March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Wegmans’ Managers Volunteer At Providence Center

Providence Center, a non-profit organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities, was visited last week by managers from Wegmans at Waugh Chapel.  Eight Wegmans employees volunteered their time making pottery with clients on Thursday, August 30, 2012, as part of the company’s commitment to improving communities.  Wegmans of Waugh Chapel will also offer their customers pottery when the store opens off of Route 3 in Crofton.  The store is slated to open in October.

Wegmans at Waugh Chapel will be providing dedicated space for the Providence Center pottery in its store and information on the work done there on behalf of adults with developmental disabilities.   The store has also hired two Providence Center clients enrolled in its Supported Employment program.

The Wegmans team worked through the day at the Pottery Studio in Arnold, taking part in every step of the pottery process.  They poured clay into molds, rolled clay for molding pieces such as platters, removed fired items from the electric kilns, and helped clients clean up.

Providence Center participant Danny Scanlon and Wegmans’ Service Manager Jamie Dominick

Shayla Harding, Human Resources Manager of Wegmans of Maryland, noted that  working with the clients and seeing their take-charge approach to the pottery process was gratifying.  “Everyone is very knowledgeable about the process,” Harding said.

Store Manager Gerry Troisi said that volunteering at the studio was part of the core mission of Wegmans.  “Wegmans has five values and the one that best applies here is for us to make a difference in every community we serve.  What we are doing here today meets that.”

Wegmans’ Troisi added, “It is so great to see the enormous pride in the products.  We are just very impressed.”

Tom Wright, Providence Center Director of Production, was happy to welcome the Wegmans team and announce the partnership that will result in more community members seeing and purchasing the work by Providence Center clients.  “We are thrilled that Wegmans will be selling our pottery to their customers and highlighting the important work we do and the achievements of our participants. Our products are top quality and help our participants gain greater independence by providing them a paycheck for the work they produce.  This new partnership is an important piece for Providence Center to meet our mission and provide the best care and support to those we serve.”

Wegmans Shawanda Green, Providence Center participant Norma Rosales, and Wegmans Kathy Simmons

Providence Center Executive Director Chuck Coble stressed the importance of community partnerships like that with Wegmans.  “Wegmans has a well-earned reputation for being a good corporate citizen.  We are proud to receive their support and look forward to strengthening our relationship so that together we can continue to improve our communities.”

Providence Center, a non-profit organization based in Anne Arundel County, operates five facilities which provide care and training in programs such as Horticulture, Woodshop, and Pottery throughout the county.  It meets the growing needs of nearly 500 individuals through an array of services and supports, including medical supervision and care, psychological assistance, skills training for activities of daily living, vocational training and job placement as well as retirement services.

The mission of Providence Center is to provide services that allow individuals with disabilities to enjoy increased self-determination in leading a more independent, valuable and functioning role in society. These support services are individually designed and professionally managed to enable these individuals to exercise higher levels of control over their lives.

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