A new center in Sunnyside is carrying forward the legacy of Nicholas D’Amora, a young autism advocate and co-founder of CrimsonRise. The CrimsonRise Nicholas D’Amora Center marked its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 1313 Clove Road. Supporters, families, community groups and elected officials gathered to honor D’Amora, who died unexpectedly in May 2023. CrimsonRise says the permanent home will help expand programs, communication initiatives, education, peer engagement and advocacy. The organization works with autistic individuals with sensory, movement and communication differences, and promotes understanding of nonspeaking autism. Among those at the ceremony were Vito Fossella, Barbara D’Amora, Lakshmi Rao Sankar and Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo.
