MILLVILLE The new Cumberland County Center for Autism is in the works and could be open by this time next year.

That is, if Barb Russick has her way.

The mother of a 14-year-old autistic teen and founder of support group Puzzle Peace Moms has been laying the ground work for two years, getting community support, raising funds and attracting the attention of local officials.

Shes wanted a center for autism in Cumberland County for years.

Right now, were looking at the old Millville Development Corporation (MDC) building across the street from Wawa on Route 49, Russick said. Im so excited about this.

She called it a long-awaited dream come true.

When I started Puzzle Peace Moms, a center for autism was always a long-term goal, Russick said.

Her group meets during the first and third Friday of each month at Mount Pleasant Church social hall on Pearl Street in Millville.

There are some major steps Russick and her group need to take before they become the countys go-to center for those seeking education or help for a child living with autism.

First, we need to obtain our nonprofit status, Russick said. Then, we need a grant.

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Cumberland County Center for Autism in the works, needs nonprofit status and grants