Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced Monday, Aug. 26, that he helped secure a $250,000 state grant for Wildwood Programs. These funds will help replace the roof and install an improved sprinkler system at Wildwood’s apartments in Latham.

“Wildwood has strengthened the Capital Region community for decades, providing invaluable support to thousands of families who call the area home,” Steck said. “I am pleased to help them continue that work in any way I can. These facility upgrades will ensure that Wildwood’s Latham apartments are safe and healthy for residents, visitors and staff for years to come.”

The new sprinkler system will increase the timeframe for residents to evacuate the Latham Apartments. Providing a longer period to get outside the building will significantly improve the housing safety for residents and staff.

Wildwood Programs CEO Lou Deepe said, “We are grateful to Assemblymember Steck for recognizing this as a priority. His support not only strengthens our infrastructure but also reinforces that the people of this community with disabilities are valued citizens."

For more than 50 years, Wildwood has provided community, residential, vocational and educational support to Capital Region residents with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities and autism. Starting as a parent-organized program for a handful of preschoolers, it has expanded to provide critical support services to more than 1,600 people annually.