ACLD Opens The Charles Evans Health Services Center in Bethpage

September 19, 2013; Bethpage, New York –Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD), a leading not-for-profit agency serving more than 3,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, celebrated the opening of the 22,000 square foot state-of-the-art Charles Evans Health Services Center serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, with a Ribbon-Cutting and open house. The program included recognition of special guests and donors. Open house experience tours of The Charles Evans Health Services Center enabled guests to explore and learn about the services that are offered at the new facility, located adjacent to ACLD Headquarters at 807 South Oyster Bay Road, in Bethpage. 

 “The opening of The Charles Evans Health Services Center is a significant milestone for ACLD.   This Center is the culmination of many years of planning, hard work and dedication by a team of visionaries, professionals and supporters.  Now, individuals with autism and developmental disabilities have a dedicated state-of-the-art Center manned by healthcare professionals who understand their special needs. This Center will improve the lives of thousands of individuals who are in desperate need of care.   This is a time to celebrate, and thank everyone involved especially our donors who helped to make this dream a reality,” said Aaron Lebowitz, Executive Director. 

The program was led by Joe Ortego, President of Board of Trustees of ACLD and the evening ceremonies included several distinguished speakers: Colleen Crispino, ACLD Assistant Executive Director; Richard J. Kessler, DO, ACLD Chief Medical Officer; Gail Mitzner (Gail & Don Mitzner Adult Services Pavilion), Donor; Scott Kabak (Alicia & Scott Kabak Behavioral Health Pavilion), Donor; Bonnie Evans (The Charles Evans Health Services Center), Major Donor; Joel M. Pashcow, (Long-time ACLD Supporter), Donor; and representatives from Fay J. Lindner (Health & Wellness Pavilion), Foundation Supporter/Donor.  

The new Center is named in honor of Charles Evans, founder of the fashion house Evan-Picone, film producer, commercial real estate developer and supporter of many charitable and community causes. This $8.5 million project represents one of ACLD’s largest capital expansions in its more than 50-year history. The Charles Evans Health Services Center is an impressive two-story, modular building. Its design allows for site development and assembly to occur simultaneously, significantly shortening the construction timeline.  The modular construction also reduces noise, air pollution and waste. The ground-breaking for the construction took place in June 2011. 

The number of individuals with developmental disabilities utilizing multiple services has increased steadily in recent years on Long Island, with primary care and women’s health becoming the most critically needed areas of service. The Center will help ACLD meet this demand more effectively and efficiently. 

The Center features a modern Outpatient Medical Facility on the first floor and an Adult Services Centeron the second floor.  The layout allows for smooth transitions between reception, exam rooms and treatment rooms, and is outfitted with a larger waiting area for avoiding congestion and enhancing privacy.  In addition, there are four dental suites equipped with the latest digital x-ray equipment for better imaging, reduced patient exposure to radiation, and a more environmentally friendly approach to care.

Fusion Architecture of Plainview, New York designed the facility.  The construction Project Manager was Axis Construction of Hauppauge, New York.  For more information about ACLD and its services contact Juliette McKenna, Director of Development and Community Relations via phone, 516.822.0028 ext. 206, via email at mckennaj@acld.org, or visitwww.acld.org. 

Founded in 1957, the not-for-profit organization has served the needs of over 3,000 children, teens and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families. ACLD’s mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue enviable lives, increase their independence and improve the quality of their lives in the community.  ACLD employs nearly 1,000 people and operates 74 different program sites across Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

Service programs include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, family support services, Medicaid service coordination, and medical and behavioral health services. For more information, visit www.acld.org.