Special Needs Programs

The Tony DeRosa Foundation supports organizations that advocate and empower special needs children and adults by providing comprehensive services and support

Founded in 1959 by parents of special needs children, Little City serves 1000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With a wide range of services, including residential, school and recreation, among others, the service area includes individuals across six counties in northeastern Illinois.

Special Olympics, a well known global organization that serves athletes both children and adults with intellectual disabilities, has been a Foundation grant recipient for the past number of years.

The Tony DeRosa Foundation also provides an annual grant to Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome achievement center. The program provides educational, therapeutic and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community free of charge.