Thomas R. Gambardella was a teacher and campus minister at Bishop Hendricken High School- BHHS, a Catholic, all-male, preparatory high school in Warwick, Rhode Island. Since 2015, Tom coordinated immersion field trips for students that included visits to La Posada Providencia and other charities in the Rio Grande Valley. Tom was passionate about building community and wanted students to learn about immigration and border issues. For the past six years, Tom gathered students from the high school to volunteer at La Posada and serve in various areas at the shelter.

In March 2021, Tom passed away from Lymphoma, but his tradition continues. This past week, BHHS staff and students arrived at La Posada, ready to serve in memory of Tom’s passion. This year’s group included students from Bishop Hendricken High School and Iona Preparatory Upper School from New Rochelle, New York. The students were accompanied by new BHHS Campus Minister Mark McPhillips and English teacher Melissa Andrews. This year the volunteer group helped La Posada with irrigation in the garden and English as a second language (ESL) tutoring.

In loving memory of Tom’s dedication, BHHS provided a special plaque to remain at La Posada. The plaque was received by Client Mentor, Sister Thérèse Cunningham. The students also gathered generous donations to provide new books for the shelter library.  We are grateful that Tom instilled exemplary values in his students and admire Bishop Hendricken High School for continuing the tradition. Thank you!

Program Highlights

Clients assisted from July 1, 2021 – November 13, 2021 (Fiscal Year):
777

Clients assisted from November 1 , 2021- November 13, 2021 
63

The following seven (7) Countries of Origin represented in November
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Venezuela