Fantastic Friends Of WNY Inc

Fantastic Friends of WNY was founded by a devoted mother of a child with severe autism who struggled to find inclusive, appropriate programs in the community. Realizing her family was not alone, she took action — creating a safe, compassionate space where individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities could socialize, be accepted, and thrive.

What began as a small, volunteer-led group hosting monthly social events has grown into a dynamic nonprofit organization serving hundreds of families across Western New York. In 2017, Fantastic Friends of WNY officially became a 501(c)(3), and within a year, opened its first center in Cheektowaga to meet the overwhelming need for dedicated space and programming. Continued demand led to a rapid expansion — including a larger facility and the launch of our Kitchen Life Skills and Baking Programs through an adjacent restaurant space.

Today, we are at another critical turning point. Our programs have outgrown our current center, and the demand for inclusive, enriching activities continues to soar. We are launching a capital campaign to relocate to a new, 7,000 square foot facility in Orchard Park — a space that will double our capacity, allow for expanded hours, and introduce much-needed new programs for the special needs population in Western New York.

Funds raised through this impactful city-wide fundraiser, especially with the opportunity for matched donations, will go directly toward this expansion effort. Your support will help us provide more individuals with developmental disabilities the chance to learn, connect, and belong.

Fantastic Friends remains primarily volunteer-driven, with dedicated part-time staff supporting an array of enriching, social-based programs including: Kitchen Life Skills, Baking, Garden Club, Science Club, Art, Bingo, DrumFit, Cosplay, and more. Our community also enjoys large-scale events like an annual prom, fashion show, and kayak/paddleboarding excursions — all designed to foster social connection and joy.

Together, we can ensure that no individual with special needs is left without a place where they are welcomed, celebrated, and supported. Your donation makes that vision possible.

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.