Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion and opening of Community Based Services’ newest $1.5 million facility in the Town of Patterson, Putnam County. Since 1981, the Mid-Hudson Region-based non-profit has provided programming for children, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities. Community Based Services has purchased and refurbished 15,000 square feet of an empty 27,000 square foot office complex on Jon Barrett Rd. and constructed a day and community hub space to serve waitlisted individuals on a rotational basis from Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties. Additionally, the second-floor has been refurbished for arts, dance, and music programming enrichment, and workshops, studios, and office space on the third floor.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The expansion of Community Based Services is not only addressing the need for these vital services, but also creates jobs and investment in the region. Community Based Services has provided quality care for the disabled for decades, and this new facility will allow expanded offerings that not only assist people with challenges, but their caregivers as well."
Community Based Services CEO Vicki Sylvester said, "Community Based Services offers opportunities for recreation, skill-building, socialization, wellness, and relationship-building support to children and adults with autism and other disabilities. Residential opportunities offer twenty-four-hour support in an environment that promotes personal choice, where each person helps plan their community-based activities, such as shopping, entertainment, and social interests. Day habilitation services offer engaging, creative, and meaningful activities to promote socialization, skill-building, and personal growth. Supported employment prepares a customized plan for every person seeking a job and offers skills training and coaching support for a competitive vocational environment."
The renovation of the new Patterson facility allowed us to create multipurpose art studios and workshop spaces for people who can benefit from our services to take classes in a variety of art, music, ceramics, yoga, and other creative programming to promote engagement, creativity, and socialization. Currently, over 200 individuals are already attending various classes weekly. Individuals come on a rotational basis to attend art and music classes and then leave to participate in other community activities of their choice. Empire State Development awarded Community Based Services a performance-based $120,000 capital grant for this project, recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, in exchange for a commitment to create 74 new jobs and retain 146 existing jobs.
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, and Dr. Kristine Young said, "We are proud to have helped make this new Community Based Services facility become a reality in Putnam County. The new location brings new jobs to the region and also ensures that Mid-Hudson residents with developmental disabilities have access to the critical resources they need to thrive."
Senate Peter Harkham said, "I am pleased that Community Based Services’ new facility is opening in the Town of Patterson, thanks to vital assistance from Empire State Development. Assisting people with differing abilities from the region with one-on-one support will be a big benefit and serve as an economic driver in Putnam County."
Assemblyman Matt Slater said, "Community Based Services has spent years breaking down barriers and offering cutting edge services to people of all abilities. I was proud to visit their newly refurbished home and see firsthand the great work they will be able to continue including their expansion in the arts and music realm. The 94th Assembly District is proud to be home to such a fine organization."
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, "In Putnam County, we’re always working to break down barriers for those with intellectual and development disabilities. Any opportunity to expand services and activities to residents, regardless of their abilities, is welcome and exciting. We are thrilled that we have great partners at Community Based Services that are committed to this county. They already do incredible work, providing job-skills training, music and dance lessons, respite services just to name a few. So this new facility will only dramatically increase what they are capable of, and I for one can’t wait to see what comes out it."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov and esd.ny.gov.
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