News
February 14, 2024It’s Official, Crossroads Owns Building!
Crossroads Center for Children and Schenectady ARC closed the deal, making Crossroads the owner of a building previously owned by ARC. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Crossroads, moving to own and revitalize a Schenectady County building.
The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for 2/29/2024 at 10 a.m. This endeavor addresses the pressing need to enhance educational experiences for 120 children with autism and special needs from 30 regional school districts. The groundbreaking will take place at the site of the new location. Operating from leased space for over 25 years, Crossroads has steadily expanded enrollment, prompting the purchase of a former school building at 395 Becker Drive in Princetown. Renovations commence immediately, targeting a move-in date by Fall, 2024. The 22,000 square-foot, single-floored building will undergo reconstruction to accommodate classrooms, therapy and clinic spaces, a gymnasium, and shared areas for conferences, training and meetings. Long-term plans include a 2,800 square-foot wing connecting three existing wings, creating an enclosed courtyard.
Executive Director Kelly Young expressed, “The heart of this project lies in creating a significantly improved educational space designed for the unique needs of children with autism. Our dedicated team of over 90 has continuously worked to bridge the gap between current educational offerings and our students’ aspirations. This new space will directly impact how these children learn.”
Crossroads’ comprehensive plan requires $7.4 million, combining financing and a $2 million capital fundraising campaign. The Planning Board of the Town of Princetown approved a special permit in September 2023, garnering widespread support from family members and community leaders.
Initial financial support includes contributions from the Christopher Dailey Foundation, CDPHP, Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, and a $100,000 grant from The Schenectady Foundation. Robert Carreau, Executive Director of The Schenectady Foundation, stated, “The Foundation is proud to support Crossroads as they provide outstanding services to our community. Taking this step to purchase and renovate a building to suit the children and families in their care is an important one, and one we felt compelled to support.”
Crossroads invites the community to contribute to this transformative initiative. For more information, visit http://crossroadcenter.org/a-permanent-location-for-crossroads/.
