The Rich Center for Autism moves into next phase of renovation project, Building for Tomorrow after receiving $550,000 from the state of Ohio

The Rich Center for Autism will receive a total of $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. These funds are part of the $3.5 billion House Bill 2, which was approved by the legislature and then signed by Governor Mike DeWine on June 28, 2024. This historic bill was formulated to support facilities and local community infrastructure in a focus on creating jobs and growing Ohio’s economy.

The Center launched their 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, had continued to work diligently to begin phase II. Following a Drive-In event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, 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 Chamber staff, with the hope of earning funds to support this next phase. Latessa credited the collaborative work among The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber, as well as the Office of Government Affairs and Administration on campus for this 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.

“On behalf of The Rich Center for Autism, I would like to thank State Representative Lauren McNally, former Representative and now State Senator Al Cutrona, Representative Nick Santucci, and former State Senator and now U.S. Representative Michael Rulli, for their concerted efforts to secure this funding. We appreciate the support of Representatives Monica Robb Blasdel and Mike Loychik, Senator Sandra O'Brien, others in the regional House and Senate delegations, the Leadership in the House and Senate, and Governor DeWine for supporting and signing the bill into law,” Latessa said.

Charles Howell, professor and dean of the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education thanked Latessa for his dedicated leadership in this initiative, ”Michael’s community and governmental connections are an invaluable resource to the university. I look forward to further discussion of Rich Center operations.”

Looking toward the future, Latessa hopes to continue his advocacy with efforts geared toward an increase in the Ohio Autism Scholarship, a scholarship to allow tuition free education and services for families and students in which he describes as, “a vital asset to providers like [The Rich Center].”