District transfers Sullivan Avenue School to Easter Seals
Transaction guarantees historic building's use as an educational facility for a new generation of students

After being closed for nearly five years, the old Sullivan Avenue School is slated to receive a much-needed facelift and a new lease on life. On July 31, district officials gathered at 9 Sullivan Avenue with city and state officials, and Port Jervis families, to mark the transfer of the former elementary school to Easter Seals New York.

The district has not been able to use the 89-year-old building since it was forced to close the facility in 2004 due to structural weaknesses.

Port Jervis residents overwhelmingly approved the sale of the Sullivan Avenue School to Easter Seals for the sum of one dollar on May 15, 2007 under the consideration that the landmark building would be refurbished for its continued use as an educational facility.

Since the vote, officials from Easter Seals New York have been working diligently to raise money for the estimated $1 million dollars that will be needed to renovate the facility and expand its Project Discovery Child Development Program. New York Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther boasted the fundraising efforts by securing $125,000 in state funds for the project. Moreover, the City of Port Jervis is partnering with Easter Seals New York to secure economic development funds for the expansion, which is expected to create an additional 30 jobs over the next three years.

Established in 2000, Project Discovery Child Development Program provides early education and universal pre-kindergarten services to 72 local preschoolers, many of whom have autism spectrum disorders, down syndrome and other developmental and physical disabilities. It also provides free infant and toddler preschool screenings, and a monthly community outreach program. This year, the outreach program will distribute more than 72,000 pounds of food and clothing to more than 6,000 people in need.

Project Discovery has outgrown its present facility at Temple Beth El in Port Jervis. When the program is relocated to the renovated Sullivan Avenue facility, Easter Seals will be able to expand it educational services. This will have a direct impact on the entire community. The expanded service – combined with the district’s full-day kindergarten program – will reduce the number of Port Jervis children requiring special education services. In the long run, this will reduce the district’s operating costs.

And, more importantly, it will allow Easter Seals New York to help more children with special needs attain greater independence.