Our History

The Providence Center has been an integral part of Rhode Island's behavior health care system since 1969.  At that time founder Charles E. Maynard implemented a grant from the City of Providence to establish a nonprofit mental health clinic to serve people with minimal financial resources who had mental and emotional problems.

At first, The Providence Center employed only a handful of people. Now, more than 500 employees provide services at four service sites in Providence, Cranston, and Burrillville. In addition, The Providence Center operates many residential facilities throughout the Providence area.

The Providence Center's programs and services for children, adolescents, adults and families experiencing behavioral health problems have expanded greatly over the years. In 1987, Child and Family Services established The Providence Center School to serve the unique academic, social, and therapeutic needs of children ages 3-12 who have emotional and behavioral problems.  Over the years, the school has expanded from its original two preschool and elementary classrooms to 11 classrooms serving up to 85 students ages 3-21.  The school provides a full standards-based academic program that integrates social and emotional skill building into the curriculum.

PROMAIL, a mailing and fulfillment business, was established in 1989 to provide vocational opportunities to Providence Center clients with serious and persistent mental illness. Today, PROMAIL supports the mailing needs of over 200 Rhode Island businesses and organizations.

Child and Family Services further expanded in 2002 with the establishment of The Providence Center's Early Childhood Institute.  The Early Childhood Institute currently serves children ages 2-5 whose behavioral difficulties prevent them from succeeding at home and in childcare settings. The Institute is a model for therapeutic day treatment programs throughout New England.

Adult Services was enhanced in 2004 with an evening intensive outpatient program for men and woman experiencing substance abuse problems.  Adult Services expanded again in 2008 when an Enhanced Recovery House was opened in Providence to provide residential and supportive services to homeless people in the early stages of recovery from serious problems related to substance abuse.

In 2004, founder and President/CEO Charles E. Maynard retired and was succeeded by current President/CEO Dale K. Klatzker, PhD.  Dale's describes his vision as ". . .simply to ensure that people who need help receive it. People with mental illness and substance abuse problems are some of our most vulnerable citizens. We must not forget that, as a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone receives quality services and is treated with dignity and respect."  As president/CEO of The Providence Center, Dale's focus has been to provide excellent care for clients through best clinical and business practices: "I have worked to establish partnerships, a strong leadership team, innovative technology, and a sense of teamwork and open communication throughout the organization—all to more effectively meet our clients' needs."