Jim Gillen Teen Center Entrance
“Different Paths Same Destination” are the words to live by at The Anchor Recovery Community Center. Hundreds of individuals gather at many locations and programs looking for a place of recovery, strength, and growth that creates a sense of community for betterment. However, developing a welcoming atmosphere can be challenging – this is especially true when it’s difficult to find a community to begin with. Given this, how does one establish an environment of inclusivity and growth to inspire and motivate? Nick Stanglewicz ’20, over the past four years, has had the opportunity to collaborate with the folks at the Providence Center under the guidance of Holly Fitting, VP of Addiction, Recovery Residential Services & Grants Administration, to create an experience truly memorable for all that walk through the doors.
Anchor Member Views Historic Mural
Nick began his journey with the branding of the Jim Gillen Teen Center, which became Rhode Island’s first recovery center for teens living with substance-use disorder. As a sophomore, Nick was introduced to the organization through a Community Partnership Center Course (CPC) offered by Dr. Dina Vincent in her Citizens Designer Course. The Providence Center was eagerly looking for fresh new initiatives and a clean slate from the creative minds of RWU students. In the course, Nick and his fellow peers were tasked with creating signage, logos, murals, and window displays for members entering the center. Impressed by the tenacity and leadership brought about through Nick’s initiatives, Holly eagerly recruited Nick to manage the 50th celebration of The Providence Center to create mosaics capturing the paths of recovery.
Nick’s creative passion and eye for design enabled him to develop a truly inspiring and well-captured display showcasing the many years through which the center has evolved for the 50th Anniversary celebration of The Providence Center. Nick’s comprehensive view of empathic design influenced a creative work that was not only meant to be home for the community, but tell a story. The unique opportunity to work closely with the students involved in the CPC course was an experience Nick has not taken for granted. Nick has said, “Big firms can make designs, but creating an experience through strategic and intentional connections captures what everyone wants, including the community, as a whole.”
Anchor Recovery Community Center Logo & Slogan
The hands-on experience Nick was able to achieve through taking the CPC course and working closely with Holly and the folks at The Providence Center, allowed him the opportunity to expand his skillset. Nick’s ability to excel in both the development and branding of the Jim Gillen Teen Center and momentous display of the 50th Anniversary celebration of The Providence Center led to a new project – the rebranding and redesigning of the Community Center. Nick served as the Art Director leading initiatives to rebrand and redesign Anchor Recovery’s identity. The rebranding was impactful as it fell in 2020, marking the 10th anniversary of the center. Nick’s ability and eye for design can be credited through his soft skill enhancement of communication, leadership, and collaboration to create meaningful change and emotion with the people that come together at the center. In addition, his work has gotten recognition that extends internationally, to which he says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work along with individuals in an environment that allowed me to prepare for the real world.”
Anchor Recovery Community Center Logo on Exterior Wall
Nick and his many impressive and detailed designs are showcased in his portfolio HERE. Nick encourages all students to engage in hands-on learning experiences to explore the world of work, investigate opportunities, and achieve milestones. Nick is a wonderful example of how taking advantage of experiential learning opportunities and giving back to his community pays off!
Upon completing his project, Nick left behind opportunities and connections for The Anchor Recovery Programs to utilize Roger William University talent. With continued support and guidance, Dr. Vincent and her CPC courses continue to support the Providence Center through the finalization leading the exterior design implementation and developing additional collateral for the center in the spring of 2021. Nick’s journey is a true showcase of how RWU can make an impact on a community and be the students the world needs now!
