Providence Center

05/09/2026

Saturday class = Quiz Day! 🧠💬
Our students showed up, focused, and put their English skills to the test. From vocabulary to conversation practice, every answer is part of the journey toward more confidence, more independence, and stronger communication.

04/28/2026

Photo highlights from our Illuminate the Future fundraiser. Thank you for making it a memorable event!

04/27/2026

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and many individual donors, our Illuminate the Future event raised over $115,000. Thank you! Stay tuned for the full photo gallery from the event.

Special thank you to our venue, Overbrook Golf Club, our invitation designer, Molly Ryan, and our emcee Pat Ciarrocchi.

04/25/2026

English class, but make it real life. 💵✨

This Saturday, our students practiced conversation skills through budgeting: asking questions, sharing ideas, comparing expenses, and learning vocabulary they can actually use outside the classroom. Because learning English is not just about grammar—it’s about confidence, independence, and community.

04/16/2026

We'd love to introduce you to just two of our star clients:

Alaisha is in the 4th grade and this is her 2nd year in our Power Afterschool Program. When she first started our program, she was shy, quiet and had limited English-speaking ability. These days, she is quite the conversationalist! From the moment we pick her up from school, she's telling us about all about her day, engaging in small talk with her peers and staff, and has been a big support with translating questions and instructions for her program peers that are in a similar position as she was last year. The growth she's displayed over the last year and a half has been a joy to witness.

Kenny wanted to improve his English in order to pursue better work opportunities and feel more confident in professional settings. Through consistent participation in class, he is building his communication skills and confidence speaking with others, and he is excited to be pursuing employment. His journey is a strong example of how adult education helps people move forward for themselves and their families.

These are the stories we'll be celebrating next week - stories of growth, resilience, and possibility. And there's still time to join us! Purchase your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/providence-centers-illuminate-the-future-event-tickets-1982022412390?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

04/07/2026

I’m proud to share a special project by my son, Najee. For his senior project in his honors TV Production course, he created a mini documentary about Providence Center, focusing on our history, mission, and the founding belief in “a love full of action.” As a mother, it’s incredibly moving to see him honor our work through his own perspective, and I’m excited to share it with a community that continues to carry our mission forward.

Siria Rivera, M.Ed.
Chief Executive Officer
Providence Center

Thank you to Najee Israel and Collingswood High School's Paw TV Club for creating this video!

03/27/2026

We’re just a few weeks away from Illuminate the Future, and we wanted to give you a sneak peek at a few of our premium raffle items. Join us for a wonderful evening and a chance to go home with something truly special, all while supporting the important work of Providence Center.

Saquon Barkley signed SuperBowl 59 Limited Edition jersey

Dr. J (Julius Erving) signed 76ers logo basketball

Domaine Divio 2021 Pinot Noir

Saxum 2022 Heart Stone Vineyard Red Blend

And so much more!

Raffle tickets will only be available at the event. Don't wait to purchase your tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/providence-centers-illuminate-the-future-event-tickets-1982022412390?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

03/24/2026

We're just one month away from Providence Center’s Illuminate the Future event, and we hope you’ll join us for an evening of community, celebration, and impact. As we count down to this special night, we’re sharing a few moments from last year that capture the spirit of what this event is all about.

We can’t wait to see you on April 23! Purchase tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/providence-centers-illuminate-the-future-event-tickets-1982022412390?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

03/24/2026

Providence Center is proud to announce Pat Ciarrocchi as the emcee of our gala on April 23, 2026. Click here to purchase tickets. Pat has been gracious enough to volunteer her time and services to our annual fundraiser since 2021 - this will be her fourth year as our emcee!

For more than three decades, Pat was a trusted voice in Philadelphia homes as a news anchor at CBS Philadelphia. Over her remarkable career, she earned ten Emmy Awards and was inducted into both the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

What has always set Pat apart is her gift for storytelling and her deep commitment to the community. Throughout her career, she has highlighted stories of resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit - from major historic moments to the everyday people shaping our region.

We’re honored to have Pat helping guide us through an evening dedicated to celebrating community and illuminating the future.

03/17/2026

Providence Center is honored to present the Reverend Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD as this year's recipient of our Margaret "Peg" M. Healy award.

This award honors the life and legacy of Peg Healy, as well as the values she held near to her heart:
Versatile leadership
Artistic patronage
Generous philanthropy
Community engagement & support
Compassionate advocacy

Since becoming Villanova University’s 32nd president in 2006, Father Peter has guided the institution through a remarkable season of growth and transformation. But what stands out most is not just expansion or achievement, it's his unwavering commitment to community, mission, and opportunity. Under his leadership, Villanova has strengthened its Augustinian, Catholic identity while expanding access, deepening student opportunity, and investing boldly in the future.

A proud Villanova alumnus and Augustinian priest, Father Peter has always understood education as something deeply human, rooted in compassion, intellectual curiosity, and service. Before serving as president, he was a beloved theatre professor and director, earning Barrymore Award recognition and nurturing creativity on campus. His lifelong appreciation for the arts reflects Peg Healy’s own belief in the transformative power of artistic expression.

Beyond the university, Father Peter has remained deeply engaged in the broader community, supporting organizations and initiatives that advance equity, opportunity, and justice - including Providence Center.

Versatile in leadership, generous in spirit, grounded in faith, and committed to lifting others, Father Peter embodies the legacy of Peg Healy: a life lived in service, guided by compassion, and dedicated to building stronger communities.

Providence Center will present the award at our Annual Gala on April 23, 2026.

You can purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/providence-centers-illuminate-the-future-event-tickets-1982022412390?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true