SNACK & Friends, Inc

Description

In 2003, Jackie was looking for a special needs recreational program for her then eight-year-old son, Joey, who has developmental disabilities falling in the autistic spectrum. Although she thoroughly researched and investigated all of the options available to her in Manhattan, she found no facility that could meet her son's needs or would accept him due to his challenging behaviors and high management needs. She reasoned that there were numerous other parents, who were looking for just such a place and program, so she began to formulate a plan with her husband, Joe Ceonzo, to establish a place where Joey and other children with special needs could feel comfortable playing and socializing, while learning practical skills in a fun, creative environment. Jackie worked with a pediatric neurologist, a disability advocate, and a behavioral specialist to create what became The Special Needs Activity Center for Kids, or SNACK. Jackie is actively involved in all of SNACK & Friends administrative and programming decisions and on-site to meet with parents, caregivers, and outside therapists.