THE PROVIDENCE CENTER RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE VERIZON FOUNDATION FOR CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
FOR DISABLED STUDENTS
PROVIDENCE , RI ( January 26, 2006) – The Providence Center has been awarded a $12,500 grant from The Verizon Foundation to purchase three SMARTBoard Interactive Whiteboards. The SMARTBoards, which have a touch-sensitive surface that interfaces with a computer and projector, will serve as important multi-sensory teaching tools for teachers and students at The Providence Center School. The school is a licensed, alternative learning setting that serves up to 72 emotionally/behaviorally disabled students (grades K-12) whose disabilities prevent them from succeeding in traditional community schools.
The grant, presented to The Providence Center by John Kent, vice president of Government Relations and Patricia Tapley, senior specialist, Regulatory of Verizon, will allow more students access to advanced computer technology. This augmented technology is important for Providence Center students, many of whom are eventually transitioned back into their local school districts, because it will enable them to keep pace with their peers in community schools.
“The Verizon Foundation has performed a great service for The Providence Center School’s students and staff,” states Dale K. Klatzker, president/CEO of The Providence Center. “It is our goal to prepare students to be successful learners. This cutting edge SMARTBoard technology makes lessons exciting for students, keeping them more engaged and motivated to learn. We are thrilled that Verizon has selected us for this grant and given us these resources.”
“Verizon is happy to support nonprofit organizations that do great work in the communities we serve,” said John Kent of Verizon. I was impressed with the SMARTBoard Interactive Whiteboard. “I wish I had a board like that when I was going to school. It really makes learning and teaching a lot more interesting.”
The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. In 2004, the foundation awarded more than 26,000 grants totaling more than $70 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, enriching communities through technology, and creating a skilled work force. The foundation uses its resources in the United States and abroad to develop partnerships in technology and connect them with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, and the economically and socially disadvantaged.
The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that last year encouraged Verizon employees to volunteer 528,000 hours in their communities and provided $37.6 million in combined contributions to charitable and nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit: www.verizon.com/foundation.
The Providence Center annually serves over 9,000 adults, children, and adolescents who struggle with mental illness, addiction 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.
