Morelle, Bronson secure $500,000 for Golisano Autism Center

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Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, D-Irondequoit, and Assemblyman Harry Bronson, D-Rochester, announced today the securing of $500,000 in state funding toward the construction of the Golisano Autism Center in Rochester.

This critical funding will make a huge impact on making the dream of a state of the art, innovative autism center a reality for thousands of families living locally with autism,” adds Sarah Milko, AutismUp executive director.

The Golisano Autism Center is slated to be a state of the art facility serving 10,000 residents of Monroe County who have autism or are on the autism spectrum. The facility, to be located on South Avenue near Science Parkway, will feature shared program spaces, collaborative activities for families, therapy rooms, classrooms and a “sensory gym.”

The facility has a planned 2019 opening.

“As the number of families impacted by autism continues to rise, we must ensure that we are providing children with the comprehensive care and long-term support they need to achieve at their full potential,” Morelle said in a statement. “The Golisano Autism Center is a cross-agency collaboration that will fill a critical care void in our community by ensuring individuals living with autism have access to support and services that span their lifetime—ultimately giving them the greatest chance to overcome the challenges they face and utilize the unique and special talents they possess.”

The facility is a collaborative effort between the Golisano Foundation, the Al Sigl Community of Organizations, AutismUP and CP Rochester. Last year, Golisano announced a $2.5 million donation to the project. The 30,000-square-foot facility is estimated to cost $5 million.

“No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your abilities, we all have dignity and deserve the opportunity to succeed,” Bronson said. “The Golisano Autism Center will combine an innovative and family-centered service delivery model with the expertise of our community partners Al Sigl, AutismUp and CP Rochester. Together, this new center will ensure that those living with autism, and their families, have access to the support and resources they need to succeed.”

The facility will place an emphasis on collaboration, including a family autism navigator, who will aim to guide family members through their loved ones experiences.

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