Empowering Families of Special Needs Individuals: Our Commitment to Support
Our mission is to establish a comprehensive advocacy and support system for individuals and families of children with special needs, including those with special physical and emotional disabilities, Down Syndrome, Autism, and many other syndromes and disabilities. There are over 2,500 children with special needs in Stamford alone, and over 85,000 in Connecticut in need of support.
We empower children with disabilities by providing access to inclusive education, personalized support, and meaningful pathways to employment. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers, nurturing individual potential, and building a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead a fulfilling life.
OVERVIEW- LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD
Born of the vision of one man, for over three decades we have brought the community together in support of our neighbor families with special needs children. Golf outings, luncheons, fundraising events, corporate and organizational giving, raffles, auctions and much, much more.
- To date, we have raised over $1 million to provide support to children with disabilities, Down Syndrome and other physical and emotional conditions, local families struggling with medical expenses and in need of specialized equipment. We support local athletics leagues and organizations providing specialized services as well.
- Today, we have provided high school and college scholarships to allow youth with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. We partner with local businesses to provide employment opportunities for those with special needs to help these people become more self-sufficient as adults. And, we provide funding for specialized research in search of cures for many diseases.
- All of this is made possible through the support and participation of the concerned Stamford community, organizations and committed individuals who are dedicated to making a difference for those in need, without the resources to help themselves.
NEWS AND CURRENT EVENTS
Stamford Policeman’s Association Along with The Umbrella Club and Level the Playing Field Bring Christmas to Stricken Dolan Middle School Student
Santa Delivers Hope to Leukemia Patient at Yale New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital
Level the Playing Field Builds Ramp for Family of Child with Spina Bifida, Trach and G-tube Dependency
Initiated by one concerned local pediatrician, Level the Playing Field was directed to a family with a great need.
Cingari Shoprites Grade A Market Honored for Employing Special Needs Youth
The longtime family supermarket chain was honored at the September 2025 golf outing and awards luncheon at Stamford’s Italian Center for their commitment to employing a number of local teens and adults with special needs.
Level the Playing Field Hosts First Annual $50,000 Hole-in-One Golf Event
Over 200 people gathered on Oct. 27, 2025 at E Gaynor Brennan Golf Course for an evening of golf and a chance to win $50,000 in Level the Playing Field’s 1st Annual Hole -in-One Contest to benefit programs and services for people with special needs.
Level the Playing Field Sponsors Challenger Little League Baseball and Soccer Programs
As part of our health and wellness beliefs, Level the Playing Field has sponsored teams in both Challenger Little League and Soccer programs.
College Tuition Scholarships Awarded to Two Stamford Youths
Stamford High’s Grace Lombardo and Pinnacle School’s Vinny DiLorenzo receive scholarships to attend college.
Level the Playing Field Donates Specialized Motorized Gazebo Swing to ARI of Stamford
Level the Playing Field continues support of local organization with gift of outdoor recreation equipment.
Level the Playing Field Contributes to Research Drive for Kabuki Syndrome at National Event
Organization joins in campaign to fund research for clinical trials.
PRESS AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Leveling the Playing Field
City Lifestyles Magazine
Feature Story – August 2025