At the Sensory Barn donated by DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation, Inc., on the grounds of the GRACE Foundation, are from the left, Jay Chazanoff, Angela Soares, Christopher DeSantis, Michelle DeSantis and Carmine DeSantis. (Courtesy/Michelle DeSantis)Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Members of the GRACE Foundation are shouting news of their first “sensory barn” on their grounds at Sea View Hospital, thanks to The DeSantis Family Foundation.

The prefab barn that measures 14-feet-by-28 feet, comes equipped with a 65-inch TV, and sensory fun stations within the barn to add to the programs and services that GRACE offers individuals and families affected with autism spectrum disorder.

As you enter 460 Brielle Ave. in Sea View, visitors will be welcomed with an entirely new outdoor “haven,” notes Cathy DelPriore, GRACE’s executive director.

The new sensory gym will bear the name of the DeSantis Family Foundation.

“The grounds were transformed to be more user friendly for our growing audience,” said DelPriore. “Amongst the many changes is a complete outdoor experience with a Zen Garden, greenhouse, painted benches and of course The DeSantis Family Foundation Sensory Barn.”

At the DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. Sensory Barn on the grounds of the GRACE Foundation, are from the left, Dan Ryan, students at the GRACE Foundation, Jay Chazanoff and Michelle DeSantis. (Courtesy/Michelle DeSantis)Staten Island Advance

DelPriore notes they also plan to host a number of fun sessions including a planetarium experience, a movie night, and sensory friendly projects such as sand and clay art. workshops.

“The sky is the limit,” she adds. “We are so excited to welcome this barn as part of our daily activities within GRACE. The DeSantis Foundation listened to our request and granted us this beautiful opportunity for our individuals living with autism spectrum disorder. Having this sensory barn opened up the imagination for so much more sensory opportunities and for that, we cannot thank the entire DeSantis Family for seeing our vision so clearly.”

The DeSantis Charitable Foundation, with a mission to improve the lives of special needs children on Staten Island, honors memories of brothers Carmine and Robert DeSantis and their sister, Lucille Chazanoff.

Through the years, the DeSantis Foundation has provided equipment and services, including iPads, wheelchairs, home renovations, custom strollers and summer camp scholarships.To date, more than $1 million has been donated. The foundation is run strictly on a volunteer basis. So, every single dollar donated goes toward benefiting children.

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