The Phoenix Foundation Donates $25,000 to SNACK, the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids
NEW YORK – The Phoenix Foundation, the charitable organization founded by leading interdealer broker Phoenix Partners Group, today announced that it has donated $25,000 to SNACK, the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids to help it sustain its after-school and weekend programs for autistic, developmentally disabled, and behaviorally challenged children.
SNACK, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, provides recreational and socialization activities uniquely tailored to meet the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental and behavioral disabilities. SNACK programs are designed and staffed to address challenging behavioral issues, increase skill levels, and promote improved social interaction. The group and individual activities provided include art, music, movement, yoga, game time, soccer, sports and swimming. Additional parent education and community outings provide further socialization opportunities for the children and their families.
“SNACK is an extraordinary organization that truly provides a much-needed service to local New York children with developmental or behavioral challenges, and we are honored to support their efforts with today’s announced financial assistance,” said Akasha Absher, president of The Phoenix Foundation.
No child with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental or behavioral disabilities is ever denied the opportunity to participate in SNACK’s programs. Funds provided by The Phoenix Foundation will be used by SNACK to ensure continuity of these critical programs, as well as to underwrite program fees for children from financially challenged families.
In addition to today’s announced financial support, employees from Phoenix Partners Group will provide in-kind assistance throughout the year, including volunteering at SNACK events.
“It is so refreshing to work with an organization like The Phoenix Foundation — a group that understands the need a grassroots organization in their own backyard has and does something substantial to show their support for a populations of people so underserved,” said Jackie Ceonzo, Executive Director and Founder of SNACK.
ABOUT THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION
The Phoenix Foundation is in the process of applying to the I.R.S. to be recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will apply to be registered with the State of New York Attorney General’s Charities Bureau as a charitable organization. Launched by leading interdealer broker Phoenix Partners Group (www.phoenixpartnersgroup.com), the Foundation provides financial assistance, such as direct donations, grants, and scholarships, and other support to underfunded local charities where the Foundation deems it can have a meaningful impact on the quality and continuation of the services and programs those charities provide. While any qualifying charity may be considered, the Foundation is keenly interested in those dedicated to helping underserved groups, namely underprivileged children, at-risk teens, and the elderly.
ABOUT SNACK, the SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITY CENTER FOR KIDS
New York-based SNACK, the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids, was founded by Executive Director Jackie Ceonzo after she was unable to find a local recreational center that met the special needs of her autistic son. A diverse team of multidisciplinary professionals worked to create SNACK, a place where children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental and behavioral disabilities can experience the same recreational opportunities afforded to children without these challenges, but in an environment better suited to their learning, behavioral, and sensory needs. SNACK, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, provides specialized instructional techniques not available in other special needs programs and is committed to never turning a child away, no matter how challenging the behaviors. For more information, please go to http://snacknyc.com.