County Executive Schuh Visits Providence’s Horticulture Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aimee Bullen

August 24, 2016
410-766-2212 x110

County Executive Schuh Visits Providence’s Horticulture Program

Glen Burnie – Providence, a non-profit that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, welcomed Steve Schuh, Anne Arundel County Executive, and Nancy Schrum, Director of Constituent Services, to its Greenhouses and Gardens at 370 Shore Acres Road in Arnold on August 9, 2016. Joining them were Providence’s Acting CEO, Joan Miller; Board President, Chuck Goodman; and Production Manager and Horticulturist, Nathan Ullrich.

Providence’s Horticulture Program provides vocational training in a working nursery. It is one of several Providence programs that provide job skills training and opportunities for community inclusion. Twenty-two growers produce seasonal plants and perennials for sale, as well as native plants including wetland grasses. Providence has supplied plants for numerous large shoreline restoration projects along the Chesapeake Bay and storm water management efforts. Providence’s growers also offer floating gardens that beautify the waterfront, help clean local rivers, and provide a habitat for wildlife.

“Providence is meeting an important need for our residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” County Executive Schuh stated. “I was glad to see its Horticulture Program first-hand and learn how the growers are building skills and protecting our local environment through a unique wetlands program.”

Joan Miller, Providence’s Acting CEO, said, “We want to thank County Executive Schuh and Nancy Schrum for visiting Providence and learning about our mission and efforts to improve the environment. Their visit brings visibility to the contributions our growers are making each day to the world around us.”

Providence, a non-profit organization based in Anne Arundel County, empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, gain independence, reach life goals, and find meaningful, contributing roles in their communities.

Providence meets the growing needs of nearly 500 men and women through an array of services and supports, including job discovery, vocational training and supported employment, skills training for more independent living, and transportation.

The mission of Providence 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.

For more information about Providence’s Horticulture Program, contact Nathan Ullrich, Providence’s Production Manager and Horticulturist, at 410-766-2212, ext. 432, or visit www.providenceofmaryland.org.

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_{Pictured in one of Providence’s greenhouses are, left to right, Nathan Ullrich, Providence’s Horticulturist; Chuck Goodman, President of Providence’s Board of Directors; Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh; Sharon Nixon, Providence grower; and Joan Miller, Providence’s Acting CEO.}

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