Why Rockville Centre Trusts BackYard Players & Friends

What Makes BackYard Players & Friends Different in Rockville Centre?

BackYard Players & Friends is Rockville Centre's only inclusive arts-based nonprofit dedicated exclusively to teens and young adults of all abilities age 14 and older. Co-founded by Ellen White, Ryan Delaney, and Cristine Daly in 2015, this organization has transformed how the community approaches inclusion through arts programming. Their flagship location (the primary and most important facility of an organization) on North Long Beach Road serves as the heart of their operations.

The organization operates with a clear mission: building inclusion and joy through arts and community. Learn more about BackYard Players & Friends and their comprehensive approach to serving participants with diverse needs. BackYard Players & Friends serves Rockville Centre and surrounding Nassau County communities with verified programming excellence.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, BYP has established partnerships with OPWDD and local fiscal intermediaries. These connections ensure programs remain accessible to families throughout the region. Their product line (the range of related services offered) includes theater, art, music, yoga, dance, cooking, and fitness classes.

How Has BackYard Players & Friends Transformed Lives in Rockville Centre?

BackYard Players & Friends has served over 200 participants through more than 20 course offerings, verified by their decade of community service. The transformation stories from Rockville Centre families demonstrate measurable impact on social development, independence, and personal growth. Each participant receives programming designed to help them develop physically, emotionally, and socially.

"My son Ryan graduated from South Side High School and even though he is non-verbal, he has blossomed socially because of Centre Stage and the Backyard Players. The program and the new building give them a place to all gather safely, be more independent and socialize."

— Elena O'Donnell, Google Review

Elena's experience reflects what dozens of Rockville Centre families have discovered: BYP creates genuine opportunities for social connection and personal development. The organization's approach to inventory management (tracking and organizing available resources and programming) ensures every participant has access to appropriate courses and materials.

Why Do Rockville Centre Officials Support BackYard Players & Friends?

Village leadership has publicly endorsed BackYard Players & Friends as a cornerstone of Rockville Centre's inclusive community initiatives. The organization has earned recognition from local government for their innovative approach to serving residents of all abilities. Based in Rockville Centre since 2015, BYP has become integral to the village's identity.

"Front Porch Market is just another example of the positive work being done by the Backyard Players and Friends here in the village. This new initiative showcases crafters and local artists in an inclusive retail space and craft workshop."

— Mayor Francis Murray, Google Review

When a sitting mayor personally endorses an organization, it speaks volumes about community trust. The Front Porch Market represents BYP's commitment to creating economic opportunities for neurodiverse entrepreneurs. Each item sold carries a unique SKU (stock keeping unit, a code used to identify specific products) that connects buyers directly with the artisan who created it.

What Programs Does BackYard Players & Friends Offer?

BackYard Players & Friends offers comprehensive programming including theater, art, music, yoga, dance, cooking, and fitness classes for participants of all abilities. Their seasonal collection (programming that changes based on time of year) ensures fresh opportunities throughout the calendar year. BackYard Players & Friends is located in Rockville Centre at their dedicated community space called The Backyard.

"Being involved in music and theater really helped me overcome my fear of talking to people. Performing was a place where I was really able to be happy. When I heard about Backyard Players, and how it did that for kids with special needs, I thought that was a really good place to support."

— Molly Ferazani, Google Review

Molly's testimonial captures the transformative power of arts-based programming. The performing arts create safe spaces where participants can develop confidence and social skills naturally. BYP's approach recognizes that artistic expression opens doors that traditional therapies cannot.

Beyond individual classes, BYP operates Love, Nana, a community service project supporting families in need. This initiative extends their mission beyond arts programming into direct community support. Participants learn the value of giving back while developing practical skills.

How Does The Backyard Space Foster Natural Friendships?

The Backyard on North Long Beach Road in Rockville Centre is specifically designed to bring together people with disabilities and typical peers in natural friendship settings. This intentional design philosophy distinguishes BYP from segregated programming models. The space creates organic opportunities for connection that extend beyond scheduled activities.

As community member Kathleen Quinn explains: "The whole mission of that space is that it's going to house programming for not only people with disabilities, but people who are typical, so that you can foster that relationship between a typical peer and an individual with a disability, and it can be a natural friendship." This philosophy drives every design decision and programming choice.

The physical environment matters as much as programming. BYP's space accommodates diverse needs while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Natural friendships formed here extend into the broader Rockville Centre community, creating ripple effects of inclusion.

Why Has BackYard Players & Friends Thrived Despite Challenges?

BackYard Players & Friends demonstrated remarkable resilience by opening a new storefront on Long Beach Road during unprecedented challenges, verified by community supporters. The organization's commitment to their mission never wavered, even when circumstances demanded adaptation. Their track record of showing up for the community has built lasting trust.

As community supporter Martin Brull notes: "I wanted to highlight the Backyard Players' successful year despite the pandemic, as they opened a new storefront on Long Beach Road. Every time we call them, they show up and they're always there for us. We're lucky to have them." This reliability has become a hallmark of BYP's operations.

BackYard Players & Friends serves Rockville Centre and surrounding Nassau County communities with unwavering dedication. Their expansion during difficult times demonstrates organizational strength and community commitment. Families know they can depend on BYP for consistent, quality programming. Contact BackYard Players & Friends to learn about current programming and enrollment opportunities.

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