News Summary
The Eliza Hope Foundation is set to double its therapy center’s size, expanding from 5,500 to 11,000 square feet to meet the growing needs of children with autism. The project involves integrating adjacent space, introducing new services like neurofeedback and diagnostic testing, and adding facilities such as sensory rooms, a Kids Cafe, and an art studio. The expansion aims to improve accessibility and range of services, with completion expected by October. Support from community donors and partners has been instrumental in this growth effort, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to inclusive care.
Virginia Beach, VA – The Eliza Hope Foundation is set to double the size of its therapy center to better accommodate children with autism. The expansion will take the current 5,500-square-foot facility at 629 Phoenix Drive to an impressive 11,000 square feet following construction scheduled to begin in September.
The decision to expand comes after increased demand for additional therapy space and services prompted founder Aimee Darby to seek solutions. The organization has been operating since 2018, aiming to provide all essential services for children with autism under one roof. The original facility includes various therapy programs such as early intervention social programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis.
In response to the growing needs of the community, the foundation recently converted a conference room into three new therapy rooms. However, this temporary solution proved insufficient as more providers requested additional space to serve their clients effectively. This led the foundation to explore purchasing a building, although they prioritized minimizing debt.
Fortunately, an adjacent commercial space became available for rent. The upcoming expansion will entail knocking down a wall to integrate this new space, allowing the center to enhance its offerings significantly. This project marks the first formal growth since the founding of the center and has garnered support from donors, friends, and community partners.
The expanded facility aims to introduce new services, notably neurofeedback, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule testing, and assistance with medical waivers. The added space will also ensure that more applied behavior analysis providers can accept all forms of insurance, making services more accessible to families.
The center’s new features will include a Kids Cafe, a calm room equipped with sensory items, and a larger sensory gym complete with a slide, swings, climbing ladders, and a zip line. An art and activity studio is also part of the plans, providing a space stocked with various art supplies and resources for creative extracurricular activities.
In addition to expanding existing services, the foundation seeks to add a family therapist, chiropractor, and acupuncturist to their team, addressing a broader range of needs for families navigating autism. The project is expected to be completed by October, with sponsorship opportunities and naming rights for the expansion available to interested parties.
The Eliza Hope Foundation was established in memory of its founder’s daughter, Eliza, who faced challenges due to autism and related seizures. Since its inception, the foundation has aimed to be a comprehensive resource for families seeking educational and therapeutic support for children with autism. As the center grows, it remains committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for children to learn and thrive.
With the planned expansion, the Eliza Hope Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to improving the lives of children with autism and their families by providing an innovative, resource-rich space tailored to their specific needs.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Eliza Hope Foundation on Coast Live
- Wikipedia: Autism
- Daily Press: Eliza Hope Foundation Expansion
- Google Search: Eliza Hope Foundation
- ABC11: Air Conditioners Rental Units
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Pilot Online: New Feature at Virginia Beach Parks
- Google News: Therapy for Children with Autism
- WTKR: Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens
- Google Scholar: Autism Therapy Centers
- WTKR: Local Organization Kicks Off Swim Program for Children with Autism
- Google Search: Autism Support Organizations
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
