Murray explained that a guiding motivation behind the ANCHOR construction project was to give a permanent home to a program that has lived a nomadic existence. Participants have traveled to various school facilities and other locations across the town to take part in a variety of activities. The facility will also offer shelter to those attending the beachside ANCHOR Summer Camp, which is housed in carnival-themed tents.

“Nobody deserves a permanent home more than the children who are part of Hempstead Town’s ANCHOR Program,” said Murray.

The recreation center features a gymnasium/auditorium, replete with a theatre-grade stage, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, stunning stage lighting and curtains, low-rise bleachers, an electronic scoreboard and basketball hoops. The auditorium will host ANCHOR’s heralded theatre program, dances, social gatherings, parties, sports events, movie presentations, as well as meetings.

A very large multi-purpose room can be divided in half to host a variety of activities at once. The rooms will provide for cafeteria service, video presentations, arts and crafts classes, educational presentations, movies, dances and more. A modern computer room will house a Smart Board, a laptop station, iPads and Wi-Fi service. A fully equipped nurses office includes specialized treatment equipment and a wheelchair-accessible shower. A modern kitchen will accommodate food preparation and home economics classes. Administrative offices, a reception area, storage closets, an audio-visual room and a patio complete the features of the stunning structure.

“This ANCHOR building sets a new standard for facilities that serve people with special needs,” said Santino.