NIS, Nonprofit Preschool, Receives Funding for Enhancements

The New Interdisciplinary School (NIS), based out of Yaphank NY, is a nonprofit preschool serving 400 students, over half of which have special needs, and they rely on fundraising to enhance all of the programs and services provided to their students. They held an inaugural Winter Ball on 2/13/20 honoring two long-standing volunteers, Gregory Colichio and Ellen Sullivan, whom they named Man and Woman of the Year. This event, held at Windows on the Lake, was attended by 100 guests and had a variety of raffle prizes, dinner and dancing. Many generous sponsors made this event a possibility, and beautiful red roses, donated by Sayville House of Flowers, decorated each table as centerpieces. Susan Cali, NIS Director of Development, explained that while the school receives state funding, they rely on fundraisers such as this to provide all of the "extras" that make the school the special place it is.

This event came shortly after they received a generous donation from the Richard J. O'Brien Foundation with the proceeds they generated at their annual Networking Breakfast at Oheka Castle. “The Richard J. O’Brien Foundation has been a very special source of support for the children and families served by the NIS community. Their efforts on behalf of NIS and other agencies serving populations in need have spanned nearly a decade and have impacted many lives,” said NIS Executive Director, Jay Silverstein.

NIS will be having some more upcoming fundraisers: a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner at the IGHL Opportunity Center in Manorville on 3/13, the ABC Autism Awareness event at the Ancient Order of Hibernians on 4/25, and their largest fundraiser, their annual golf outing, at the Port Jefferson Country Club on 6/1. They encourage you to attend these events. For more information, contact Susan Cali at SusanC2@niskids.org.

The New Interdisciplinary School (NIS) is an innovative early childhood learning center that respects the unique needs of all children and their families. Their commitment is to provide therapeutic and educational services in a nurturing environment with the highest standard of expertise. For more information, visit www.niskids.org. The Richard J. O’Brien Foundation is dedicated to honoring the memory of its namesake, who was active in several non-profit children’s organizations across Long Island. Started by O’Brien’s family and friends, the Foundation, an all-volunteer association, supports charities focusing on children in need of special care and bereavement counseling. It also aids organizations dealing with children’s health issues. For more information on the Foundation, visit rjofoundation.org.