February 1, 2024 Staatsburg, New York…Executives and members of Anderson Center for Autism’s team, along with members of the Boards of Trustees from Anderson Center and Anderson Foundation for Autism, gathered on Thursday, January 25th with a room full of volunteers, donors, and family members to kick off the organization’s Centennial Celebration.
Held at The Spruces, Anderson’s state-of-the-art Business Center, the event included a program and the unveiling of Anderson’s 100th year logo. Also announced was the official theme for the Centennial Campaign: “A Legacy of Compassion, a Century of Impact,” a tagline developed by Anderson Center for Autism dietician Taylor Reynolds.
Founded in 1924, Anderson Center for Autism provides educational, vocational, residential, and clinical services to autistic individuals.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “This is an extraordinarily exciting moment in Anderson’s history. It is such an honor to celebrate our very rich history, how far we’ve come over the past 100 years, and what we envision for the next century. Since 1924, Anderson’s main focus has been on enriching the lives of people with special needs. That is still at the heart of everything we do – but today, we are part of a movement that is so much bigger than the programs we deliver every day on campus. Now our services are impacting the lives of people throughout the region, our country, and all over the world.”
The Centennial will be celebrated throughout the year with both new and annual events, as well as the launch of a capital campaign. Anderson’s gala, scheduled for September 28th, 2024, will honor Vance Gage, grandson of Anderson’s founder (Dr. V.V. Anderson). Gage, who now lives in the Washington, DC area, grew up on Anderson’s campus and has since volunteered as a trustee for the organization.
Noted Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer, Anderson Foundation for Autism: “We are so excited to honor Vance Gage; not only is he a direct descendant of Anderson’s visionary founder, but he has generously shared so much of his own time and talent to carry on his grandfather’s legacy. We hope that the entire community, along with families, donors, and trustees – past and present – will come to the gala and join us in applauding Vance’s unwavering commitment to our cause.”
“It is an honor to remain actively involved as a volunteer – which is one way I can help carry on my grandfather’s legacy. The gala will be a wonderful celebration of all that has been accomplished over the past century, and all the good work that will be done as the years go on,” said Vance Gage.
Bozenski continued, “In addition to the gala, our other events and the capital campaign will also support our fundraising goals, setting the stage for another century of impact. With 1 in 36 now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it is clear that Anderson Center for Autism plays a vital role in society – not just from a programmatic standpoint, but also in terms of cultivating a culture of inclusivity and accessibility for all. Our work is critically important on many levels.”
In addition to the full-time residences and school at its Staatsburg campus, Anderson also runs Cold Spring Early Learning Center (in Pine Plains), Anderson Early Learning Academy and The Anderson Center Clinic (based in Latham), Anderson Center International (a training program for scholars from all corners of the globe who spend 12-18 months gaining the skills needed to develop programs upon return to their home countries), and Anderson Center Consulting and Training (which educates families/caregivers, educators, businesses, community groups, and others on how to best support the needs of neurodivergent and autistic individuals). Over 800 people are currently employed by the organization.
Anderson Center for Autism’s programs are rooted in the evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, and the organization has developed collaborations with institutions of higher education such as Empire State University and Marist College to build capacity for future professionals in the field.
Paul said, “We continue to pivot and expand as needs arise and change, and given the increasing demand for our expertise, we expect to do so for generations to come.”
To learn more about Anderson Center for Autism’s Centennial Celebration, visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
