Programs We Offer

Education

The Education Department can help you reach your goals whether you are in middle school, high school, thinking of taking college courses, or are an adult thinking about going back to school. GED and ESOL are also available.

Counseling & Ticket To Work

The DaVinci Center offers residents crisis intervention, job placement, career counseling and referrals when appropriate. The Ticket To Work Program assists residents in Rhode Island who wish to obtain gainful paid employment in the work force.

Senior Citizens

There are a variety of comprehensive services and programs available for seniors. If you are in need of assistance, a Community Elder Information Specialist provided by the Rhode Island Division on Aging is available for an appointment at the Center or by a home visit (if required). Please See our newsletter for other available programs.

Community Development

Community Development programs are designed to improve the physical aspects of the North End and vicinity.



Executive Director: Norma Gonzalez

As a result of the recent passing of John DeLuca, founder, and longtime Executive Director of the DaVinci Center, and an extensive search, the Board of Directors has appointed Norma Gonzalez as the permanent Executive Director.  Board Chair, Michael DeAngelis, stated that “Ms. Gonzalez is a highly skilled bi-lingual non-profit leader with over 25 years of experience in program management, case management and overseeing teams which cultivate productive relationships.”  “In addition to her clinical therapist practice, Ms. Gonzalez has served as a previous Deputy Director at Federal Hill House and the Community Action Partnership of Providence. The Board is looking forward to supporting Ms. Gonzalez as she leads the DaVinci Center to better address the changing and increasing needs of the North End of Providence.”  

“We are also extremely grateful for the assistance that was rendered by Vin Marzullo during our transition to guide the staff, aid us in our search and selection for a new Executive Director, and advocate for the needs of our North End neighbors” stated DeAngelis.

Norma Gonzalez stated “I am honored to hold the torch that the guardian angel of the North End, John DeLuca, left for us to carry and protect.  Our family at the DaVinci Center believes that when you lend someone a hand, you give them hope and opportunity to become self-sufficient, and you have contributed something important to the well-being of your community.”


It’s the mission of the DaVinci Center to improve the quality of life of the residents of the North End of Providence by providing, or helping to bring about, a broad array of quality services and neighborhood improvement projects that respond to the needs of this community (Census Tracts 27, 28, 29). The Center is committed to bolstering the self-concept of clients, encouraging individual responsibility, fostering the value of the family as the hub of community life, and building respect for the vitality and fabric of the neighborhood.  The DaVinci Center promises to consistently listen and respond to the community it serves and to work collaboratively with others to bring about needed services and neighborhood improvements. The Center seeks constructive change by means of non-political community action and advocacy in a non-political environment.


Read about the DaVinci Center on Page 16, August 2019.