Programs

For info on events: contact Paul Scancarelli, founder of the Buddy Club, at 631-742-5509 or thenorthportbuddyclub@gmail.com. The Northport Buddy Club is a non-profit organization, offering social outings for young adults with special needs, usually between 16-30 years old. Activities include movies, dancing, bowling, restaurants, the park and more.
For more info: www.thenorthportbuddyclub.com

This non-profit program meets on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm in Old Bethpage and provides recreational and socialization activities for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Participants, 3-21 years old, have an opportunity to build skills and interact with peer models. Activities include: arts & crafts, cooking, music and movement, dance, social skills, special olympics training and gym.
For more info: contact Brittaney Lanza at 631-659-3337, x3 or blanza@helpinghandschildren.com.

Helping Hand Children Services introduces this social fun atmosphere for teens -- a great opportunity for participants to engage in age-appropriate activities. Meets on Fridays from 6-9 pm in the East Northport location.
For more info and to enroll: call 631-659-3337 x1 orsocialskills@helpinghandschildren.com.

This is a 501c(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing recreational and therapeutic land and sea sports programs for children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. The focus is on the "abilities" of participants and the belief that everyone can benefit from sports activities. All family members are encouraged to participate, which not only makes it fun for everyone but provides a vital opportunity for support and networking.
Programs include: Basketball, Bicycle Clinics, Family Swim, Family Sail, Sail Lessons with Peers, Surfing Lessons, Annual Fishing Trip.
For more info: contact Maria LeMaire atmklemaire@gmail.com or go to http://www.landandseasportsclub.org/.

The Friendship Circle at The Chai Center provides fun and friendship through social opportunities for children and teens with special needs. Activities include yoga, Zumba, sports, bowling, gymnastics and cooking. Teen volunteers from the community assist the Friendship Circle participants. The Chai Center is located at 501 Vanderbilt Parkway in Dix Hills.
For more info: call Serena Kindler at 516-885-9476.

This is a non-profit organization devoted to children, teens and young adults who need help building self esteem, social skills, creativeness and the families who love them. Ongoing classes include music, art, games, Zumba, science, Karaoke and guided meditation.
For more info: call 631-582-4534, e-mail info@itsmyplace4.meor go to http://www.itsmyplace4.me/.

Fridays from 6:30-9:30 pm (for ages 9-13); Saturdays from 6:30-10 pm (for ages 14 and up). Fee: $20 includes snack, light supper & dessert. This is a social gathering nest for people with special needs -- join us each week for a night of fun, food, music, dancing and games. Form new friendships that can last a lifetime in a safe and compassionate environment. There are "special event" nights throughout the year; special needs birthday parties are available.
For more info: contact Barbara & Bob Mongillo at 516-359-6332 or send an e-mail todewdropinnsn@optonline.net. Open to public -- people of all abilities are welcome. This is a 501c corporation. Mission Statement: To engage, inspire and integrate those with developmental disabilities into a community environment.

This center (74 Hauppauge Road in Commack) offers programs for individuals, ages 5-40, with various special needs (developmental, physical and pyscho-social). Services are provided in small groups in an age/skills appropriate environment. School-aged kids can participate in after-school programs, including daily free swim in a heated indoor pool, gym time and social activities. There are full-day vacation/holiday programs available during school breaks. Weekend programs, including Saturday night tween/teen lounges, and Sunday social and "lunch bunch" groups for individuals ages 12-2 are offered monthly. There are also stand-alone Life Skills programs for young adults focusing on self-care, household management and vocational skills.
To schedule a tour of the center and to learn more about these programs and costs: contact Elizabeth Haft, LMHC, Director of the Butler Special Needs Center, at 631-462-9800 x142 or ehaft@syjcc.org. Or go towww.suffolkyjcc.org.

Lots of great upcoming programs and events at the Adler Center JCC (45 Manetto Hill Road in Plainview). These include: Sunday Sports, Weekend Exceptional Swim, Sunday Explorers, Sunday Fit & Fun, Sunday Funday, Saturday Nights for Teens, Vocational Programs, and more.
To register and for more info: contact Lauren Watling at 516-822-3535 x303 or lwatling@miyjcc.org Or go to www.miyjcc.org

This organization offers social skills for children with autism and related disorders. The groups are relaxed, fun and hands-on; they are directed and run by New York State licensed behavior analysts. Participants are grouped according to need and functioning level.
Location: 88 Terry Road in Smithtown.
For more info, contact: Louise Chiarulli, BCBA at 631-965-1797 or schoolshrink@aol.com.
For more info, go to: www.socialskills4children.com.

New group forming in October, will meet on Saurdays from 10:45 am-12:45 pm. This is a teen club for ages 13-17. Socialize and develop friendships while having fun playing games (video, board, trading cards, pokemon, anime and more). This is for individuals with and without special needs who want to engage in recreational and social activities with their peers. Location: 1650 Sycamore Avenue, Suite 5, in Bohemia. Call for a free trial visit: 631-605-1813.
For more info: www.islandgamersclub.com.

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