Brought my high school students from Cantalician and they loved their visit.
The motorcycle run was a fun day for a great cause! Hope to do it again next year!
I will continue to send home your calendars and flyers for the fun events you plan!
Great organization for special needs. So many great activities for the children that allows them to experience everything of life however at their speed or pace. The buddies are awesome that make each child feel special.
Fantastic Friends is a beautiful organization that brings a multitude of unique people together. Through various activities, people of all disabilities come together to find friends and create a family. There is never a dull moment in this growing organization; Fantastic Friends is a family and a home to every person.
Great place always has something new and exciting going on to keep the attention of the children with Autism. I would recommend this organization to anyone who has a special needs family member.
Watching the staff and volunteers interact, lift up and impact lives reminds me that humans are capable of great love.
Awesome social opportunities. Fun and safe. Several hands on helpers for individuals with special needs. Event calendar has many activities.
Fantastic Friends of Western New York has changed my life in some many ways. I started volunteering about two years ago. I was introduced to the organization by one of my D'Youville Occupational Therapy professors. By volunteering with Fantastic Friends, I have been exposed to people from all walks of life. I have been able to work with individuals with disabilities and develop friendships with them as well as their families that extend beyond the organization's events. I have formed bonds with other volunteers, many of the participants, and well as the parents and administrators from the organization. I have watched Debbie Cordone, the organization's execute director, make her dream come to life and advocate for individuals with autism in Western New York and beyond. Being apart of Fantastic Friends has truly touched my heart in every possible way. I look forward to every event and the atmosphere the individuals create. Fantastic Friends provide a safe and accepting environment for individuals with disabilities to be themselves and have fun. In addition, it provides parents with an inclusive environment to watch their children thrive. Parents can also receive a break knowing that their child is being cared for by volunteers. Fantastic Friends is one a of kind, and I am proud to be a volunteer!
It is an amazing place where everyone feels included and welcomed. With the variety of events for all different age groups to be included.
If you or anyone else you know is looking for event services that cater specifically to children and/or adults with disabilities, Fantastic Friends of WNY is the place to visit. Their events are inclusive to all members and the space has such a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are a weekly event attendee or visiting for the first time, you feel like you are a part of the group. It’s special, really.
Also, need I say great things about the founder, Debbie Cordone. Debbie at Fantastic Friends of WNY has a huge heart for making a difference in the community. Her passion and dedication to serving the community of individuals with disabilities does not go unnoticed by the volunteers, like myself, around her. I love picking up volunteer hours when I can because the events at Fantastic Friends of WNY always make my heart so happy when I see how much fun the event attendees are having. Debbie secures this with her above-and-beyond services she offers
I have volunteered with this group at an event in Angola. I had never volunteered with special needs children or young adults before and it was a positive, life changing experience.
To see what the organization meant to the individuals, parents, and families was incredible. The work that is done by those running the non-profit is selfless and has a great impact on our community.
I will continue to volunteer for Fantastic Friends in the future.
Fantastic friends is a great place, the staff is very friendly and they really put their time into making this place great for all age groups. I've only volunteered about ten times, a couple with my girlfriend, but we were very happy that everyone was happy and the opportunities given on different nights of the week. They are also really organized and have set schedules for the month in advance. If anything changes last minute everyone is emailed right away.
I have taken my daughter to several events and classes hosted by Fantastic Friends and I wish I had more time available and could attend every event they offer. The staff are very caring, supportive, always willing to help with any questions you have, and guide you in the right direction if they don't have the answer. I have at times had to apologize for my daughters behavior while in public. But the first time I apologized while at Fantastic Friends, they told me "apologies are not needed or accepted". That is "Fantastic"!
Fantastic friends is a great organization who has gone above and beyond for the adults with DD/ID in western new York. I am so thankful for them and everyone should be. They are making huge progress in community inclusion.
Our experience volunteering at Fantastic Friends of WNY, Inc. has been nothing but positive! Debbie and her staff are extremely organized, dedicated and motivated. Our youth volunteers have gained valuable lessons through their volunteer experiences with Fantastic Friends. We plan to continue to volunteer with this organization for many years to come.