The Winters Center for Autism held a Groundbreaking Ceremony today to mark the start of construction in West Babylon, NY.
The Winters Center for Autism is committed to enhancing the quality of life and provide a sense of fulfillment for adults with autism through job creation, training and placement while helping caring Long Island businesses to develop and implement programs to employ adults with autism.
The Winters Center for Autism state-of-the-art campus spans across two buildings offering more than 21,000 square feet of instructional space. The vocational and life skills teaching facility will provide adults with autism critical job training skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
“The brand-new Winters Center for Autism will help Long Island’s caring employers to create, develop, and implement job training programs for adults on the autism spectrum. The lives of these individuals will benefit through the self-confidence that comes from a job well-done.,” wrote Governor Cuomo.
The campus will also offer indoor and outdoor spaces for health and wellness activities, including a sensory garden, greenhouse and Brigid’s Cafe, a neighborhood eatery providing a welcoming environment for the community.
“The unemployment rate for people with autism exceeds 90%. The Winters Center for Autism is going to change that. Many people with autism want to work and share their talents. ” said Chris Ponzio, executive director of the Center. Additional job services will include career planning, interview preparation, exploration of volunteer and educational opportunities and employer assistance to develop easy to implement employment programs for people with autism.
Speakers included:
- Mr. Joe Winters, founder and president of the Winters Center for Autism and CEO and chairman of Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island
- Father Francis Pizzarelli, founder and CEO of Hope House Ministries
- Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone
- Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer
- Mr. Chris Cortale, autism advocate and Winters Bros. employee
“What I would say is that there is a job for every person. We are going to find the right fit for the right person at the right company. We will keep that relationship going and you will see that over a period of time people are going to flourish and the company will better for it,” commented Joe Winters, president and founder of Winters Center for Autism.
The Ceremony marks the Groundbreaking of what will be a transformational effort in improving the job opportunities offered to adults with autism.
About The Winters Center for Autism
The Winters Center for Autism was established in 2019 by Joe Winters and his wife Michele. Joe Winters, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Winters Bros. Waste Systems is a key leader in fundraising for the project along with the Winters Family Foundation. Joe and his wife, Michele, along with the entire Winters family are strong advocates for high-quality services and opportunities for individuals with autism. Joe and Michele’s son, Sean Winters, is impacted by autism, which effects 1 in 54 children in the U.S.
