This year marks the 40th anniversary of Broadway Stages. In celebration of our 40th trip around the sun, we are shining the spotlight on the heart of our community – the local businesses that provide the essential or simply enjoyable goods and services that allow us to thrive and delight in this great city we call home. We continue our series in Staten Island and feature the local establishments that line our streets, providing a livelihood and rich culture for our neighbors, family, and friends. Join us as we get to know the people and organizations that make our community home. Today, we celebrate the extraordinary work being done by the people at the GRACE Foundation of New York on Staten Island!

Around 75 million people have autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that often begins wiht challenges before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Individuals with ASD can learn and build new skills with the right support and are most likely to improve with specialized, individualized services and opportunities for supported inclusion. Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.

On Staten Island, the GRACE Foundation of New York is committed to supporting, educating, and enhancing the quality of life for children/adults and their families impacted by ASD. The GRACE Foundation strives to encourage responsible choices, artistic talent, life skills, and physical/team activities and promote heightened social abilities and/or communication skills in three service categories: Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, and Site-Based Respite.

Day Habilitation focuses on personal health, community access, and vocational skills in a team environment. To promote healthy living, the ‘Day-Hab’ group has a personal Olympic trainer to help all participants strive for a healthier lifestyle. To increase community access, during the summer and spring, travel training is offered through the Staten Island Rail, Staten Island Ferry, and the MTA Bus system. And vocational skills are experienced at locations such as Broadway Stages’ favorites Snug Harbor and Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor!

Community Habilitation provides one-to-one training to develop or enhance the skills needed to live more independently. Participants in this service focus on goals such as job readiness, money management, independent and assisted living skills, travel training, and social and communication skills, to name a few. These services can be done individually or in groups. Depending on their age group, common grounds, and interests, these activities may include shopping, gaming, socializing, driver’s education, dining out, etc.

And the Site-Based Respite program provides a supervised and safe environment where participants can develop friendships with their peers, participate in fun activities, and develop their own sense of identity and belonging. Activities on the upcoming calendar include sports, movies, art, and a variety of performing arts! Click HERE for more details!

As you might expect, with a mission so large, GRACE is always welcoming of your support. If you are interested in supporting GRACE financially, you can donate HERE. If you are interested in providing a helping hand, you can find the volunteer form HERE. The GRACE Foundation always has something going on, from friendraising to fundraising events. You can stay informed by following them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

One event in the near future is the Ride for Disabilities! Save the Date! September 9, 2023, at the Seaview Complex. Support local autism and disability organizations through fun bike rides. Join them this year and ride or volunteer to support local charities. It is a great way to enjoy a day, be active, and help support a great cause! And when you get there, don’t forget to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!