Once a week, the bowling lanes at Jefferson Valley Lanes fill with familiar faces and friendly smiles.
For participants in Nor-West Regional Special Services’ bowling league, the weekly gathering is about much more than knocking down pins. It’s a chance to see friends, compete, laugh and, most importantly, belong. More than 60 bowlers participate each week, making bowling Nor-West’s most popular program.
For families who have spent years navigating the challenges of raising a child with a developmental disability, those moments can mean just as much as the scores.
Established in 1973, Nor-West, a social service organization, has spent more than five decades serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Cortlandt, Peekskill, Ossining and Yorktown. Its programs include bowling, Special Olympics, swimming, summer outings and community afternoon adventures, with an emphasis on socialization, skill-building, confidence and personal growth.
The Delmonaco family of Yorktown has experienced that mission firsthand for nearly three decades.
Trish and Rich Delmonaco enrolled their daughter, Katie, in Nor-West in 1997, when she was about 6 years old. Katie, who has ADHD and experienced a developmental delay as a child, is now 35. Her mother remembers that Katie did not speak for a long time.
Then she began attending Nor-West’s programs.
“Going to this program, seeing other kids talk, and having the occupational therapy, physical therapy,” Trish recalled, “she slowly started coming out, and as you can see today, she’s a social butterfly.”
Over the years, Nor-West became a place where Katie could develop friendships, participate in sports, and gain independence.
Trish said those experiences have also changed how much freedom she feels comfortable giving her daughter. At a recent community event, she let Katie walk around on her own, carrying her phone and talking with people.
“She was so happy,” Trish said. “That’s from Nor-West, and us trying to let her go on her own a bit.”
Nor-West Director Ed McKay said that transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of the organization’s work.
Some participants arrive reserved and unsure of what to expect. As they become comfortable, he said, they develop “a sense of belonging.”
Program Coordinator Stephan Rothstein said that sense of belonging often extends beyond Nor-West. One of his favorite things is hearing that participants have made plans with friends outside the program, such as going to a movie.
“That’s what you hope they’re getting from the program,” Rothstein said. “The ability to do things — not just with us, but on their own.”
Barbara Nuccio’s son, Michael, has Down syndrome and has participated in Nor-West programs for over a decade, including swimming, bowling, and Special Olympics. Nuccio said the organization became particularly valuable after Michael graduated from school.
She described Nor-West as “a godsend” because it provided activities and structure that continued beyond high school.
Trish feels the same way. “It means so much to us,” she said. “I can’t tell you the peace of mind I have when I have Katie in this program.”
McKay noted that parents appreciate having a break while knowing their children are participating in meaningful activities. He also emphasized the organization’s accessibility.
“The door is always open,” McKay said, describing Nor-West’s willingness to listen and respond when families have questions or concerns.
The programs go beyond recreation. Nor-West recently expanded its culinary programming, allowing participants to plan meals and cook in a training kitchen, with responsibilities tailored to their abilities.
Both Trish and Barbara said they wish more families knew about organizations like Nor-West, particularly after high school, when many school-based supports end.
“Parents are struggling with children with disabilities. They don’t know what to do with them, and these programs are out there,” said Trish.
For both the Delmonaco and Nuccio families, Nor-West has been part of their children’s journeys into adulthood. Katie, now 35, has grown from a young girl who struggled to speak into someone who participates, socializes, and continues building her independence. Michael, now 24, has also found a place to stay active, build friendships, and remain engaged in the community after graduating from school.
After years with Nor-West, Katie and Michael’s stories show how a place built around recreation can become an important part of a family’s life.
Nor-West’s offices are located at 3131 E. Main St. in Mohegan, Lake, across from the Regal movie theater. Information about their programs can be found on their website, nor-west.org.
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