Higher Ground International Ready to Open New Providence Headquarters

The nonprofit has been operating at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital facility for the past two years.

July 28, 2025

Higher Ground International is opening its new headquarters on Monday.

Higher Ground International, a nonprofit that provides services to West African immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities in Rhode Island, is preparing to move into its new headquarters in Providence.

The RUKIYA CENTER, located in the city’s West End, will replace the organization’s current space at 21 Peace St.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of our new headquarters and welcome the community to our new space,” said Henrietta White-Holder, founder and CEO of Higher Ground International. “The RUKIYA CENTER is more than just a building. It is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and hope.”

Higher Ground has been operating at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital building since 2023. It was forced to relocate from its Prairie Ave. location after the facility was condemned.

The nonprofit is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location, 7 Ninigret Ave. in Providence, at 10 a.m. Monday. Governor Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley will be among those in attendance.

Joe Tasca The local voice on Weekend Edition for several years, Joe stepped into the role of morning producer in October 2023. Joe is also a reporter, covering stories in the field and conducting interviews with newsmakers.

From an early age, Joe was determined to become a broadcaster and began his broadcast career as a high school student. His first job was working as a newscaster and engineer for WERI, a full-service radio station in his hometown of Westerly. Prior to coming to The Public’s Radio in 2018, Joe spent 15 years as a news anchor and reporter for a cluster of six radio stations in eastern Connecticut.

He graduated from Westerly High and earned his bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University. When he’s not working, he enjoys reading, writing, hiking, playing golf, and traveling to Canada

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