On this Giving Tuesday, I want to wish everyone healthy and Happy Holidays. I also want to share with all of you who have been so generous over the years, and some who have newly supported us, an update on our Center project.
How far we have come this year! Who would have thought at this time last year and with all that has gone on this year that we would be where we are.
We were presented with the wonderful opportunity to purchase the Childs Farm. With our partner the Land Bank and the support of the Island Housing Trust, we took the leap. And, with the help of a handful of very generous donors and smaller gifts from a larger group of long time friends, we have nearly achieved our year-one goal. We closed on the property in mid-November. We applied for funding from a MV Youth grant, applied for Community preservation funds and we hope to break ground on the Hub House in 2022. With Island Housing Trust to guide us, we hope to simultaneously break ground on the first residence apartments.
Our plan is to raise the same amount each year for the next five years and in that manner fund:
- Year One – Hub House, first phase of housing and farmstand,
- Year Two – Barn and second phase of housing,
- Year Three – Farm and day programming operational,
- Year Four – Housing and Adult Programming
- Year Five – Rainy Day Fund
Yes, that is a five year, 1.5-million-a-year goal, as part of our business plan. We appreciate that this is a large nut, but we are confident because people were so generous this year.
Please contact me if you would like to talk about giving. If you already gave, please consider making your donation an annual donation for five years. We cannot express the gratitude we feel towards all the support we have received thus far. What a wonderful light at the end of the long dark tunnel of 2020.
We wish you safe and Happy Holidays and thank you for all the support!
Kate DeVane
Executive Director
Island Autism Center
