On April 10th, 2025, Venture Together proudly celebrated the grand opening of its newest day program facility in Valley Cottage—a space designed specifically to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive.
Located at 206 Route 303, the new facility is already home to Venture Together’s innovative Day Habilitation program, which offers participants hands-on experiences in job skills, creative arts, technology, physical activity, and more. The ribbon-cutting event marked not just the opening of a building—but the start of another chapter in community-based care and inclusion.
A Home for Possibility and Progress
“This new space represents a significant advancement in the services available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Rockland County,” said Matt Shelley, CEO of Venture Together. “It’s more than bricks and mortar—it’s a vibrant, welcoming place where our participants can explore their passions, develop independence, and connect with the broader community.”
The 5,746-square-foot facility was made possible through the reinvestment of proceeds from the sale of the building in Sparkill which was formerly known as the Venture Center Day Habilitation Center. Completed in 2024 in collaboration with Cirillo Architects and Frank Fiero Construction Company, the modernized building reflects Venture Together’s commitment to creating supportive environments that foster independence, personal growth, and celebrate diversity.
“Not only is it professionally rewarding to see a project come to fruition but it is personally heartwarming to see not only the transformation our work makes to a building but also the difference it makes in the quality of life for the individuals,” said Frank Fierro, owner of Fierro General Contracting Corporation. “Working on this project with Venture Together gave us the opportunity to create another much-needed facility in Rockland County for the IDD community.”
Community Voices, Shared Vision
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together local leaders, community members, and Venture Together program participants for a moving celebration filled with pride and optimism.
Among the speakers were:
NY State Senator Bill Weber, who commended Venture Together’s legacy of service and praised the new facility as a reflection of the community’s values of I/DD inclusion and empowerment.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day, who emphasized the importance of continued investment in programs that support people with developmental disabilities, and celebrated Venture Together as a leader in person-centered care.
“That’s where programs like this come in; they are a safety net for families ensuring loved ones with a developmental disability can and will continue to learn, grow, socialize, and ultimately maximize their independence.” - County Executive Day
County Legislator and Venture Together Board Member Dr. Dana Stilley, who shared heartfelt reflections on the importance of creating spaces where everyone is seen, supported, and given opportunities to grow.
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, who acknowledged the decades of service Venture Together has provided to the region and expressed gratitude for the organization’s positive impact in the lives of countless families.
Dario Mazurek, Chair of the Venture Together Board of Directors, who thanked the community and Venture staff for their unwavering dedication and recognized the facility as a result of many years of hard work and vision.
Each speaker emphasized the importance of empowerment, opportunity, and connection for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and how the Valley Cottage Day Hab Program is a vital step forward in realizing those values.
Looking Ahead
With over 850 individuals served and more than 500 skilled employees, Venture Together continues to be a leading provider of residential, respite, day habilitation, employment training, and recreational services in Rockland County. The opening of the Valley Cottage location reflects the organization’s ongoing innovation and responsiveness to the needs and dreams of the people it supports.
We look forward to all that will be created, explored, and celebrated within these new walls—and beyond.
