HELP NOR-WEST REGIONAL STAY OPEN!

To Whom It May Concern,

We appreciate you taking a few minutes to learn about Nor-West Regional Special Services and our GO FUND ME campaign.

Nor-West was established in 1973 as a municipal partnership to provide therapeutic recreation programs to youth, teen & adult individuals with developmental disabilities. While in our programs, their parents & caregivers enjoy some much-needed respite. We’re a very small entity, serving about 170 families in northern Westchester County, New York.

We’ve had our financial struggles over the decades, but we’d never encountered anything like the devastation of the Covid pandemic. Literally overnight, our FUNDING STREAMS VANISHED, as we had to cease all program operations for many months. We’re reimbursed by the government based upon participant attendance, and we had almost none due to Covid. In 2020 our deficit exceeded the past ten years of deficits combined.

 

We’ve slowly been resuming “in-person” programs, but our billing revenue remains severely stunted. Without a significant cash infusion, we’ll be out of funds by November and may CLOSE. We’re hoping benevolent folks will recognize our mission of “shining a light into the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities” is a noble one worth saving through this “Go Fund Me” campaign. Our goal is to raise $30,000. dollars in four weeks.

Please take a few moments to read a handful of our participant’s stories below as to why Nor-West is so important! A lot of reading, but well worth your time. Also check out our website to see who we are and who we serve at www.nor-west.org. Thank you for your time and hopefully dollars.


............AND NOW,............................SOME NW PARTICIPANT'S STORIES:





........................................................................................................ KATIE’S STORY:

Katie is a special young lady in many ways. A sunny personality, caring, and energetic. She is also a special needs person. The support she     receives from Nor-West cannot be calculated in numbers or statistics. Unable to fully socialize or assimilate in our everyday environment, she has found a rich, friendly and loving place to meet with friends and dedicated counselors. Whether it be Special Olympics, summer camps, holiday dances, or cooking classes, the social and instructive interaction has shaped her into a functioning, productive member of society. It gives her the confidence to face life’s challenges and lead a productive life.

 Before joining Nor-West, we had a very difficult time finding activities that would be helpful to Katie. As a special ed student, she needed after school or weekend enrichment to keep her engaged and active. She received this from Nor-West. Where mainstream organizations would not be helpful to Katie, Nor-West was. Her personality and initiative has thrived and she has grown in so many ways. During the pandemic, Nor-West provided much needed Zoom meetings to keep these children engaged. Whether it was Name that Tune, Trivia contests or Bingo, Katie very much looked forward to these activities and brightened her days during this very difficult period.

 As parents, Nor-West also serves as a support group where we can share information and provide advice about topics important to our     kids.

Nor-West staff and families have devoted much time and energy to keep it successful and sustainable. Covid decimated this small agency’s monthly billing for 15 months and counting due to the suspension of in-person activities. We now must seek out donations, grants, and the good hearts of the public to keep us going. Katie looks forward to the day where she can return to Nor-West and interact with her friends again. We cannot imagine who could fill the void without Nor-West.



...................................................................................................................EMILY D’s STORY:

Our daughter Emily was diagnosed with autism 22 years ago at the age of two. Emily has been attending programs with Nor-West for the last thirteen years. She started with swimming and bowling. When she first started swimming we were hoping that she would learn some strokes that might help her if she were ever in too deep and couldn’t call out for help because of her limited verbal skills. She had been bowling a few times and it was an activity she could do that she wouldn’t get stared at for making various noises because it was loud in the bowling alley already. Chris and Wendy and the staff were great at teaching Emily the proper form for bowling. Not only did she enjoy playing but she started to improve. She also got much needed social interactions with other disabled individuals some of whom were higher                     functioning and verbal.

 As Emily got older we registered her for more activities with Nor-West. She was able to enjoy fun activities like baseball games, trips, dinner and a movie out, dances and the Radio City Christmas Show. Many of these activities were unthinkable before we found Nor-West. The staff at this small agency work so well and put the disabled individuals families at ease because we know that our beloved children are happy and safe.

