YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley will celebrate a major milestone with the opening of its first permanent office space in 15 years.
The organization will celebrate the new space with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Thursday at its new office at YBI, 241 W. Federal St., Suite 411.
The event will recognize the community support that helped make the new office possible and celebrate the organization’s continued growth and expansion of services.
A significant part of the project was made possible through $21,733 in capital grant funding, including a $6,733 grant from Northern Ohio Golf Charities and a $15,000 capital grant from Community Fund Ohio, a news release states.
The funding provided the organization with the resources needed to transform its new office into a fully functioning, welcoming space. Grant funding helped support the purchase of technology and equipment, including computers, cellphones, tablets, office furniture and more.
“After many years of hard work, there is nothing quite like opening the door to our office every morning and knowing that we finally have a place to call home,” said Jodi Glass, executive director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. “For 15 years, we did not have a permanent office, so being able to walk into this space, welcome individuals and families through the door, meet with community partners, hold meetings and have a place where our staff can do the work we do every day is incredible.”
The organization provides support, resources, education, advocacy and connection for individuals and families affected by autism throughout Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. The organization offers more than 50 programs and events each year, including information and referral services, family activities, parent support opportunities, social connections programs, Camp F.R.I.E.N.D., community education and other opportunities designed to connect individuals and families with resources and one another.
The new office provides the organization with a dedicated location to run daily operations, meet with families and community partners, conduct meetings, support staff operations and continue expanding its programs and services.
“We are proud of how far this organization has come, but we are even more excited about where we are going,” Glass said. “This new space gives us the foundation to welcome more people, build more connections, expand our programs and continue making sure individuals and families affected by autism have a place to turn.”