture Café Providence, and The Hive, a community-based coworking facility in North Kingstown. During this time, Schartner held roles on numerous boards of directors, including the MÃE Organization for the Homeless, where she has also been an active volunteer for many years.
Last year, Schartner was asked by the MÃE Board of Directors to step in as Interim Executive Director to restructure the organization and create a strategic plan so that the program could serve Rhode Islanders for generations. The request came at a time when Schartner was craving to join a mission-driven organization that was profoundly making an impact on people’s lives. She accepted immediately and jumped in to bring her innovation and people-leading talents to the table.
How MÃE Began
MÃE is derived from the Portuguese word for “mother.” The name embodies the nurturing essence of the organization. It was founded in 2008 by Martinha Javid, a native of the Azores who moved to America in 1979 as a young girl and was shocked to find people living on the street. It was then that she vowed to help others when she was older and ultimately established MÃE to support individuals experiencing homelessness or those who are at risk of losing stable housing.
Based in Cranston, the organization serves weekly meals in Woonsocket, Providence/Kennedy Plaza, Pawtucket, and West Warwick. In each of the last two years, MÃE has served approximately 35,000 hot meals and bagged lunches, up from 12,500 meal deliveries just four years ago. In addition, they provide clothing, housing assistance, emergency shelter, and hygiene/toiletries resources for people with housing insecurity. Holistic healing, nutrition, financial literacy, and other necessary life skills and wellness classes are also offered on a regular basis at their Cranston hub.
“Since stepping into the role in January, I’ve seen a clear increase in both the volume and complexity of need,” Schartner observed. “More Rhode Islanders are reaching out—not only for food and hygiene essentials—but for help transitioning into stable housing and rebuilding their lives.”
Schartner says that one of the most misunderstood aspects of homelessness is that it’s not only about people living on the street. It’s a much broader issue of instability. Nearly 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck—so many are just one unexpected bill, illness, or rent increase away from crisis. “We see this every day at MÃE: families living in cars, seniors skipping meals to pay utilities, and individuals forced to choose between hygiene supplies and transportation.”
MÃE is able to deliver these services through grants, private and corporate donations, and – very importantly – a dedicated crew of volunteers. Each week a minimum of 50 volunteers show up where they are needed most to carry out these programs across Rhode Island.
“The most urgent need we face as Rhode Islanders is ensuring consistent access to food, shelter, and support services—not just during emergencies, but as part of a sustainable, dignified system of care,” Schartner said. “These are human rights, not privileges—and we all have a role to play in protecting them.”
Schartner says some of the organization’s most meaningful impact has come from helping single mothers transition into stable housing and keep them supported as they rebuild their lives. “One mother came to us with her three daughters after fleeing an unsafe situation. They were navigating homelessness and uncertainty, but through MAE’s outreach and support, we helped them find stable housing. From there, we provided everything they needed to begin again: weekly groceries, clothing, pots and pans, dishes, bedding, towels—everything to make their space a true home. Today, the mom has a job she loves, her daughters are thriving, and the entire family has become part of the MÃE community. They now volunteer with us, paying it forward to help others in the same way.”
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to support MÃE—whether you’re on Aquidneck Island, or elsewhere in Rhode Island, or even out of state. Those who want to make a positive impact can make a one-time, tax-deductible donation, become a sustaining donor, host a drive for pantry items, clothing, or hygiene supplies, shop their Amazon Wish List, or volunteer.
MÃE’s work depends heavily on community partnerships, and every action—large or small—helps them meet growing needs with dignity and compassion.
Together, we can build a healthier, more hopeful Rhode Island for all. After all, isn’t HOPE our state motto – and something we all need to rally around?
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.