The Hughes Center has announced the upcoming final completion of the new replacement facility serving children and adolescents.  We will host an Open House scheduled for January 11, 2024, at 11:30 am.

The Hughes Center has been a part of the Danville and Pittsylvania County community for almost 100 years, originally serving as an orphanage. The facility has been providing residential mental health treatment to children and adolescents with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities since 2006. While providing essential treatment to youth in Virginia and from across the U.S., the facility partners with the local community and develops strong relationships with local organizations.

The 96-bed replacement facility includes an additional 32 beds.

“We have experienced an exceptional journey in the building and development of this new facility and its programs.  The facility will offer a wide range of engaging therapies to support youth with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities,”- said Mark Howard, Chief Executive Officer of The Hughes Center. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities so they can achieve their fullest potential.  It is essential our residents have the facilities, resources, and support to become independent and reach that potential.  The replacement facility is a key step in meeting those needs.  The services we offer are extremely unique, and the new facility will allow us to accommodate the specific needs of our residents.”

The facility will be completed in December 2023.  The new building is located next to the current operating campus on Franklin Turnpike.  The modern facility features educational space and sensory tools to address the special needs of children with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.  The facility includes 96 beds for children and adolescents, 14 sensory rooms, and five exploratory rooms.  The exploratory rooms will include an art room, a study, a music room, a gaming room, and an indoor physical activity space.  These spaces are designed and outfitted with essentials that the youth we serve need to reach their treatment and educational goals.

The Hughes Center will continue to honor the original mission of the facilities when they were built in the 1920s.  Many of the names of the corridors in the new facility share the names utilized on our current campus.

The vision of an individual nearly 100 years ago has paved the way for the future ahead of The Hughes Center.  While our mission is slightly different than where it began, we are grateful for a tenacious vision from the past that has supported the success and growth of the future.