Fantastic Friends Of WNY Inc

Fantastic Friends of WNY was founded by the mother of a severely autistic child who found no programs within the community that were accepting of and appropriate for her son. She knew that they were not alone and created a place of acceptance and compassion for all. This all volunteer group of parents and friends began hosting small, monthly events within the community for individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities to socialize, have fun and give their caretakers a break. The unique group grew quickly through word of mouth and became a not-for-profit in 2017. As monthly events grew larger, the organization knew that more was needed and began to envision a center within 5 years. Due to the excessive need of more, the center opened 1 year later in Cheektowaga. Continuing with monthly events and center programs, the center moved to a larger space 1 year later. Six months after moving into the larger center, the organization leased the restaurant space adjacent to the center and created Kitchen Life Skills (cooking) and Baking programs for this population.

As the organization continues to grow, we find ourselves needing to expand our space once again. All funds raised through this fundraiser will go directly to the capital campaign for a 3,000 square foot expansion which is currently in the planning stages. A larger location will accommodate more individuals and additional programming that is so desperately needed in WNY.

Fantastic Friends of WNY remains volunteer driven with 5 part time staff. Programs that are presently offered in our center are: baking, kitchen life skills, garden club, science clubs, bingo, art and DrumFit (fitness). Some special events provided are a yearly fashion show, prom, paddle board/kaying events.

The organization continues to work at adding new programs/activities and expanded hours.

All programs are social in nature.

Leveraging unrelenting determination, uncompromising integrity, and a vision of authentic inclusiveness; Fantastic Friends will create and replicate a center that offers the widest array of onsite and offsite social and life-skill programming that will meet the needs of their participants with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, their families, and the community at large.