The Center for Family Support, Inc.

06/10/2026

“People with autism are easy-going. You just need to give us a chance and get to know us.”

That simple but powerful message became the heart of a wonderful and memorable conversation with Tonya, a CFS participant, poet, and New Jersey Self-Advocacy Ambassador.

Tonya shared her thoughts on autism, read her poem What Autism Means to Me, reflected on her work as an advocate, and explained why using her voice to support others matters so much.

Read Tonya’s extraordinary story here: https://www.cfsny.org/if-i-can-then-you-can-tonya-helps-empower-others-with-i-dd/

… and watch her recite her poem on this post!

06/09/2026

Lace up your walking shoes & join the for two lovely walks & some fun photography! Get moving, connect & capture beautiful memories & moments with us!

6/12: Brooklyn Bridge Park - https://www.cfsny.org/events/cfs-walking-club-14/
6/26: Central Park - https://www.cfsny.org/events/cfs-walking-club-15/
🕚 11AM–1PM

Email [email protected] for more info

June 26, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - Join us this month for a walk and a fun photography activity. If interested please reach out to Arlene at [email protected].  

06/08/2026

Take a stroll through the breathtaking Brooklyn Botanic Garden with !

Join us for a relaxing tour to explore stunning flowers, unique plants, and the beautiful outdoors while enjoying the fresh air, nature, and fun along the way!

📅 June 11
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Hope to see you there!

Details: https://www.cfsny.org/events/brooklyn-botanic-garden-tour/

06/05/2026

CFS Staff, get healthy AND happy with CFS this summer!

Join us for some Summer Wellness in the Sun with a variety of activities designed to help us stay active, connected & healthy, including Mindful Meditation Mondays, a Summer Walking Challenge, Virtual Zumba classes, Summer Fruit & Salad Tuesdays, Spa Days in NY & NJ, & so much more!

Whether you're looking to move more, recharge, connect with colleagues, win prizes, and build healthy habits… There's something for everyone.

Visit the website for schedules, registration details, and wellness resources. Let's make this a summer of well-being together!

June 13-September 26

More info at: https://www.cfsny.org/wellness-at-cfs/

Be a part of the CFS Summer Wellness Events!Be a part of CFS summer wellness events! It is a great way to team build, while participating in great healthy activities.   Here is a summary of monthly wellness events. More in- depth details will follow on how to participate in each event. Hope to see

06/04/2026

Get ready for New York’s Experience!

Join New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Special Olympics New York, and thousands of fellow New Yorkers for a FREE, family-friendly day to celebrate the World Cup and the world’s most popular game – Soccer!

Enjoy live match screenings on giant outdoor screens, entertainment, soccer skills clinics, and accessible activities for people of all abilities.

OPWDD will host a sensory tent beginning at 1pm, while Special Olympics NY will lead interactive soccer clinics throughout the day.

📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
📍 Stony Brook University
🕐 Doors open at 1 PM
⚽ Featuring Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina and USA vs. Paraguay

Rain or Shine.

Free tickets available now at https://www.newyorkstateunited.com/stony-brook

06/03/2026

Help shape the future of OPWDD services this summer and make your voice heard!

The 2026 New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Future Planning Forums will take place from June 9-July 14 with both in-person & virtual forums.

These interactive forums offer individuals, families, providers & staff the opportunity to share feedback on navigating the OPWDD system, the quality of its services, & its future as work begins on the OPWDD’s new 5-year Strategic Plan.

Registration is encouraged, especially for accommodation requests.

Visit OPWDD’s Strategic Planning page to view all forum dates and register at: https://opwdd.ny.gov/node/17116

06/02/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Participants of Service Access Informational Session!

The meeting Zoom link for today's session at 5pm has been updated as follows:

Topic: CFS Service Access Informational Session
Date/Time: Jun 2, 2026 05:00 PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83481331098?pwd=6X2HOI2fxv8Yqar7natOoiaaaoydVa.1

Learn more about accessing services through NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities! with .

Join our Service Access Informational Session and get guidance on available services, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step process to get started.
This virtual session is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, caregivers, advocates, and supporters.

Contact Natasha Salazar at (516) 292-3000 ext. 401 for questions.

We hope to see you soon!

More info/registration here: https://www.cfsny.org/events/cfs-service-access-informational-session/

June 2, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm - Join CFS for a virtual informational session designed to help individuals and families better understand available OPWDD services and the steps needed to access support. During this session, attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, available resources,...

06/02/2026

The Disability Unite Festival is back!

Join Disability Unite and the NYC Commission On Human Rights for a FREE hybrid celebration of Disability Pride filled with performances, arts, advocacy, community, and connection.

📅 July 12
🕚 11 AM–4 PM (Hybrid)
🕓 4 PM–6 PM (Virtual Exclusive)
📍 Central Park Naumburg Bandshell

💻 DisabilityUnite.org
Free and open to all. captioning, ASL interpretation, and audio description will be provided.

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCkPfj_f2W7xWxnC1xRiQEL3_PFvbMxVX-5nreCgZz6gMjig/viewform

06/01/2026

REMINDER! It’s time to get together for our Community Day!

Enjoy a lovely summer day with our wonderful CFS family filled with outdoor activities, workshops, music, connection and great food! Drop in anytime!

📅 June 6
🕦 11 AM–4 PM
📍McCarren Park, Brooklyn, NY

Friends and family are welcome. Contribute an activity or idea through the RSVP form.

Register here! https://www.cfsny.org/2026-ny-community-day/

05/29/2026

CFS’ Spots of Sunshine play was a resounding success, celebrating independence, inclusion, community, choice, self-expression, and the power of having every voice heard.

Created through the collaboration of CFS staff, advocates, DSPs, and the Co/Lab Theater Group, the performance highlighted everyday moments that matter like making choices, participating in community life, building friendships, and living with dignity and respect.

After weeks of rehearsals filled with music, laughter, teamwork, and determination, our talented cast delivered a brilliant performance showcasing the confidence, talents, and voices of our extraordinary participants with .

More than a play, Spots of Sunshine was a celebration of advocacy, empowerment, and community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thank you to CO/LAB Theater Group! We are grateful for programmatic support provided by TD Charitable Foundation to help make this great experience and performance possible!