Level the Playing Field
Meeting the needs of the Stamford area’s most vulnerable neighbors.
Too often, families of special needs children and adults don’t know where to turn for help.
There is state and civic assistance for special needs programs, education and forms of assistance.
Often the process can be frustrating, even downright disheartening.
At Level the Playing Field, we sidestep the complications families often find. We empower families to find hope as we work together to help provide the best quality of life for their loved ones throughout their various stages of life.
We are a network of dedicated people who make it our responsibility to help those in need.
Joined by others in the Stamford, Darien and lower Fairfield County communities, we provide direct assistance and support without red tape.
And, we are proud of what a small group of concerned citizens can do with a heart and a vision.
Here’s just some of the support offered through Level the Playing Field.
Services
OUR IMPACT: The Lifelong Journey of Michele and Andy
For the past (X) years, Level the Playing Field has supported the family of Michele and Doug Katz. Their son Andy was born with Down Syndrome.
With support in the services Andy and family need, sponsorship of the Challenger Little League he plays in, this past summer , as Andy nears his teenage years, Level the Playing Field arranged for Andy to attend a two-week sleepover camp at Camp Ramapo in New York state which caters to young people with special needs.
“As any parent would, I was worried sending Andy to camp. But, on his return, he was a different child. Like he had grown up, matured. Level the Playing Field did this. They continue to make a difference in Andy’s life. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible for Andy or my family.”
Michele Katz
OUR IMPACT: Supporting Speech Therapy for Riley
Through an affiliate organization in early 2025, level the Playing Field was referred to a long-time Stamford family, the Sciarrettas, whose daughter Riley requires weekly speech therapy sessions to improve her non-verbal communications condition.
OUR IMPACT: Leo Martinez- A Community Rallies Behind a Wheelchair Bound One Year Old
A local pediatrician, a family in need, a referral to Level the Playing Field, and mustering the resources on a large project.
The Stamford community came through in a big way, building a wheelchair-accessible ramp for one year old Leo Martinez.
OUR IMPACT: The Continuing Needs of Stamford’s ARI
We continue to support the good work of Stamford’s ARI, providing services, housing and employment for many of the area’s special needs citizens.
We count ARI among our most longstanding partners.
This past summer, Level the Playing Field provided the funding for a much needed wheelchair -accessible swing for its Stamford facilities.
EDUCATION
A little-known fact is that many children with special needs can grow into contributing, self-reliant citizens.
They just need a “lift”. Nowhere can this impact be felt than in education.
OUR IMPACT: Grace Lombardo: a Cheerleader Goes to College
Stamford High’s Grace Lombardo , a Senior member of the school’s cheerleading squad,
wanted more than anything to attend college.
Through a $5,000 grant from Level the Playing Field, Grace is getting the chance.
OUR IMPACT: Pinnacle School’s Vinny DiLorenzo Attending Mitchell College
Through Educational Grant from Level the Playing Field
Level the Playing Field knows well the value of helping provide a college education for young people with special needs.There are many career paths that can lead to a life of independence and self-reliance for them.
Stamford’s Vinny DiLorenzo is one such young person. A student at the Pinnacle School in Stamford, Vinny applied for, and received a grant from level the Playing Field to attend college. Vinny is a freshman at Mitchell College this past fall.
“As a parent, you worry about how your child will fare in life
Level the Playing Field understands this. They made a way where none could be seen.”
Jessica DiLorenzo
EMPLOYMENT
Nothing does more for a sense of self-reliance than for our special needs neighbors to have meaningful employment as teenagers and adults. We salute our community partners- those businesses who see the value in employing these people. They know the contributions these people make to the spirit and productivity of their organizations.
Cingari Family Shoprite Supermarkets
“ We have had a philosophy of hiring special needs teens and
adults for many years. They bring a real sense of camaraderie
with fellow employees and a ‘light’ to our workplace. The customers love them!“
Anthony Timpanelli, Store Manager
Zody’s 19th Hole Restaurant
“ Bobbi is a valued staffer of over ten years who assists
three times a week cleaning and helping us to maintain
our busy restaurant. He is dependable and an important part of our operation.”
Mike Zohdy, Restaurant Owner
Sterling Farms Golf Course
“ One of our most valuable operations assets at the course is Guy Langlois.
For over 38 years, he serves on our landscaping team and in the driving
range on ball recovery. Golfers have come to know and rely on Guy.”
Course Manager
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN BENEFIT FROM HIRING SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYEES, CALL KEN D’ANDREA AT 203-219-5330 TO ARRANGE AN EXPLORATORY MEETING.
RESEARCH
In recent years, Level the Playing Field has had the opportunity to contribute to ongoing
research into a number of diseases and syndromes which affect many.
This forward-thinking vision takes a top-line approach to becoming part of the solution to what many children and adults face.
Together, we will find cures, develop treatments and provide financing locally and around the world to help get promising treatments into clinical trials.
It is our hope that in developing new treatments and engaging in the promising field
of gene therapies that one day, we will find a cure.
“Level the Playing Field is forward thinking supporting the research for the Kabuki Foundation and other cures. They are making a difference in the lives of children like our son Sam and many others”
Jenna Cingari
SUPPORT NEW CASE OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsor the Dolan Middle School Puppet Theatre Launch Party
Help special needs students, faculty and administrators celebrate the installation of this Level-the-Playing-Field-sponsored classroom resource.
Sponsor the Production of a Golf Channel/NBC On-Air Segment
Be a part of showcasing Stamford, CT’s ARI, Level the Playing Field and Golf Channel/NBC in producing an on-air profile teaching the game of golf to special needs kids.
Sponsor or Co-Sponsor ARI’s New Sensory Room At its Social Services Facility
You can help provide for the construction, furniture and equipment that provides a “safe space” for those with special needs and mental illness during day services.
Help Us to Start a Six-to-Eight-Week Summer Camp Program For Children With Special Needs in Our Community
Level the Playing Field is a registered 501 (c )(3) organization with many years experience providing the services and support special needs children and their families need. This includes recreational and social activities that may not currently be available to them.
We seek to engage professional consulting services to undertake the research and development of a comprehensive proposal to start a Stamford area summer day camp for special needs youth starting in the summer of 2027 or 2028.
Attention Stamford-Area Physicians, Pediatricians and Medical Facilities
Be part of Level the Playing Fields referral network to help provide for the services, equipment, therapies and other needs of special needs patients and their families in the greater Stamford area.
Visit the HOW WE SERVE section of this website to view how past client needs were met by physician referrals.