Avedisian followed orders, but stayed because of work done by St. Mary` s Home

Warwick Beacon ·

When the bishop speaks, not only do you listen but you also follow instructions.

Then in his 20s and a member of the City Council, Scott Avedisian did what he was told when the Rev. George H. Hunt, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, told him he was going to serve on the board of St. Mary’s Home for Children in North Providence.

Avedisian couldn’t have imagined then that would become a relationship that has endured more than two decades.

The mayor told the story Thursday evening at Café Nuovo in Providence as he and the Charter Care Foundation were recognized by St. Mary’s Home for Children with the Children’s Friendship Award.

“I was sent by the bishop,” Avedisian told his audience, “but I stayed because of what they do.”

According to the bylaws, Avedisian stepped down from the board after serving 14 years. But that turned out to be a brief hiatus. A vacancy opened and, without hesitation, Avedisian returned to the board where he continues to serve.

“[St. Mary’s] takes care of kids that nobody else wants to deal with…there is no more noble cause that St. Mary’s,” Avedisian said. One of the first missions of the Episcopal Diocese, St. Mary’s was founded in 1877 to serve the needs of children and their families in the Ocean State and Southern New England. Today, according to the organization’s website, St. Mary’s staff is focused on providing children and families with the skills, competencies and strengths that will enable them to heal from their past experiences and learn to trust again.

“Our dynamic team of caring professionals is committed to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable children and their families with innovative programs in a safe, friendly and positive environment,” reads its mission statement. “St. Mary's Home for Children is dedicated to helping children who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities and/or who have behavioral health issues.”

St. Mary’s provides housing for about 40 children, outpatient services as well as a school. The aim of the home is to provide the opportunity for each child in their care to become a healthy adult, capable of healthy relationships. Programs are focused on providing children with the skills and strengths they need to cope with family, school and social environments.

Avedisian spoke of how working with children is both a community and ecumenical effort. In the audience was Father Robert Marciano, pastor of St. Kevin Church and a close friend of the mayor’s. Avedisian noted that at Father Maricano’s request, he is also serving as a member of the St. Kevin School board, ushering what the mayor called “a whole new ecumenical movement.”

North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi, who introduced Avedisian likewise offered an ecumenical view, although one of a political vantage. Lombardi is a Democrat and Avedisian a Republican. Lombardi said he’s been questioned about his political allegiances to which he replied, “He’s my friend, it [party affiliation] doesn’t matter to me. I hope the citizens of Warwick appreciate this guy…I don’t know of anyone more caring than Scott.”

Avedisian picked up on Lombardi’s reference to politics, saying there are three parties in Rhode Island, the Democrats, the Republicans and the mayors. He said the mayors, regardless of political party affiliation, always work collaboratively.

And while Avedisian shared the spotlight of the evening with the Charter Care Foundation, a steadfast supporter of St. Mary’s, he also wore the hat of a member of the board of directors. As the festivities of the fundraising event kicked into gear with a live auction, Avedisian shared with a reporter that the evening would be one of St. Mary’s most successful fundraising events, bringing in an estimated $50,000. In surprise announcements the Charter Care Foundation chose the occasion to present a $25,000 donation, which was followed by a $5,000 contribution presented by Lombardi on behalf of the Town of North Providence.