Golden gives grant to GEC

The Guild for Exceptional Children got a boost in its effort to purchase a new site on Quentin Road and pave the way for a new wellness center in Bay Ridge, thanks to a $250,000 grant from New York State.

State Senator Marty Golden – who had secured the grant — presented the check to Paul Cassone, GEC’s executive director, on behalf of the New York State Dormitory Authority.

Cassone said that the funds will go to a new building in Marine Park, adjacent to a building the Guild already owns. “There will be day services, pre-vocational services, art and music therapy,” he said. “In addition, there are plans to develop two upstairs apartments which will provide living opportunities for up to eight individuals dealing with developmental disabilities.”

The grant will also help set up a wellness center in Bay Ridge for Guild clients who are senior citizens, which will provide services to improve balance, cardio, weight control and diabetes management.

“This comes at a critical time,” Cassone said of the funding.

“When you look at our community, this is Bay Ridge’s jewel,” Golden said. “You continue to exceed all expectations. I wish it was $250 million.”