PORT JERVIS – Eater Seals New York hopes to rehabilitate and move its programs and services for children with disabilities and families in need in Port Jervis by the end of the year. And that project, with an estimated $1 million price tag, received a significant boost Thursday with the announcement that Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther secured $125,000 in state funds for the work.

East Seals New York currently operates at full capacity in its East Main Street facility. The Child Development Center provides early education and Universal Pre-K to 72 local preschoolers, many of whom have autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and other developmental and physical disabilities.

The agency is also expected to distribute more than 72,000 pounds of food and clothing to more than 6,000 people in need through its Community Outreach Program.

Easter Seals bought the old Sullivan Avenue School from the school district for $1 last year following a public referendum. The additional space at the school will provide for a doubling of the number of students that can be served.