North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc.
North East Westchester Special Recreation, 63 Bradhurst Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532
About
North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc. offers community-based therapeutic recreation programs that include bowling, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, softball, track and field, aquatics, crafts, games, cooking activities, music, art, movement, gym activities, travel, leisure activities, education, day trips, and a Summer Day Camp. Summer Day Camp activities include art, outdoor games, music, gym, hobbies, horticulture, outdoor crafts, fitness, swimming, and field trips. The program also offers Special Olympics softball, Concerts In The Park, and the Frost Valley Vacation Program.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: General office hours Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm; Summer Day Camp runs for six weeks for ages 4–21
North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc. was incorporated in 1981 as a community-based therapeutic recreation program for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities residing in Westchester County, New York. The organization’s mission states that it strives to provide community-based therapeutic recreation programs that enhance the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities and to provide confidence-building experiences that foster and cultivate meaningful relationships. The North East Westchester Special Recreation Consortium is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operating under the auspices of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities as a certified respite provider and is described as the second largest agency of its kind in the State of New York, with local and state-wide attention for the quality and novelty of its programs and services.
Programs are described as being designed with specific support needed for participant success in community recreational environments, and include Special Olympics training in multiple sports, including softball, with opportunities to advance to area, sectional, and state level competition. Weekend and overnight options such as Weekends Away and the Frost Valley Vacation Program offer additional recreation experiences, including a five-day vacation in the Catskills for adults. Adults in the program also attend weekly concerts to interact with local residents and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Ellie Arnemann; Program Director Nancy Bellini, CTRS; Program Coordinator/Summer Camp Director Joe Bellini; Recreation Therapist Jocelyn Aquino; Senior Recreation Therapist Jessie Espinet, CTRS; and Office Manager Jennifer Debiec. Staff credentials noted include that Nancy Bellini is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and that Jessie Espinet earned her Certification in Therapeutic Recreation. The North East Westchester Special Recreation Consortium is led by a Board of Directors made up of Recreation Superintendents from twelve participating communities in the northeast portion of Westchester County, New York.
Parent and caregiver testimonials describe staff as taking time to get to know participants, being loving and kind, and creating experiences that children and adults look forward to, including trips and social time with friends and counselors. Families report that their children have grown up with North East, refer to the program as a “second family” or “village,” and mention that their children, including those severely impacted by autism, have made friends, enjoyed camp experiences, and looked forward to Saturday programs. Multiple testimonials specifically praise the staff as excellent, caring, enthusiastic, engaging, professional, and nurturing, and describe the programs as fun, entertaining, and educational.
The program’s logo is described as circular to reflect unity and wholeness, with a tree symbolizing growth, strength, and knowledge, a sunburst representing new directions, awareness, and warmth, a handshake showing friendship, sharing, and cooperation, and a compass needle pointing to the northeast to represent the area served.
Last updated May 29, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: General office hours Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm; Summer Day Camp runs for six weeks for ages 4–21
North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc. was incorporated in 1981 as a community-based therapeutic recreation program for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities residing in Westchester County, New York. The organization’s mission states that it strives to provide community-based therapeutic recreation programs that enhance the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities and to provide confidence-building experiences that foster and cultivate meaningful relationships. The North East Westchester Special Recreation Consortium is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization operating under the auspices of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities as a certified respite provider and is described as the second largest agency of its kind in the State of New York, with local and state-wide attention for the quality and novelty of its programs and services.
Programs are described as being designed with specific support needed for participant success in community recreational environments, and include Special Olympics training in multiple sports, including softball, with opportunities to advance to area, sectional, and state level competition. Weekend and overnight options such as Weekends Away and the Frost Valley Vacation Program offer additional recreation experiences, including a five-day vacation in the Catskills for adults. Adults in the program also attend weekly concerts to interact with local residents and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Ellie Arnemann; Program Director Nancy Bellini, CTRS; Program Coordinator/Summer Camp Director Joe Bellini; Recreation Therapist Jocelyn Aquino; Senior Recreation Therapist Jessie Espinet, CTRS; and Office Manager Jennifer Debiec. Staff credentials noted include that Nancy Bellini is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and that Jessie Espinet earned her Certification in Therapeutic Recreation. The North East Westchester Special Recreation Consortium is led by a Board of Directors made up of Recreation Superintendents from twelve participating communities in the northeast portion of Westchester County, New York.
Parent and caregiver testimonials describe staff as taking time to get to know participants, being loving and kind, and creating experiences that children and adults look forward to, including trips and social time with friends and counselors. Families report that their children have grown up with North East, refer to the program as a “second family” or “village,” and mention that their children, including those severely impacted by autism, have made friends, enjoyed camp experiences, and looked forward to Saturday programs. Multiple testimonials specifically praise the staff as excellent, caring, enthusiastic, engaging, professional, and nurturing, and describe the programs as fun, entertaining, and educational.
The program’s logo is described as circular to reflect unity and wholeness, with a tree symbolizing growth, strength, and knowledge, a sunburst representing new directions, awareness, and warmth, a handshake showing friendship, sharing, and cooperation, and a compass needle pointing to the northeast to represent the area served.
Last updated May 29, 2026.
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