The Providence Center





		About The Providence Center

		Founded in 1961, the Center opened its doors to seven children, all of whom were developmentally disabled. The ribbon cutting to open this first Center was hosted by then Governor J. Millard Tawes. The original site was located at what is now the corner of Spa and Hilltop Roads in Annapolis. The founding citizens of the Center included: Barbara Augustine, Betty Sadowski, Lorraine Bothe, Peggy and Thomas Baldwin, Dorothy Burke, and Katherine Wilcox. From the early sixties through the eighties, the Center grew by leaps and bounds under the long-term direction of the Executive Director, Pat Hudson. In its infancy, the Center provided the only services in the County for children with developmental disabilities. In 1971, it opened the first specifically-designed building for those services at Shore Acres Road. The population swelled to slightly more than one hundred participants. However, in 1975, with the passage of the equal right to education law, the youngsters were admitted to the special education classes of the public school system. At that time, the Center's mission shifted towards providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. The Center continued to expand opportunities to an ever-increasing adult population. In the ‘70s and ‘80s it established a Craft Program, Woodworking and Pottery Studios, Sheltered Workshops, and a Horticulture Program that continues to provide wetland grasses for the restoration of the Chesapeake shoreline. At the peak of its craft programs in the ‘80s, the Center operated three retail outlets that were dubbed "Earthtones". Today, one store located in Pasadena offers the sale of the Center's handicrafts. The late ‘80s saw the Center open a Supported Employment program that supports individuals in competitive employment. Today, some 110 individuals hold diverse jobs in their communities and are employed by businesses throughout Anne Arundel County. In 1990, leading members of the community formed the Providence Center Foundation for the purpose of raising much-needed supplemental funds for Providence Center. The Foundation brings those "extra resources" beyond the public monies to the Center. The Foundation's generosity means, among other things, that individuals can access the arts and technology. Guided by our mission and a voluntary Board of Directors, Providence Center will continue to grow to meet the ever-changing needs of nearly 500 individuals. Through the dynamic leadership of the Board of Directors and a caring staff, the Center looks forward to a growing presence in the community and an increasing awareness of what the consumers at Providence Center have to offer Anne Arundel County. The vision for the future is filled with hope - fueled by the inspiration of our achievements and appreciation for our community.
							The Pottery program assists individuals in their development of appropriate work skills and habits using pottery as the medium. Individuals are encouraged to make choices pertaining to their work and social life, build independence, and participate in activities in their communities. Read More...