Staatsburg, New York…The executive leadership team and Boards of Trustees at Anderson Center for Autism and Anderson Foundation for Autism today announced the launch of a $1 million fundraising campaign, which will make possible a capital improvement project on its Staatsburg, New York campus (pending appropriate approvals.)
Funding will be earmarked to fully rebuild an historic, 11,000-square-foot carriage house at Anderson called “Dellinwood”, a building of historical significance for the organization which, in its new iteration, will continue to boast sweeping Hudson River views. Once complete, the facility, to be called ‘New Dellinwood’, will house Anderson programs currently being developed to help address a worldwide workforce shortage in education, healthcare, and behavioral health.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “We are excited about the bridges we have been building in recent years through Anderson Center International, Anderson Center Consulting and Training, Anderson Foundation for Autism, and Anderson Center for Autism. Now, we are working to launch new initiatives that will help develop a much-needed robust, international workforce and advance healthcare-related higher education in our field. When construction is complete, New Dellinwood will be home to a world-class experience for this effort, with a state-of-the-art conference and training center.”
Added Tina Marie Covington, PhD, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism, “We expect to attract a very dynamic and diverse group of people to New Dellinwood who share our commitment to this field, including Residential Behavior Specialists, International Scholars, the Touro College Dental Training students, Clinical Psychology Post-Doctorates, and ECHO Autism Anderson Hub members and participants. I am confident that this group will love gaining expertise in this sophisticated space. We expect our new programs to quickly grow in popularity and for New Delliwood to transform many, many lives.”
The budget for the capital project is $10 million; Anderson has been awarded several grants to offset some of the expenses. The goal of the capital campaign is to raise $1 million toward the total cost. Fundraising for the capital campaign is being managed by Anderson Foundation for Autism; direct monetary donations, as well as gifts of stock and planned gifts, will all be welcomed. There will be a number of naming opportunities available, and any interested parties can contact Anderson Foundation to learn more or make a gift online.
“Given the fact that most people at this point have at least one autistic or neurodiverse individual in their lives, there is widespread understanding about the need to support Anderson’s work – so we feel confident in our ability to successfully meet and exceed the goals of this ambitious capital campaign,” said Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer of Anderson Foundation for Autism. “Since our inception 100 years ago, Anderson’s mission, at its heart, has always been about supporting people with special needs. That has never changed – but the demand for services and programs has expanded exponentially. We intend to respond to the increased need – and we are extremely excited about what lies ahead for all of the people who will benefit from the investments that will be made into this new initiative.”
The design of New Dellinwood includes indoor and outdoor multipurpose training and conference spaces, trainee clinical, medical, and dental skills practice rooms, and a ‘living classroom’ for visitors who want to see what it looks like to create an autism supportive environment.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “As we look back over the past 100 years, Anderson Center for Autism has become well-known locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally for our ‘legacy of compassion and century of impact’. Now we begin a new century by breaking ground for a building that will help carry forth our mission for generations to come. Donors and supporters are already making generous pledges to help bring our vision to life, and we welcome meetings with others who want to be a part of this historic moment.”
Learn more about Anderson Center for Autism’s New Dellinwood capital campaign by visiting andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.