DEPEW, N.Y. — Debbie Cordone said it felt like she was a prisoner in her own home.
The retired Buffalo Police dispatcher recalls the struggle she faced to find programs for her now 18-year-old son James who has autism.
"I know as a parent there's so much red tape to get your child involved with things. It can sometimes be just horrific. I'm like, 'we need to make things easier so that's what we did and here we are,'" Cordone said.
So in 2017, Cordone founded Fantastic Friends of WNY. She said it started with just a dozen kids doing arts and crafts in a Moose Lodge. Now it's a non-profit center in Depew offering hundreds of children and adults with disabilities a place to socialize.
"Everyone is welcome here. We don't turn anyone away. And when they're here they're happy," she said.
The drop off program is open for programming on nights and weekends. Not only does it give parents them a little respite, but they also get to see their children learn and grow and thrive.
Nicole Demme says her 21-year-old son Nathaniel loves it there.
"He watches his sister go off to college. He watches his sister go off to her part time job. Well, this is kind of his thing. He goes to his classes, too. So it gives him that independence, ownership of his life, and he's still with his peers," said Demme.
They have a prom each year, and also a fashion show fundraiser. Right now they're raising funds for a huge expansion.
"We're out of room again because there is such a need," said Cordone.
Cordone doesn't collect a paycheck. She runs Fantastic Friends selflessly to give those with special needs a place to feel special.
"We have the faith in them. We know what they're capable of and they just need those opportunities. Then that builds their confidence and they're building friends and they're happier. And the home life becomes happier," she said.
To find out more about Fantastic Friends of WNY, click here.
To see other stories featured in the Selfless Among Us series, click the videos below.
