Carol A. Peterson, a lifelong resident of Cranston, was recently honored with the inaugural Bradley Hospital Humanitarian of the Year Award.

“I was shocked – truly humbled and absolutely speechless,” said Peterson. “My involvement with Bradley Hospital is one of my life’s passions, but I never expected to receive an award for making a leadership gift.”

“I support the hospital because of its amazing work to heal the hearts and minds of children and families, certainly not for any recognition,” said Peterson.

Celebrating its 85th year of healing the hearts and minds of children and families, Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital, is devoted to children and adolescents. Founded in 1931, Bradley Hospital, located in East Providence, was the nation’s first psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively to children and adolescents. It remains a nationally recognized center for children’s mental health care, training and research. Bradley Hospital is a member of the Lifespan health system and is a teaching hospital for The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

A long-time supporter of Bradley’s programs and research, Peterson, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Bradley Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, pledged $1 million in 2016 to support the renovation of the main entrance to the Laufer Building – the single largest gift to the hospital since it was founded through the estates of George and Helen Bradley.

“I focus my philanthropy on the needs of children, whether in the areas of education or addressing special needs such as physical, behavioral or emotional,” said Peterson. “My inspiration comes from a strong desire to make a difference in young lives and help children see the potential they have to become and achieve anything they want in life.”

Driven by her passion to help improve the lives of others, Peterson’s deep commitment extends far beyond her recent generous pledge. She has significantly helped to fund Bradley’s PediMIND (Pediatric Mood, Imaging and Neurodevelopment) Research Program since 2007.

As a lifelong resident of Cranston, Peterson retired as senior vice president of administration from FM Global in 2001 to focus her efforts on community volunteering, primarily helping children. In 2000, she established The Carol A. Peterson Foundation to serve as the vehicle for her philanthropic giving.

Peterson’s other community endeavors include United Way of Rhode Island, Meeting Street, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, San Miguel School and TalkWorks, an anti-bullying program for children for which she is the principal provider of funds.

“For me, the best piece of advice I can offer to others is to give to a cause that you care deeply about; a cause that has touched your life or the life of someone close to you,” Peterson said. “I think it’s also important that people not only give financially, but become involved personally – become a volunteer, serve on a committee or board. When you’re invested in an organization’s mission, it becomes that much more rewarding to see the results of their work and lives that are changed. I truly believe that everyone has something to offer others.”