Led by Kate DeVane, IAG has been serving autistic children and their families, as well as providing services and resources to the local school systems on Martha’s Vineyard since 2008. IAG has partnered with the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank (MVLB) and Island Housing Trust (IHT) to establish an Island Autism Center and residential neighborhood. In mid-November, IAG and MVLB together purchased a 17.5 acre parcel on upper Lambert’s Cove Road in West Tisbury. IAG now owns 7.5 acres, and MVLB owns 10.0 acres. IHT will serve as the developer of both the campus headquarters (to be known as the Hub House) and the subsequent residential component.

The Center will help fulfill the group’s mission to provide services and support for school-age children and young adults with autism, will include a small, mission-driven farming operation and eventually provide a needed residential setting for young adults with autism who are ready to move out of their family homes. IAG has identified approximately 200 year-round residents, including 56 school-aged children diagnosed on the autism spectrum and family members impacted by autism.

The Island Autism Center capital campaign has three phases. MVYouth’s funding will complete phase 1, which has a budget of $1.2M and includes the construction of the Hub House and farm stand. IAG is actively fundraising for phase 2, which includes the construction of a barn and half of the residential zone, and phase 3, which includes the second half of the residential construction.