Charlottesville-based Virginia Autism Institute has completed a merger with Roanoke-based St. Vincent Home.
The leaders of the two organizations said the mission of the new merged group, named Virginia Institute of Autism, would be the largest non-profit organization of child and adult education and behavioral services for people with autism and related disabilities in the Commonwealth. said to be a commercial provider.
In the future, the Virginia Institute for Autism will incorporate St. Vincent’s Blue Ridge Center for Autism and Achievement, Katy’s Place Day Support, and other adult and family services from Roanoke into the operations of the new group, Day School and Adult and Behavioral Services. continue to provide Charlottesville services, according to a statement.
Dr. Ethan Long, CEO of the Virginia Autism Institute, will continue his position as the nonprofit’s leader. Her CEO of St. Vincent, Angie Leonard, will serve under him as Chief Operating Officer for the Southwest region.
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The new organization employs approximately 300 people and serves more than 200 students, 175 outpatient families, and approximately 100 adults aged 22 and over in approximately 30 communities nationwide. No employees were laid off as a result of the merger, the statement said.
“We are excited to continue to provide uninterrupted evidence-based services, and our larger footprint will also allow us to better advocate and serve families on behalf of families at the state and local levels. We believe we can influence policy and funding in ways that benefit people,” Long said in a statement.
The Virginia Autism Institute was founded in 1996. It is accredited by the Board of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Virginia Association of Independent Professional Education Institutions. According to its website, the institute has administrative offices and adult services at 491 Hillsdale Drive, day school facilities at 1414 Westwood Road, and outpatient behavioral services at 3500 Remson Court.
According to the organization’s website, St. Vincent’s Church was founded in 1893 by St. Andrew’s Catholic Church of Roanoke as an orphanage. The orphanage, which later became known as the Achievement Center, merged with the Blue Ridge Autism Organization in 2009. The merged organization, called BRAAC, began serving young people with learning and behavioral problems from age 2 to her 22 years old before expanding to families and adults. Service shortly thereafter. In 2019, the organization began offering all services and programs under the St. Vincent name.
In a statement in October when the merger was first announced, Leonard said, “I am thrilled.” We can make a better case on our behalf and influence policy and funding in ways that benefit the people we serve.”
