Senator Phillips Secures $100,000 For Helen Keller National Center For Deaf-Blind Youths And Adults

Senator Elaine Phillips announced she has secured $100,000 in state funding for the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC).  The funding, included as part of the final 2017-2018 budget, will be used for capital projects at the not-for-profit organization.  

“The Helen Keller National Center is a world-class facility providing outstanding services and enriching the lives of thousands of individuals who are deaf blind.  It was a pleasure to secure this funding, which will assist HKNC with improving their facilities where independent living and vocational skills are taught to youths and adults with combined vision and hearing loss,” said Senator Phillips.

Senator Phillips also recently visited The Center located in Sands Point.

“Over the course of the last few months, I met with representatives of HKNC and quickly learned how special of facility we have right here on Long Island.  During my visit I met with both students and dedicated staff and witnessed first-hand the numerous tools and training programs which help individuals to live, work and be productive in their community,” said Senator Phillips. 

“We are thrilled that Senator Phillips has acknowledged the hard work and dedication of our organization and the individuals that it serves. These funds will go towards the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit in the Helen Keller National Center Residence Building,” said Joseph F. Bruno, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helen Keller Services.

“We had the pleasure of just recently having Senator Phillips take a tour of our Sands Point Campus. We are very thankful that she has chosen to help us with this much needed grant,” said Susan Ruzenski, Executive Director.

This year marks the Helen Keller National Center’s 50th Anniversary and during her tour, Senator Phillips presented the organization with a formal New York State resolution honoring the milestone.  The HKNC was authorized by an Act of Congress and is currently the only center of its kind in the nation.

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