August 21, 2025

On August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, our community came together for a miraculous milestone: Elizabeth Seton Children's Ground Blessing of our future young adult center!

This momentous occasion signaled the start of construction on the nation's first, stand-alone, skilled nursing facility designed specifically for young adults with medical complexity who are aging out of pediatric care.

"Today marks the beginning of a transformative chapter … one where compassion meets possibility and where young adults with the most complex medical needs will finally have a place to call home," said Pat Tursi, CEO of Elizabeth Seton Children's.

The Ground Blessing was attended by Catholic faith leaders, elected officials, labor and housing partners, families of future residents and organizational leadership - reflecting broad support for this historic project. His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, His Excellency Archbishop Gabriele Caccia and Monsignor Joseph LaMorte blessed the site.

This pioneering effort was made possible thanks to our steadfast partners in government. In particular, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who we honored during our program with our St. Elizabeth Seton Legacy Award, championed the budget language designating this young adult center as the State's only free-standing demonstration project, in collaboration with Assemblymember Nader Sayegh.

New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald said, "This is one of those places where love comes to thrive. If all of health care across the United States resembled what we see at Elizabeth Seton Children's, what a wonderful country we would be living in."

For nearly 40 years, Elizabeth Seton Children's has been a lifeline for children living with medical complexity. With construction now underway for an early 2028 opening, our mission will soon extend into adulthood and answer the prayers of families who have long sought a safe, loving home where their sons and daughters can continue to experience the fullness of life.

Watch coverage from "The Good Newsroom" and view photos from this extraordinary event on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more, and to contribute to this important cause, please visit setonchildrens.org/the-aging-out-crisis.