Providence Celebrates Gifts That Give Opening

Providence Holds Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of its New Retail Store, Gifts that Give

Glen Burnie – Providence, a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel County that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, held a ribbon cutting ceremony and Grand Opening event on Saturday, April 23, 2016 for its new Gifts that Give retail store located at its Baldwin Industries facility at 1254 Ritchie Highway in Arnold, Maryland.

Gifts that Give is a new specialty gift store that features pottery and wooden home decor items and housewares, handmade by artists with disabilities served by Providence, as well as hand selected products from other Maryland-based artists and vendors.

Joan Miller, Providence’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “Our new retail store celebrates our mission and gives our community the chance to purchase quality items and support Providence at the same time. Every purchase helps to ensure a talented and dedicated staff and opportunities for those we serve to reach their goals and contribute to the world around them.”

The Grand Opening began with a ribbon cutting ceremony coordinated by the Severna Park & Arnold and North County chambers which was attended by local elected officials, Providence staff, individuals served by Providence and their families, and members of the public. Activities included product and flower sales, children’s crafts and activities including face painting by Crystalooney’s Creative Arts, free Bruster’s ice cream, door prizes, and raffles. Vendors HERE. a pop-up shop and Vintage Stamp Jewels took part in the day-long activities.

Gifts that Give is now open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The store is located at 1254 Ritchie Highway in Arnold, Maryland.

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 community. 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 activities of daily living, and transportation.

Photos Attached:

Photo 1: Nancy Schrum recognizes Providence’s Gifts that Give Grand Opening with an Executive Citation from County Executive Steve Schuh. Left to right: Joan Miller, Providence’s Acting Chief Executive Officer; Nancy Schrum, Director of Constituent Services for the Office of the County Executive; and Kathy Middlebrooks, Providence’ds Production Sales Manager.

Photo 2: Members of the Providence family cut the ribbon to welcome everyone to its new retail store Gifts that Give.

Left to right: Aimee Bullen, Development Director; JoAnne Maurer, Manager of Special Events; Kenny Elgert, Providence woodworker; Joan Miller, Acting CEO; Alan Chester,  Providence artist; Rosemary Elger (standing), Director of Community Development; Taylor Comport (seated),  Providence community volunteer; Nathan Ullrich, Horticulture Manager; Sally Comport, Providence Board member; and Kathy Middlebrooks, Production Sales Manager.