ELIJA Farm celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new Learning and Engagement Center on Monday, a project made possible through a $1 million Suffolk County JumpSMART grant, aimed at supporting community development and workforce opportunities.

The new facility at ELIJA Farm, a nonprofit care farm that serves individuals with autism and their families, will expand educational programming, community events and employment-related opportunities while providing a heated, year-round gathering space overlooking the farm.

“We were given a $1 million grant from Suffolk County through the JumpSMART program to enrich the lives of people on Long Island and create more opportunities for people with autism and the community at large,” said Debora Thivierge, founder and CEO of ELIJA Farm.

Thivierge said the center will support a wide range of programs, including farming and baking classes, farm-to-table events and educational activities for students, seniors and individuals of all abilities. The facility also provides a permanent indoor space that allows programming to continue through the winter months.

“One of the most important things is being able to have heated space because farming on Long Island is seasonal,” Thivierge said. “We want to make sure that our individuals can have continuous programming throughout the year.”

During the ceremony, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning Commissioner Sarah Lansdale praised the project and the partnerships behind it.

"For too long, members of the disability community have been left on the sidelines when it comes to employment," Lansdale said, noting that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “Today marks a change in making this resource available for individuals with disabilities so that they can participate in the employment sector,”

The Learning and Engagement Center replaces a former storage shed and adds new amenities for farm visitors including a small marketplace and additional restroom facilities. Thivierge said information about upcoming classes, programs and community events will be available at ELIJA Farm’s website.