St. Martin de Porres Center, Providence, RI

"As the director of the St. Martin de Porres Center in Providence, Linda A'Vant-Deishinni is used to people having preconceptions about just how much a senior center has to offer.

"'It's not just about bingo, cards and crochet,' A'Vant-Deishinni says. 'We really have to do our best to figure out what people need and find ways to help them appropriately.'

"Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the St. Martin de Porres Center, meaning that for five decades seniors throughout the diocese have been coming to the center for daily meals, health and wellness checkups, assistance preparing their taxes, exercise or craft lessons - and yes, sometimes a little bingo as well."

A recent article in the Rhode Island Catholic profiled the St. Martin de Porres Center and its ministry.

To access the complete Rhode Island Catholic report, please visit:

Rhode Island Catholic: St. Martin de Porres Center a lifeline for seniors for nearly 50 years (7 MAR 19)

Editor's note: While a student at Providence College, I assisted Father Anthony Robinson and the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence at the Saint Martin de Porres Center. At the time, it was a multi-purpose center; I assisted with catechetical instruction and helped out in a number of other areas.

From Rhode Island Catholic, 4 FEB 16:

"Just over the line in Providence's West End, the St. Martin de Porres Center serves a diverse population of seniors, offering case management, political advocacy, health screenings, fitness classes, Bible study and recreational trips, among other services. Founded in 1954 as a community center by Father Anthony Robinson and local leaders, the St. Martin de Porres Center has a long history of serving some of the state's most vulnerable elderly citizens. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest senior centers in Rhode Island, as well as the first in the Northeast to serve a primarily minority population. Today, the St. Martin de Porres Center continues to serve an ever-changing neighborhood under the leadership of Director Esther Price, who spoke about the center’s mission during a recent interview with Rhode Island Catholic."