While we were locked down due to Covid, Emily missed all her Nor-West friends and activities. We are hoping and praying that this small agency that does so much for so many with so little can be saved. We, the families of the disabled individuals, have been so blessed to have Nor-West. Please donate!




..................................................................................................................ADAM’S STORY:

Adam is a 31 year old man with Down Syndrome. He has been participating in Nor West activities for over 15 years. Adam has made friends and gained a social life we never thought possible. He gets to participate in a multitude of sports and recreation programs that otherwise would not be available.

 

Nor West has provided Adam an outlet to really live his best life doing things he loves the most. Our family can’t express enough gratitude for the role Nor West has played in Adam’s success and development. He is absolutely thriving being part of such a wonderful and giving organization. Please give what you can.



.............................................................................................................. JULIA’S STORY:

Our daughter, Julia, who has autism and an intellectual disability, has been participating in Nor-West’s adaptive recreation and respite programs for many years. Nor-West plays an important role in Julia’s daily life, and her NW programs are often the thing she most looks forward to each day. Whether it’s sports training on Tuesday, cooking class on Wednesday, league bowling on Thursday, or ‘social scene’ with her friends on Friday night, Julia can’t wait to get home from school, have a quick snack, and race back out the door to get to “program”.

Nor-West has enriched Julia’s life in so many ways. With Nor-West, Julia has had the opportunity to compete in Special Olympics and take day trips to interesting places. But, most importantly, with Nor-West, we know our daughter has access to a safe and supportive environment to form friendships and enjoy activities with other special needs members of her local community. This is what makes Nor-West so special to us. Nor-West is the best! Please give what you can.




....................................................................................................... KEN’S STORY:

Ken has been participating in NW activities for 29 years. Is NW important to him? I would say yes emphatically - without a doubt. It has been an important part of his life since he was 3 years old. He has been on many trips to the aquarium, museums, gardens, Radio City Music Hall, 'dinner and a movie' outings, swimming, bowling, received many awards and honors, played soccer, trivia nights, board games, dances, and holiday parties. He has been productively occupied and included even during the pandemic (via Zoom or safely with protective measures). There is something to do all year-round. Ken has many friends at NW and looks forward to socializing with them. NW is a part of the fabric of his life. We would not ever want to think of Ken's world without NW.
 
NW is meaningful for us as parents because it provides a safe place for Ken to be. When he is out with his peers at a NW function, it affords time for my wife, Jean, and I time to do something for ourselves. We get some welcomed respite. We are relaxed because our son is with NW staff who know him and his needs. Ken has CP and is visually impaired. We could not ask for a more caring, talented and dedicated staff. They wear many hats and step up to the challenges and responsibilities of supporting the participants with a variety of disabilities. What is accomplished by NW is priceless in our opinion. They could not be paid enough, nor should they struggle to exist. It is extremely important for the organization to replenish its cash reserve which was decimated by Covid. That is the purpose of this fund raiser. If that doesn't happen NW will not be able to celebrate its’ Fiftieth anniversary in 2023 and that would be a tragedy.

 


..................................................................................................MATTHEW’S STORY:

Most people who know our son, Matthew, know that his favorite pastime is attending Nor-West activities! Nor-West is a small, local organization that provides social/recreational activities for people with special needs. Matthew has been a participant of this organization for the past 10 years. It's a place where he has grown from a young 9 year old boy to a mature 19 year old young man. It's a place where he is accepted and understood. Nor-West has given Matthew the opportunity to develop friendships and improve his social skills. The fun activities that Matthew and his friends have experienced over the years seem endless - museums, aquariums, live plays, movies, amusement parks, zoos, boat rides on the Hudson, mini golf, swimming lessons, West Point football games/wrestling matches, chocolate factory, sports, bowling, summer camp and many more...While he's attending these activities we feel secure and have peace of mind knowing that he is safe and happy in the hands of the wonderful staff. NorWest has become a very big part of Matthew's life; it's truly                become a second family!

