Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life (PAAL) is back on its feet in Downingtown a year after Hurricane Ida nearly destroyed its premises, writes TaRhonda Thomas for 6ABC. 

The nonprofit focuses on providing life skills, including employment, education, and emotional health, for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. 

“We are a very small but mighty program for individuals with autism all across the autism spectrum,” said Dr. Gloria Satriale, the executive director of PAAL. 

The organization was dealt a significant blow a year ago when its building located near the banks of Brandywine Creek was heavily damaged following Hurricane Ida. Today, PAAL is in a much better position, and has even managed to add an extra classroom that will make it possible to accommodate children as young as 9. Prior to the storm, the lowest age was 14. 

It took the organization just six months to recover with the help of the community. 

“Every piece of office furniture was donated,” said Satriale. 

Meanwhile, Paal still needs raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to financially recover from the storm, but they are hoping fundraising will help. 

Read more about PAAL at 6ABC