Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — 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 2025-26 capital budget. These funds are part of the $3.5 billion House Bill 2, which was approved by the legislature and then signed by Gov. Mike DeWine on June 28. 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 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, continued to work diligently 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 Chamber staff, with the hope of 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 the Youngstown State University 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.

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 that he describes as, “a vital asset to providers like (the Rich Center.)”

Have an interesting story? Email the newsroom at news@vindy.com.