Staten Island Reporter

(BROOKLYN, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced $2 million in federal funding secured for The Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC), a non-profit organization serving the developmentally disabled, to make critical renovations and ADA upgrades across several of their facilities in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

"The Guild for Exception Children has been a cornerstone of our city for decades, and they haven't undergone any significant renovations in over 30 years," Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said. "I'm proud to have secured this federal funding to allow them the ability to expand their program space and create a larger, more accessible community. They do incredible work for families in our area, and I hope this funding allows them to continue providing invaluable resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for years to come."

The project scope includes renovations for the Guild's facilities located on 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The first floor of their building, which houses the Hope C. Morrison Day Habilitation Center for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be overhauled to provide more community space and remove barriers to make wheelchair use easier within the facility. Additional improvements include bathroom upgrades and floor/ceiling replacements. The upper floors will receive cosmetic enhancements along with a new apartment and additional program space for day program attendees. Exterior work will encompass resurfacing the roof, updating the façade, and surfacing the backyard to prevent flooding and injury. Construction is expected to take six to nine months with hopes of breaking ground in early Spring 2025.

"The Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC) greatly appreciates the support and assistance provided by Congressman Nicole Malliotakis, especially her help in providing $2 million funding through a Federal HUD grant for much needed renovations to our buildings at 6745-6751 3rd Ave. in Brooklyn," said Joe Riley, GEC Executive Director and CEO. "These were the first buildings acquired by GEC when the agency began supporting people with intellectual/development disabilities in 1958 and have been in use for adult day habilitation and 24-hour residential services since. The renovation is sorely needed and GEC is very grateful to the Congresswoman, who has always been supportive of our mission going all the way back to when she was in the New York State Assembly. Thank you Congresswoman Malliotakis from all of us at GEC."

ABOUT THE GUILD FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN:

The GEC is a non-profit agency founded in 1958 by parents and friends of people with developmental disabilities. It grew from a dedicated group of parents volunteering their time into an advocacy agency that spearheaded community living options by opening New York City's first group home in 1970.

A particular focus of GEC is helping families navigate securing services for individuals with special needs. It provides various services aimed at keeping families together while meeting evolving needs.

Today, GEC serves over 500 individuals daily along with their family members, offering comprehensive services and supports tailored towards children and adults with developmental disabilities.