HUDSON VALLEY- The executive leadership team at Anderson Center for Autism today announced that 2024 will mark its 100 year anniversary, and a series of Centennial Celebration events will be announced in January. Among the activities planned are the annual gala and Anderson Golf Classic, both of which will include unique 100-year themes. The nonprofit also plans to launch a capital campaign.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “As we reflect on the past, honor the present, and envision our future, we are feeling extra-grateful for the people who have been part of Anderson’s circle. From our residents, students, and their families to our team members, trustees, volunteers, community partners, and donors, everyone works together to carry out our mission of optimizing the quality of life for individuals with autism.”
Added Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer, Anderson Foundation for Autism, “The tagline for our Centennial Celebration captures the heart of what Patrick just shared: ‘A legacy of compassion, a century of impact.’ It was Taylor Reynolds, dietician at Anderson Center for Autism, who developed that tagline; we all loved it and feel it speaks volumes about our work locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. This is a time of great celebration of our past and all that lies ahead in our future. We look forward to announcing details for our Centennial Celebration events and kicking off our capital campaign in 2024.”
Founded in 1924, Anderson Center for Autism provides educational, vocational, residential, and clinical services to autistic individuals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism prevalence rates are now 1 in 36 (2023). The neurological disorder presents with a range of communication, socialization, and sensory processing challenges.
In addition to the full-time residences and school at its Staatsburg campus, Anderson also runs Cold Spring Early Learning Center (in Pine Plains), Anderson Early Learning Academy and The Anderson Center Clinic (based in Latham), Anderson Center International (a training program for scholars from all corners of the globe who spend 12-18 months gaining the skills needed to develop programs upon return to their home countries), and Anderson Center Consulting and Training (which educates families/caregivers, educators, businesses, community groups, and others on how to best support the needs of neurodivergent and autistic individuals). Over 800 people are currently employed by the organization.
Anderson Center for Autism’s programs are rooted in the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, and the organization has developed collaborations with institutions of higher education such as Empire State University and Marist College to cultivate skills and build capacity for future professionals in the field.
Paul noted, “Anderson has expanded and evolved over the years to meet critically important needs – and we are positioned for continued growth in the years ahead. In addition to ensuring that we offer a continuum of services throughout the lifespan, we will also continue to serve as a resource for people from all over the world whose lives have been impacted by autism spectrum disorder. This is more than a job for all of us at Anderson – it is a cause to which we feel deeply devoted. I know that the people who were part of Anderson’s past felt likewise about their work. No doubt that this shared sense of purpose has made our longevity a reality; we are mindful of everyone who has brought us to this moment in history as we acknowledge our 100-year anniversary.”
To stay up-to-date on news of Anderson Center for Autism’s Centennial Celebration events and capital campaign launch, visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
