Local autism center receives $500,000

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — Youngstown State University’s Rich Center for Autism will receive $500,000 from Ohio from the new capital budget, which will be used for building renovations.

According to a news release, 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.

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.

Michael Latessa, Rich Center executive director, said in the release that several local organizations worked together to advocate for this new funding.

“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.

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