This autistic 18-year-old from Coram, NY aspires to be a game coding professional. IWL donated funds for a 20-session training program at Game U., which teaches kids with disabilities how to code and design video games.

"Italian Welfare League,

     Thank you again for the generous grant donation for my son, Joseph.  It meant the world to us. Happy New Year and God bless!"

For our annual "Adopt-a-Child-for-Christmas" program, the IWL spread holiday cheer to a four-year-old boy from New York who lost younger twin siblings in a tragic accident this past summer. The League presented him with gift cards, to Dave and Busters and Chuck E. Cheese, goggles and swim lessons.

Marathon runner and mother of two of our grant recipients in 2016, Lisa Tuozzolo, was interviewed while running the NY Marathon and featured in the NY Post. The IWL gave gift cards to this family after NYPD Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo was killed in the line of duty.

Read Article Here

"Dear Members of the Italian Welfare League,

I don't know if I can find the words to thank you. Jonathan is a very special boy. He is funny, quick-witted, sassy, loving and smart.  Unlike many kids though, he has to work so hard for EVERYTHING! He can act out and get frustrated when he isn't understood.

He loves words and getting his point across. He will find a way to be understood. Thank you for helping him get more PROMPT sessions. He is  speaking now because of this. We really appreciate all o...

Julia, an 11-year-old from Montclair, NJ, has Aspergers, ADHD and had surgery for Craniosynostosis at 7 1/2 months.

"To Everyone at the Italian Welfare League,

My family and I would like to thank you for your generous donation to our daughter's therapy at Rocking Horse Rehab. Thanks to your generosity, her growth will progress.  It is very much appreciated.

Sincerely, Cathy, Patrick & Julia

Dominick is a twin who was born prematurely. he is able to enjoy bike riding with a special, adaptive bike.

"We just got the bike and are having so much fun!  Thank you to all who made this possible.  The timing was perfect because school just ended.  Dominick loves it as did his twin Brother Dante.  (Dante has hydrocephalus so this is a great asset to their physical therapy).  Thank you again for all of you help with this."

Dawn & Sal

From one of the organizations we fund, ACLD (Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities) in Bethpage, NY:
"I cannot tell you how many families we have in queu to help this year. It’s simply wonderful to be able to assist so many thanks to the generosity of IWL. Here are some of the happy smiles from Summer Camp made possible by IWL ."
Jan

ACLD

Patrick, a 4-year-old from Huntington, NY, receives an autism therapy called Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA.  The IWL donated towards the co-pays for this therapy, which are not covered by the family's insurance.

"Dear Italian Welfare League:

This is amazing news! Your commitment to helping the Italian community is impressive and we are truly grateful to receive this opportunity. The family and his team are overjoyed by the support you have provided. The funds will really help with getting Patr...

The family of this autistic 16 year old from Long Island was grateful for the IWL's donation of $5,500 to fence in their property to keep him from wandering away.