Augusta Levy Marks 20 Years of Impact: Embracing a New Era as a Premier Behavioral Health Facility

WHEELING — The Augusta Levy Learning Center made a big splash recently by celebrating 20 years of supporting children with autism and their families. The event took place at Waterfront Hall, marking a significant milestone as the center unveils new programs and expands its services.

Angie Wood, the executive director, shared that this celebration is about more than just the past. “We’re excited to launch new programs. We’ve just become a licensed behavioral health facility,” she explained. The center is now known as Augusta Levy Behavioral Services, reflecting its broader mission.

“We still serve children with autism,” Wood emphasized, “but now we can help adults with behavioral needs too. This includes vocational and independent living services.” The expansion allows the center to provide support to individuals with severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

The night was filled with familiar faces, including board members, long-term volunteers, and even graduates of the program. Kathy Shapell, the founder, expressed her pride in the milestone. She has played a vital role in shaping the center. “Time has flown by, but I’m proud of the families we’ve served,” she said.

Shapell highlighted the positive impact the center has had, noting its role as a job creator in a region facing economic challenges. Over the past 20 years, the center has generated more than 60 new jobs in Wheeling.

Since its start in 2005, the center has come a long way. Initially housed in rented church rooms, they began with only five children. As their services grew, they moved to bigger spaces and expanded their age range for the children they served.

In 2018, a devastating fire at the Sacred Heart Church interrupted their services. “It disrupted everything,” Wood recalled. Yet, with community support, the center adapted quickly, providing in-home services while seeking a new location.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought its own challenges, but the center turned it into an opportunity. They built their current facility, which opened in late 2020. Wood mentioned, “We continue to expand. This year, we launched an adult program and increased our services for people with other disabilities.”

Augusta Levy is also offering consulting services in three local school districts, broadening its reach further. Their newly launched early learners program targets children from birth to four years old, showcasing their commitment to meet the diverse needs of families.

With their team growing, they recently welcomed their 70th employee. Wood’s excitement is clear: “We are here to serve and adapt. Our staff is trained in specialized areas to tackle the unique needs of our clients.”

In conclusion, the Augusta Levy Learning Center stands as a beacon of hope and support for the community. As they look ahead, their commitment to growth and service continues to shine.

Source link