Friends of Nor-West is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fundraising for Nor-West Regional Special Services, which provides recreation programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
ABOUT US
Friends of Nor-West is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and supporting Nor-West's vital programs for individuals with disabilities. Through our mission-driven efforts, passionate leadership, and a deep commitment to community, we help ensure that Nor-West continues to grow and thrive.
If the recent pandemic taught us anything, it's that friends and community matter. For individuals with disabilities, that sense of connection is even more essential.
As family members of people with disabilities, we know firsthand how vital Nor-West Regional Special Services is. Its recreational programs and social activities offer joy, belonging, and opportunities to build lasting friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Like many in-person programs, however, Nor-West was hit hard by COVID-19. Many programs were either paused or significantly scaled back, resulting in reduced funding and limited access.
In response, a group of us came together in March 2022 to launch Friends of Nor-West RSS Inc. ("Friends of Nor-West") — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to sustaining and strengthening Nor-West's future through fundraising and advocacy.
Together, we're helping Nor-West grow with friendship, resilience, and the power of community.
Our mission is simple: to fundraise for Nor-West Regional Special Services and help it continue delivering high-quality recreational programs and social activities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
We focus our efforts in six key areas:
We're helping Nor-West thrive — and ensuring no one is left out of the fun.
Friends of Nor-West RSS Inc. is led by a passionate, all-volunteer board made up of nine dedicated individuals — including four Executive Committee officers (two Co-Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer).
Our current Board Members are:
Our team's leadership, care, and deep connection to the Nor-West community help power everything we do.
OUR FOCUS
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Friends of Nor-West (FONW) is built for fundraising! Our structure allows us to access tools, platforms, and grant opportunities not available to Nor-West as a municipal partnership. With your support, we can pursue new funding streams and help build a strong financial foundation for Nor-West's future.
We help bring major Nor-West initiatives to life — from milestone celebrations like the 50th Anniversary Gala to current goals like purchasing a new 24-passenger bus. Whether it's raising funds or supporting logistics, FONW steps in to ensure these exciting moments happen and have lasting impact.
FONW funding helps elevate Nor-West programs by adding the little "extras" that make them special — like prizes for Red Pin Bowling or professional entertainment for the New Year's Party. These enhancements make each experience more fun, meaningful, and engaging for participants.
We bring the Nor-West community together through fun, inclusive events — like our Annual Bowl-a-Thon and a free Basketball Show & Clinic with the Harlem Magic Masters. These enjoyable gatherings offer a chance for participants, families, and supporters to connect and celebrate.
Our Scholarship Fund helps ensure that financial challenges don't prevent anyone from participating in Nor-West programs. Individuals who need assistance with program fees can apply confidentially. All requests are handled with care, and support is awarded as funding allows.
We build partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to raise awareness, boost fundraising, and expand our network of supporters. These relationships help strengthen Nor-West's presence in the community and grow the reach of our mission.
our impact
Friends of Nor-West is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to securing the long-term future of Nor-West Regional Special Services. Your contributions help enhance programming, support key initiatives, and make special events possible. Together, we're fueling Nor-West's mission to provide exceptional recreation and social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community.
Support from Friends of Nor-West has helped elevate the Nor-West experience by funding fun, memorable program enhancements. Highlights include hiring a professional DJ for the annual New Year's Party and 50th Anniversary Gala, setting up a souvenir photo booth, and supplying prizes for the biannual Red Pin Bowling Boutique — each one adding joy and excitement to the experience.
Friends of Nor-West is more than a funding source — we're an active partner in making big things happen! We've helped bring Nor-West's 50th Anniversary Celebration to life, launched a Scholarship Fund to ease program costs for participants in need, and are rallying support to help fund a new 24-passenger bus planned for 2025.
We actively partner with local businesses and community groups to grow awareness of Nor-West and strengthen fundraising efforts. These relationships deepen regional connections and foster a shared sense of purpose. Together, we're building a strong foundation of support that helps us meet our goals and expand our impact.
Nor-West plays a vital role in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, offering essential opportunities for connection, recreation, and enrichment. Its programs complement daily routines like work, school, or day habilitation programs. In response to the financial challenges brought on by the pandemic, we took action to help ensure Nor-West's future. We believe that when you value something deeply, you do everything in your power to protect it. That belief led to the creation of Friends of Nor-West, and we invite you to stand with us in this mission.
get involved
The best way to support Friends of Nor-West is by getting involved — at whatever level works for you! Here are some easy ways to take action and make a real impact.
Nor-West's unique approach blends creative programming with compassionate staffing. Their team runs a wide range of well-designed programs seven days a week — ensuring a fun, supportive, and enriching experience for everyone who participates.
Our WORK
For more information about Friends of Nor-West and our upcoming events, subscribe to our newsletter.
P.O. Box 44
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547-0044
