March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 42 F

County Executive Tours Providence Center’s Horticulture Program

County Executive Neuman and Sharon, a Providence Center participant
County Executive Neuman and Sharon, a Providence Center participant

Providence Center, a non-profit organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities, welcomed Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman to its horticulture program at its Jean Bradbury Building in Arnold.  The County Executive was joined by Councilman Dick Ladd and Providence Center’s Board of Directors President Chuck Goodman and CEO Chuck Coble.  The County Executive was introduced to the program and had the opportunity to meet its 32 participant growers.

The horticulture program produces plants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for retail sales as well as bay grasses and native plants for contract growing.  The program has worked on significant bay restoration projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Poplar Island and with Dominion Energy for a shoreline project in Lusby, MD.  Participants in the program earn a paycheck for the work that they produce, assisting them to gain greater independence in their lives.

“Providence Center does noble work and provides an important service in our community to our most vulnerable Anne Arundel County residents,” said County Executive Neuman.  “It was a great pleasure to meet the growers, hear about all of the important work they do and know that they are working to improve our environment and protect the Chesapeake Bay.”

“We are grateful to County Executive Neuman for visiting the program and learning about the depth of programs and services Providence Center provides,” CEO Chuck Coble said.  “The horticulture program teaches important skills while also teaching those in the program to be environmental stewards.  So much of the county sits on the shores of the Bay and we are doing our part to ensure it will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Providence Center recently attended the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference to raise awareness among county and municipal officials about the work it does in growing bay grasses and native plants.  The organization has worked with the Alliance for the Chesapeake to supply native plants as a tool for storm water management.

Providence Center, a non-profit organization based in Anne Arundel County, operates four program sites which provide care and training in programs such as Supported Employment, 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, job preparedness and training, mentoring, production, employment coaching, senior care, and day habilitation.

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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