Engel Family Donates Building to Access: Supports for Living

Newburgh, NY – Access: Supports for Living, one of the Hudson Valley’s largest non-profit human services providers, has announced its acceptance of a building donation. The building, located at 5319 Route 9W, Newburgh, was the location of the Engel Funeral Home. The donation was made by Robert Engel, and his son, Jonathan Engel, and has been dedicated as the Engel Center.

While potential uses of the nearly 6,000 square foot building are still in development, a significant portion will be a new venue for learning for Access’s staff of over 1,500 and the community.

“The Engel Center is now an integral part of our plans to enhance and expand opportunities for learning and skill development in the treatment of people with a range of needs, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health and substance use disorders, and children and families experiencing and recovering from trauma,” said Ron Colavito, CEO of Access. “The Engel family’s generosity will impact the lives of people across the Hudson Valley for generations to come.”

“It has been said that generosity is the outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and kindness, and that could not be more true for our family,” said the Engel family. “We are happy to know that this building, maintained by our family for nearly four decades, will continue to be cared for and used in a way that will support people with special needs to live lives of health and purpose.”

Robert Engel, in addition to his work as a licensed funeral director, is also a retired special education teacher who began his career working with people with special needs as a driver for Access, then Occupations, in the late 1960s.

“Within the walls of this building, families have been finding comfort during their most difficult times for decades. Now, as the home to new training space, families will continue to find comfort in knowing that the dedicated staff supporting their loved one with a disability or mental health or substance use concern have the knowledge and skills to provide the best services available,” said Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President of Access.

“One of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be a positive force in the lives of others, and Bob Engel has clearly done that,” said Nick Preddice, Chair of the Access: Supports for Living Foundation. “For nearly 40 years, the Engel name has been synonymous with care and compassion. Now, it is also synonymous with generosity.”

Access: Supports for Living was founded in 1963 by a group of families who believed in a bright, positive future for their children with disabilities. Today, Access is mission-driven to help people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible and supports more than 10,000 people each year through services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and substance use concerns, and children and families with a range of needs. Access summarizes its worldview in four words: Rewarding Lives, Healthy Communities. For more information, visit the website: www. accesssupports.org or call 1-888-750-2266.