A Very Special Place: Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Very Special Place, Inc.?
A Very Special Place, Inc. was established in 1974 as a not-for-profit corporation to provide services to people with developmental disabilities.
What is a developmental disability?
A developmental disability is defined as a condition that is attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairment or autism. The definition also includes any other condition that may cause similar impairment of adaptive behavior and intellectual functioning, including dyslexia and traumatic brain injury, when the disability originates prior to a person’s twenty-second birthday, is expected to continue indefinitely and will require ongoing assistance and supports.
How do I know which AVSP program or service is best for me?
Review the Programs and Services pages then contact the Director of Social Work Services by telephone, e-mail or fax to further discuss your options. You can also schedule a personal interview and arrange to visit our programs. The Director of Social Work Services will assist you in determining which programs or services would be beneficial for you as well as which ones you may be eligible to apply for.
How are programs paid for?
Programs and services at AVSP are financed primarily by the City and State of New York as well as through Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers.
Can I still apply for services even if I don’t have Medicaid?
Yes. Not all programs and services are dependent on an individual’s Medicaid eligibility. However you may be eligible for Medicaid and not aware of it. Contact our Director of Social Work Services for assistance or refer to the Frequently Requested Resources section of this Web site to learn how to contact your local Medicaid office.
Is transportation provided?
Many of AVSP’s programs provide round-trip transportation.
Are there fees or dues?
The Community Center charges annual dues. The cost is minimal and includes transportation.
What types of employment opportunities are available at AVSP, Inc.?
I’m Looking for a Career
If a specific job is not listed, how can I let you know I’m interested in any future position I may be qualified for?
You can come by the Personnel Department, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and fill out an application, or you can send a resume to the Personnel Department at 1429 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, New York 10305. Resumes can be faxed to the Personnel Department at (718) 987-6065. You can also e-mail the Personnel Department at careers@veryspecialplace.org.
How long do you maintain applications or resumes on file?
All applications and resumes are kept on file for one year. This file is used when a vacancy occurs, and those individuals who are qualified are contacted to see if they are interested.
Will my contribution to AVSP be tax deductible?
Contributions made to A Very Special Place, Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed under state and federal laws. A Very Special Place, Inc. is registered with the New York State Office of Charities Registration and has received a 501(c)(3) tax determination status from the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit agency.
Do you accept contributions other than cash?
In some instances we do accept gifts in-kind. Please bear in mind, though, that in-kind contributions must be in good condition and of immediate use to the Agency. We do not make collections. For more information contact the Director of Development at (718) 987-1234.
What is a matching gift?
A matching gift is one that is made (usually by an employer) in response to another gift that the Agency has already received. For example, if you make a $25 contribution to AVSP, your employer will respond by matching the amount of your contribution with an equal or greater contribution to the Agency in your name.
Do you accept in memory or in honor of someone contributions?
Yes. Gifts of tribute are an excellent way to do good works and remember friends, colleagues and loved ones. When making a contribution to AVSP, please remember to include a brief note with your check indicating whom the contribution is in recognition of, along with the name and address of those you wish to notify that a gift has been made.”
What is “planned giving”?
In its simplest terms, a “planned gift” is any giving that requires planning. Donors can use a variety of different assets to make a planned gift. Gifts can be made in a number of ways that can provide benefits for the donor and the donor’s family, as well as make a larger gift to AVSP. For more information on planned giving contact our Director of Development at (718) 987-1234. All calls are kept strictly confidential.
Can I designate how my contribution will be spent?
Unless designated otherwise, contributions to A Very Special Place go into the general operations budget to meet needs as they arise. If you wish to help underwrite a particular program or service at AVSP our Director of Development will work with you to determine how to best direct your contribution.