New autism and veterans center coming to South Huntington

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was joined by local and state officials this week to announce a first-of-its-kind new center for individuals with autism/special needs and veterans to be developed in South Huntington.

The former South Huntington Public Library building at 2 Melville Road, currently home to the Rise in Spirit Community Arts Center, will be converted into a program/service hub serving the growing population of individuals with special needs and veterans with peer support, education, arts, music, mental health and job training.

The arts center is teaming with Rise Life Services on the project, which will include a food pantry, vocational training and classes for students and adults with special needs.

The group plans on purchasing the building from the South Huntington School District and is currently raising money towards that goal.