A first-of-its-kind center designed for individuals with developmental disabilities and military veterans is making its way to Suffolk County.

The Rise in Spirt Community Arts Center is set to open in January on Melville Road North in Huntington Station.

The programs at the facility focus on education, vocation and recreation.

These will include job training and support to dance and art activities.

"Instead of sitting in front of TV, they are now going to be able to experience culture," says Charles Evdos of RISE Life Services.

He says Medicare and Medicaid pays for some of it, but they allow people to come for free if someone can't afford then.

Suffolk County is also home to the largest veteran populations in the state, which the center will also focus on.

Andrew DiLapi participated in the previous Spirit of Huntington's tutoring and mentorship programs. He says he looks forward to seeing everything the new center has to offer.

"When I first came here, I literally knew nothing," DiLapi says. "I've changed so much. It's amazing how much you can learn in a short period of time."

News 12's parent company Altice is a sponsor of some of the center's programs.