From A Mother's Struggles, an Answer for Many Parents

East Side after school program caters to children with special needs and their caregivers

by Sue Sipprelle, Our Town and West Side Spirit, MANHATTAN MEDIA, February 22^nd, 2007

 Jackie Ceonzo’s son, Joey, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 2. He experienced multiple daily epileptic seizures until he was 7. When the seizures ceased and Joey began attending school, Ceonzo wanted him to learn to play. But there were no recreational programs available for him. He was nonverbal and not toilet trained, and the few programs that did exist could not accommodate his special needs. Four years ago, when Joey was 7, Ceonzo decided to take matters into her own hands and founded the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids, called SNACK…an after school and weekend program that includes art, music, drama, movement, and games, as well as snack time. The program is also available during school vacations and over the summer. SNACK uses the pool and gym of St. Bartholomew’s Church, at 109 East 50th Street, for one-on-one swim lessons, sports skills classes, and a soccer clinic. Additionally, SNACK also coordinates occasional lectures for parents of children with special needs….“Jackie’s program is unique,” said Dr. Amy Davies Lackey. Lackey is division director at the Manhattan annex of the Hawthorne Country Day School, which educates children with disabilities…“The environment at SNACK sets up kids for success in making friends, engaging in social interactions, and for participating in leisure activities,” Lackey said. “Her staff is outstanding – trained and well-prepared”.…SNACK became a nonprofit organization this month, and Ceonzo hopes that its new status will enable her to realize her dream of expanding the program to other sites in Manhattan and other cities. She receives many inquiries from parents both in the New York metropolitan area and across the country who are desperately seeking similar programs for their children with developmental disabilities.

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SNACK Founder Jackie Ceonzo Named NYer Of The Week For Second Time

NY1 News - June 17, 2005

 Last year NY1 profiled a woman, Jackie Ceonzo, who runs an after-school program for developmentally disabled kids as our New Yorker of the Week. After the segment aired, calls came pouring in to the station from viewers wanting to know more about this New Yorker and her program...So, for using her love as a parent to inspire a program that has blossomed for others in this city, Jackie Ceonzo is, again, our New Yorker of the Week. 

Parent Opens Play-Place For Autistic Kids

NBC4 News "Family Matters" feature segment by Carol Anne Riddell, Education Reporter; also featured on WNBC.com - February 24, 2005

 Like all parents, Jackie Ceonzo wants her 9-year-old son to have a safe, fun place to play after school. But Joey is autistic, and finding that place proved difficult...And that is how SNACK -- the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids -- came about...Children at SNACK take music and art classes, do group activities, and even play soccer...though the focus is play, there's also work being done as staffers reinforce appropriate behavior...Parents said it's a great experience too, seeing their children play and spending time with other families.

SNACK Founder Helps Children With Developmental Disabilities

NY1 News - December 03, 2004

 NY1’s latest New Yorker of the Week helps developmentally disabled city kids have fun and learn basic skills through a program called the Special Needs Activity Center for Kids, or SNACK. But for founder Jackie Ceonzo, a working mother, guiding these kids is not just necessary, it's personal.