Rich Center for Autism Receives $550K in Capital Budget
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Rich Center for Autism will receive $550,000 from the state of Ohio in the new biennial Capital Budget to be used toward building renovations.
As a result of the efforts from the state Legislature, the center will receive $100,000 from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund and $450,000 from the 2025-2026 capital budget. The funds are part of the $3.5 billion House Bill 2, which was approved by the Legislature and then signed by Gov. Mike DeWine last month.
The Rich Center launched its Building for Tomorrow campaign in 2020 as a renovation project to begin updates and additions within the building, including more resources for students and their families. The first phase included the addition of an ADA-compliant elevator for the building, an independent living and life skills lab and a sensory motor skills room.
With Phase I completed, Michael Latessa, Rich Center executive director, worked to begin Phase II. Following a drive-in event hosted by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, a meeting took place with representatives from local organizations such as KO Consulting, Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing, MS Consultants, First National Bank, Capitol Partners, as well as Regional Chamber staff, with a focus on earning funds to support this next phase. Latessa credited the collaborative work among the chamber, as well as the office of government affairs and administration on campus, for the achievement.
“The chamber, specifically CEO Guy Coviello and Vice President of Government Affairs Lyle Huffman, worked tirelessly to set up meetings for me with various local and regional state legislators,” he said.
Charles Howell, professor and dean of the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education, thanked Latessa for his leadership in the initiative.
“Michael’s community and governmental connections are an invaluable resource to the university,” Howell said. “I look forward to further discussion of Rich Center operations.”
Latessa said he hopes to continue his advocacy with efforts geared toward an increase in the Ohio Autism Scholarship.
Pictured at top: The life skills lab in the Rich Center at YSU.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
