treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Several years ago we made the acquaintance of a darling young man named Tyler Fazzari. Tyler arrived at NSSA, shortly after celebrating his 10th birthday, to donate almost $1000 that he had raised for us through his organization BirthdayBack. BirthdayBack is dedicated to inspiring people to use their birthdays as an opportunity to give back. It started with Tyler’s desire to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy and has since developed into something much greater. Since starting the organization, Tyler and BirthdayBack have raised over $50,000 for various local organizations!
In recognition of his generous achievements, we nominated him for the “Leader of Tomorrow” honor at Long Island’s Association for Fundraising Professional’s Annual Philanthropy Day. We were so pleased and proud to hear that he would be the recipient of the award!
We would like to share Tyler’s good news and to say THANK YOU again for all that he has done for NSSA, and for so many others. We are deeply grateful for Tyler’s friendship.
At this time of year, we remember all the people and organizations that have been a friend to us by making a donation, raising money on our behalf, volunteering at an event, or spreading the word about NSSA and autism awareness. We are so thankful and grateful for the wonderful people who support our organization and mission.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends!
NSSA Adult Clients were fortunate to spend a crisp autumn morning last week at ELIJA CSA, a ten-acre farm on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island. The farm is a sustainable, non-profit farm committed to using environmentally responsible practices to raise high quality, organically grown produce.
The ELIJA CSA is dedicated to enriching the health and wellness of our community by providing an innovative community supported agriculture (CSA) program that offers dynamic learning opportunities to its diverse membership. On this particular day, NSSA and Elija Adult clients were planting garlic. Rows were tilled in advance by hand, then clients were instructed how to plant the garlic bulbs (pointy end up!) without stepping onto the freshly turned soil.
Clients took a break when needed and just enjoyed the fresh air.
There was even a mascot!
After planting, the next team of clients covered the newly-planted bulbs with straw to help protect them from the cold temperatures ahead.
And everyone seemed to enjoy their work in the beautiful sunshine.
We can’t wait to visit the ELIJA CSA farm again soon!
Classrooms 1 & 2 had a surprise visit this week from a Barell parent and brother who came in to read a story to the classes…
…and brought cupcakes to decorate and eat.
Some students enjoyed decorating…
…while others preferred eating!
But everyone participated and had a good time!
Hope you enjoyed being a guest at our little impromptu party!
November 5, 2016 was the night of NSSA’s 18th Annual Wine Tasting at the elegant Garden City Country Club.
We had a wonderful turnout of friends old and new. Families, staff, volunteers, local residents – everyone added to the party atmosphere.
Guests were greeted by our friendly and helpful staff. A new system made check-in and bidding much easier for guests.
Games of chance were manned by enthusiastic volunteers.
There were plenty of wonderful prizes to be won.
We thank Fidele Miranda & Empire Merchants for the wonderful selection and delicious wines.
We are so deeply grateful to everyone present at this year’s Wine Tasting & Auction. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we have reached our goal and will be able to purchase two new vans. This will make a significant difference in the lives of our students and clients. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Thanks to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, and worked so hard to make this year’s Wine Tasting a success….and a special Thank You to Champagne Event Sponsors Mary Beth and Pat Miranda for another fabulous event!
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, at NSSA it’s Halloween!
The annual Halloween party was a smashing success…
Students, clients and staff dressed in costume and enjoyed games, crafts and the fun holiday atmosphere.
Hope everyone had as much fun as we did on Halloween!