NY Mets owner’s Cohen Foundation gives $3.78M to help Greenwich nonprofit Abilis expand in Stamford

STAMFORD — Through a $3.78 million grant, the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation is helping Abilis open its second location in Stamford. 

Abilis, a nonprofit organization that provides services and support to more than 800 people with disabilities and their families, is planning to purchase 78 Harvard Ave. in Stamford to be the home to the Cohen Abilis Advancement Center, which “will offer quality education, programs and services for those with disabilities of all ages,” according to the announcement. 

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which supports United States nonprofit organizations that help people or solve problems, is helping Abilis expand its services into more of Fairfield County, said an Abilis official. 

“This grant will enable us to expand our current programs and supports to families who have been waiting for services,” said Amy Montimurro, chief executive officer and president of Abilis. “We are delighted to be able to provide our community members supports in a beautiful, remodeled building that is accessible and suited for individuals of all abilities.”

Right now, 78 Harvard Associates, LLC, an affiliate of Baywater Properties, owns the 78 Harvard Ave. building. Baywater is going to renovate the building before selling it to Abilis.

According to the announcement, Abilis’ goal is to have the building both “renovated and retrofitted for accessibility by the fall of 2024.”

“This decision stems from our commitment to meet the evolving needs of our community and our dedication to excellence, which has led us to enhance our offerings and provide even greater value to individuals and their families,” Montimurro said in the statement. “We will be able to meet each person where they are and support those who would benefit from continued education, career counseling, vocational development, and a therapeutic environment to meet individual needs.” 

The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center is going to have “an accessible, open floor plan across two floors and focus on Abilis’ mission to provide customized services and supports for those with disabilities from birth throughout their lifespan,” according to the announcement. The building is 26,000 square feet and will offer various services including a memory center, cooking, music, art expression, an administrative space and more. 

“People of all abilities should have a place where they feel welcomed and encouraged to thrive,” said Alexandra Cohen, president of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, in a statement. “We are proud to support Abilis’ efforts to reach even more individuals and families in our community.”

The Cohens live in Greenwich. The Cohen Foundation, which Alexandra Cohen co-founded in 2001 with her husband, hedge fund billionaire and New York Mets owner Steven Cohen, has provided more than $1 billion of charitable support between its founding and 2022, according to its website.

Montimurro said Abilis will continue to offer its services and be headquartered in Greenwich at its 50 Glenville St. location. Abilis already has a location in Stamford at 1150 Summer St. where it offers therapeutic services. So, this will be the organization’s second Stamford location.

“The Cohen Abilis Advancement Center will provide more than double the space we currently have in our Greenwich headquarters for even more programs and services to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Montimurro said in a statement. “It’s very exciting.”