 Covid 19 hit Nor-West hard leaving them at risk of closing come November. This would impact the lives of many families who depend on this resource. We are making every effort to raise money and save this amazing local organization. No amount is too small. Thank         you!




..........................................................................................................................EMILY’S STORY:

Nor-West has helped Emily in so many different ways. They offer different activities throughout the week and an all-day program on            Saturdays that provides the opportunity for her to go on different outings in the community, which she looks forward to every week. Nor-West has been an integral part in of our lives for years as Emily has participated in so many of the programs. The people who work with       Emily  and the other individuals who participate in the programs are so incredibly supportive and understanding. Emily needs support in   navigating social situations and Nor-West has been instrumental in helping Emily develop these skills with her peers. It is a safe space for  Emily to enjoy herself and have fun with friends that she would not normally see outside of school. Emily’s teachers tell me that she and      her peers talk in class about what happened when they went bowling or what they did together over the weekend through Nor-West. It’s  provided  her with the same social opportunities as her siblings to “have her own thing” with her peers in a safe space. We are forever           grateful to everyone at Nor-West. Please help!

................................................................................................................WENDI’S STORY:

I am a 48 year old woman with dystonia, a condition which causes tremors in my arms and legs and also causes a severe speech impediment. This is the worst part since I have a tremendous struggle with talking to people. This has made it difficult for me to make friends. I was miserable when I moved to Westchester 13 years ago because I didn’t know anyone. I had no friends and nothing to do. Then I found Nor-West and it really changed my life! The best part is the bowling which is one of my favorite activities that I love. I have made friends and had the chance to do lots of stuff that I could not do by myself. The pandemic has been horrible and reminded me how important these relationships are to me. The pandemic has also caused a big problem for Nor-West because their income has gone way down. So I am writing this to request a donation to Nor-West. I don’t know what I would do without Nor-West so I really hope you can help out and thanks so much. It means my life to me- without them I probably would never leave my house.

 Wendi’s mom added: It is impossible to overstate the importance of Nor-West in Wendi's life. Wendi's disability affects her speech and causes tremors in her arms, hands and legs. She handles her disabilities extraordinarily well, but if not for Nor-West she would be completely cut off from the world outside her family. Nor-West is a lifeline for her. There she has friends that she considers family and she engages in activities that give her a life. The close of Nor-West would be an immense loss for our whole family.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.......................................................................... STEVEN’S STORY:

My son, Steven, has been a part of the Nor-West family since the age of six. He is now 23 years old. My son suffers from multiple disabilities and because of Nor-West he's been able to strive as much as he has. When Steven is with Nor-West, I know he's in good hands. In school he had the hardest time adjusting and making friends was so challenging, but with the tools that Nor-West has given him he has come out if his shell. Even though Nor-West is a small organization, they are BIG at heart. Please do not let this organization close down! The impact would be GREAT...not just to the participants, but to all the families.

 

 

................................................................................................................. CAROLYNE’S STORY:

We had just spent the first 5 years of Carolyne’s life at a 12 month medically based rehabilitation center. Just before turning six she was eligible and recommended to begin her experience in the public school sector. All I could think was What were we to do with Carolyne during the summer – it became an obsession…but NOR-WEST, our super agency came to the rescue and at the mere age of six, she began the Summer Camp. She just loved swimming at the pool…and remains a ‘fish’ to this day. It was an amazing introduction to a wonderfully caring and loving agency. And so it began….summer camps, the summer talent shows, bowling, splash and dine, Saturday Flicks and Trips....Holiday parties and dances ….New Year celebrations ….friends…special Olympic training and competitions…the Luis Herzog tournament….and the best of all was ATHLETE of the YEAR – beautiful plaque and Carolyne’s emotional thank you. Moments that I have frozen and revisit often as I sort through a 30 gallon tub of photos.

