A support group. A resource center. A clearinghouse of information.
NYPD WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN is all of the above and so much more!
The mission of our organization is to provide a forum where cops of all ranks, and their families, can attend meetings and discuss issues surrounding being the parents/ guardians/caretakers of a child with special needs.
Born from the experiences of Police Officer Merritt Riley and his family, NYPD WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN, answers the call to create a community for cops and their families with special needs children. Often times the families with special needs children feel isolated and are searching for an organization that can address their very specific needs and issues. We help these families care for their children while navigating through the culture, complexities and dangers of being a member of the New York City Police Department.
As the strongest advocates for our children, our parents can network with each other to; share knowledge, ideas, resources, experiences etc. We have doctors, special need lawyers, therapists, equipment representatives and field specialists attend our group meetings in order to answer questions and preview equipment/therapies to aid in the daily life of our children.
We have assisted many of our members with specialized durable medical equipment (often not covered by city insurance) customized bicycles with hand pedals, and motorized wheel chairs. We have also helped families with intensive physical therapy sessions in addition to what NYC insurance covers, and provided financial support to families with children that have extended stays in hospitals which can be emotionally and financially overwhelming.
Unique in our mission, NYPD WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN is available to any cop, active or retired, regardless of rank. As there are never any dues, donations and fundraising is our organization’s only source of funding.
Would you, or someone you know benefit from our Financial Aid Programs? Visit our How Can We Help page for contact forms and financial aid applications.