The Providence Center Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Circle of Stars

November 10, 2009 (PROVIDENCE, RI)—The Providence Center celebrated its 40th anniversary at its annual Circle of Stars event with nearly 350 guests on Thursday, November 5, at the Westin Providence Hotel. For the past 40 years, The Providence Center has been providing comprehensive services to adults, adolescents and children experiencing mental health, substance abuse, emotional and behavioral problems. Serving more than 10,000 people annually, The Providence Center is one of the largest of mental health and addiction services in Rhode Island.

Four individuals who represent the trustees, employees, donors and clients who have been a part of The Providence Center’s rich history and helped to shape its future were recognized at the event:

Bill Devereaux, Esq., partner at Pannone Lopes Devereaux and West LLC and resident of North Smithfield, represented trustees of The Providence Center.

Dr. James Greer, clinical director of The Providence Center’s Child and Family Services and resident of Cranston, represented employees of The Providence Center.

Kathy Hinckley, director of constituent affairs for the Office of Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy and resident of Lincoln, represented clients of The Providence Center.

Andrew Prescott, Esq., on behalf of Nixon Peabody LLP, a “Global 100” law firm, represented donors of The Providence Center.

Honorees Andrew Prescott, Esq. (representing Nixon Peabody LLP), William Devereaux, Esq., Kathy Hinckley, Dr. James Greer with Dale Klatzker, president/CEO of The Providence Center

 The proceeds from Circle of Stars will be allocated to the newly established Coping with Crisis Fund, created to help the increasing number of underinsured and uninsured individuals who seek help for mental health and substance use issues. Last year, The Providence Center provided nearly $2 million in free care to over 2,000 uninsured clients.

“Our strong foundation is built on the belief that our clients’ needs are best served not in a hospital, but in the community with a full array of services that embraces the whole person,” said Dale K. Klatzker, Ph.D., president/CEO of The Providence Center. “From counseling and medication, to education and employment, health and wellness, affordable housing and meaningful spiritual and social lives, our clients’ unique needs have always been, and always will be, met with care and compassion.”

In video tributes shown during the program, friends and colleagues of each honoree spoke of their commitment to the community and dedication to The Providence Center.

In his tribute to Dr. Jim Greer, Jim Gannaway, former Providence Center employee and current director of the Rhode Island Division of Casey Family Services, spoke of Greer’s dedication to his work. “I appreciate Jim for his commitment to his work and to the families of the children he serves,” said Gannaway.

Andrew Prescott, partner at Nixon Peabody LLP, spoke on behalf of the firm that has been a partner and supporter of The Providence Center for nearly a decade, noting the goal that the two organizations share to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders. “We strive not only to practice law at the highest level, but also to make the communities in which we live and work better places for everyone,” said Prescott. “We proudly support The Providence Center—our client, but, more importantly, our partner—in making a better Rhode Island.”

Bill Devereaux, a dedicated member of the board of trustees for over 14 years, is deeply committed to helping people in recovery from addictions and generously supports The Providence Center. A special message was delivered from Devereaux’s friend, Head Coach of the New England Patriots Bill Belichick: “Bill has given of himself to The Providence Center and to the Rhode Island community, giving countless hours and helping people from all walks of life. He’s very caring and giving of his time—I am proud to call him my friend.”

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy expressed gratitude to his long-time friend and colleague, Kathy Hinckley, a former client of The Providence Center. “I am honored to know Kathy as a friend. I can’t thank her enough for all she has done to help me through life,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Kathy has taken everything she has received in life and turned around to help even more people. I have never known anyone more compassionate, more dedicated to service than Kathy Hinckley.”

Guests also heard the stories of three clients whose lives were touched by The Providence Center. David Oliver, a former client and now a residential assistant at The Providence Center, recounted how The Providence Center guided his recovery from a 30-year addiction. “At The Providence Center, I learned how to overcome my addictions and to live and work in society,” said Oliver.

Sandra Sellers graduated from the Women’s Day Treatment Program with a firm resolve to change her life. “Women’s Day gave me hope and strength,” said Sellers. “It taught me to accept who I am—a woman with dignity and respect.”

Peggy Reid, associate professor of English and director of American Studies at Providence College, talked about how The Providence Center’s Early Childhood Institute helped her to understand and deal with her son Daniel’s challenging behavior. “Through their wisdom and compassion, the staff members of at The Providence Center have given me great hope for Daniel’s future,” said Reid.

Karen Adams, anchor, WPRI-TV Eyewitness News served as emcee for the evening’s program. Jim Botvin, chair of The Providence Center board of trustees and president of Colonial Toyota, chaired the event committee.

The Providence Center annually serves over 10,000 adults, children and adolescents experiencing mental illness, substance use and emotional problems. Since its establishment in 1969, The Providence Center has been part of Rhode Island’s exemplary behavioral health care system, offering a comprehensive array of treatment and rehabilitation services.