Providence of Maryland expands service to Charles County

Providence of Maryland, a nonprofit that serves people with intellectual disabilities, expanded into Charles County last year to strengthen its mission and the communities it supports.

The move into the county marked an expansion of Providence’s services that were not previously offered — housing. In other counties, one of the primary focuses is employment and finding opportunities for those the organization serves.

“Our mission is very simple. It’s strictly about supporting people to live their best life and whatever that means for the individual person,” Karen Adams-Gilchrist, the president and CEO of Providence, said in an interview with Southern Maryland News.

Adams-Gilchrist said that, eventually, Providence is looking to bring its employment services into Charles County.

In Anne Arundel County, Providence has relationships with over 70 to 80 business partners, she said.

Providence acquired 11 new homes after entering into an affiliation agreement with Charles County HARC Inc., and has more than 80 staff members who work with over 30 men and women, the organization’s 2023 annual report says.

“What inspired us to venture into Charles County was a part of our strategic plan as an organization to diversify geographically as well as the service that we were providing,” Adams-Gilchrist said.

Jennifer Smith, Providence's director of community living, said that those in the organization's residential facilities have a day program that encourages them to explore and be connected with their communities.

Providence is very goals-based and helps its residents set and achieve what they desire to do, Smith said.

Adams-Gilchrist said that it is very important to make sure people understand that those with intellectual disabilities have the same opportunities that we do.

“It has been a rewarding experience to see the field evolve, where we no longer segregate people, we no longer treat people any different than we do each other,” Adams-Gilchrist said. “They’re given an opportunity to have their own voice.”

For more information about Providence, go to providenceofmaryland.org.