I am at a loss for the exact complimentary words to explain and honor a program so small yet so mighty. Our daughter’s social life was truly enhanced by the programs, care, understanding, disability adaptation and just plain LOVE. I think it speaks volumes when one of the administrators has their own adult child in the program. I pray that the young people that are growing up get the opportunity to enjoy the NOR-WEST experience.

 

.................................................................................................................................. MATT P’s STORY:

My son Matthew has high-functioning autism. Growing up, he was frustrated by how easy it was for his brother & sister to make friends while he struggled. Nor-West changed that. By participating in Nor-west activities, Matt started to make friends. He had weekly activities to look forward to, & started to socialize outside of Nor-West. Even during the pandemic, Matt was able to participate in Zoom Nor-west activities. Nor-west means a lot to Matt, & we’re grateful for Nor-West. Please help them.

 

..................................................................................... CARLO’S STORY:

Many of you know my son Carlo is a young man who needs support with all aspects of his life. Nor-West has been one of my son’s greatest support system. Carlo has been with NW for 3 years and in that time NW has helped my son achieve friendship , independence and social skills through their recreation/ respite programs. Carlo has all been able to lead a typical teenage life because of Nor-West. Although COVID has impacted many agencies of all sizes that most likely will be able to rebound , Nor-West is a small community agency that will not rebound. I feel safe sending my son to NW. Nor-West is family. Please help us keep this family -oriented agency going for kids like mine and for children that will need this agency in the future. Please help!

.............................................................................................................................. JJ’S STORY:

Nor-West has been important to our family in several ways over the years. When we first joined the Norwest community about nine years ago, we were looking for a social outlet for our son with autism. He never really developed close bonds with the kids in his class at our local high school, outside of the few students in his contained classroom. But at Nor-West he made instant friends with children of all abilities. Through Special Olympics he gained confidence in his athletic abilities and learned what it was like to compete on a team. Through cooking classes he learned a new skiil that he carried on to vocational studies in high school and beyond. And through the holiday parties he has had a venue to just let loose and dance the night away with many friends and staff members.

In addition to providing a community for our son, Nor-West has provided a much-needed respite for our family. While J.J. is at a dance party or other program, we have had a chance to do more with our other children and give them the individual attention that is sometimes difficult when we are all together. Nor-West is a small organization that has had a huge impact on many families in the region. It has been greatly affected by the Covid pandemic. And while many mid- and large-sized organizations will rebound, it will be difficult for Nor-West to do so without help from the community. Please give whatever you can!

 

.......................................................................................................................... JOE’S STORY:

Joseph Gullo has been attending Nor-West since 2013, an organization that provides social and recreational activities for children with special needs. Nor-West is a safe haven for them and parents know they are in good hands. It offers so many kids opportunities to socialize with their friends, do activities, games, sports and go on "Great Adventures", Museums, Nature walks, Parks, Zoo and so much more. Due to the Virus causing hardships for over a year now Nor-West is at risk of shutting down due to lack of billing. This would be devastating to so many children, teens, and adults relying on these services. So, please if you can, support this great organization with any donation. It would be greatly appreciated and it would mean the world to so many special needs children. Please give! Thank you so very much

..............................................................................................................................KATELYN’S STORY:

Katelyn enjoys Nor-West’s Afternoon Adventures program every Saturday. She gets to share all the moments with old friends and new. I am so happy with Nor-West’s hard work to have children, teens, and adults who have disabilities make their lives so much better with all of the activities, trips and all the other programs they run. We are blessed to have Nor-West and their awesome staff. Donate what you can.

...........................AND SO MANY OTHER STORIES....TOO MANY TO RECOUNT.

PLEASE HELP OUR PARTICIPANTS CREATE MORE STORIES AND MEMORIES!