Villa breaks ground on cutting-edge autism center

St. Joseph's Villa began a new chapter in its 185-year history as we launched construction on the home of our new Sarah Dooley Center for Autism. With the help of Odell architects and contractor Daniel & Company, we're transforming our 24,000 sq. ft. Dooley School building into a state-of-the-art facility that combines pioneering education, therapy, research, training, and community partnership. The Virginia Department of Education reports that the number of students appearing on the autism spectrum has increased by approximately 12% over the last decade . Redeveloping SDCA will build on the Villa's partnership with public schools and commitment to helping this growing population successfully integrate with their communities. The new facility is designed to serve as a model for autism-specific classrooms that can be replicated in public school systems with existing resources. Construction is anticipated to finish ahead of the 2020-2021 school year.

The Ripple Effect A new Campus Center housed within SDCA will provide a flexible space to host seminars for public school teachers, parents, pediatricians, and other professionals who work with children with autism. While SDCA will serve up to 96 students at a time, public trainings in a variety of autism-related subjects will have the potential to impact thousands of lives across Virginia . "We are aiming to attract new community partners and experts in autism to the Greater Richmond region," said Kathleen Burke Barrett, CEO of St. Joseph's Villa. "The number of students with an autism diagnosis is rapidly increasing, and we must prepare our schools and communities to educate and welcome them."

An $8 million project, the redevelopment of SDCA is part of the Villa's $25 million RiseUP Campaign for programmatic support, campus-wide upgrades, and the Villa's Endowment. Our campus is one of our most powerful tools in helping children learn, grow, and heal. Preserving it and improving it through our RiseUP Campaign will raise our capacity for service and innovation to greater heights. With your support, the Villa will continue evolving to meet the community's emerging, most critical needs. Stay UPdated! Go to www.SJVRiseUP.org for all the latest campaign news and to find out how you can get involved! RiseUP with us and leave your mark on a place like no other.

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Dooley School Prom 2019 takes students to Shangri-La Students from all Villa schools came together to celebrate the end of the school year and enjoy an afternoon of music, food and fun at Dooley School's annual prom. Our Education Services team did a phenomenal job decorating and making it a day for everyone to remember. Special thanks to Raee Sim, owner of  Exceptionnel Salon Suite, for volunteering her hair styling services to students, helping them get ready for their special day.

Antique Car Show returns to the Villa in its 50th year We're excited to welcome the Richmond Region Antique Automobile Club back to our campus for their 50th annual Car Show! Cruise over to the Villa on Saturday, June 22, 8am-3pm for Central Virginia's largest automotive swap meet. Families can enjoy vintage car rides and a youth judging program. The show will feature more than 100 cars–from mild to wild! 100% of general admission proceeds benefit Villa programs in homelessness, mental health, autism and specialized education. Find out more and grab your tickets at www.richmondcarshow.com . Admission is $5 and FREE for children 12 and under. Sponsored by Page Auto Group and Richmond Ford.

Flagler case manager Andrea Alston honored by Homeward

Congratulations to Andrea Alston of our Flagler Housing & Homeless Services for her recognition at Homeward's Regional Best Practices Conference! Andrea received the Most Housing Matches Award , which honors a case manager who has responded quickly and compassionately to help their clients obtain housing. Read more about Andrea and her work at the Villa here . Flagler houses approximately 300 individuals each year through rapid re-housing across the Greater Richmond and Tri-Cities regions, working with youth, adults, families and seniors.

We never stop believing in children and their families. St. Joseph's Villa | 804-553-3200 | www.NeverStopBelieving.org

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