Hankering for More

Hankering For More is a program available to high-functioning adults with learning and developmental disabilities who live in and around New York City. HFM provides intellectually and culturally stimulating social and educational opportunities that encourage meeting new people, making friends and developing life-long social skills.

Calendar of Planned Events

About the Program

Hankering For More originally began as a small, independent not-for-profit organization.  Now a member of the YAI Network, Hankering for More will have the advantage of being operated and supported by a well-established, award-winning agency. While you may notice some changes in the contact names and website, the quality and integrity of the program will remain as high as ever.

Some of Hankering For More's past events include private guided tours of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bronx Zoo and the CNN Studios, cooking, pottery and dance classes and theater and concert outings. All activities serve as catalysts for participants getting to know one another, socializing naturally and engaging in meaningful discussions.

 

Jennifer and her brother Hank

Hankering For More was established by Jennifer Geiling and named for her brother-in-law, Hank, who has learning disabilities. Like many young adults, Hank sought to increase his independence and expand his social opportunities. Unfortunately, however, Jennifer’s family was unable to find engaging social outlets through which Hank could meet people similar to himself. Hankering for More was created to fill this void by providing both social and educational opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of high-functioning adults with developmental and learning disabilities.

Hankering For More's events take place every four to six weeks on the weekends and are generally free. The majority of our activities occur in Manhattan, however, our participants come from the entire tri-state area. Leading the HFM program are Jennifer Menges, a clinician and administrator with ten years of experience with the YAI Network, and Sarah Baier, a long-time supervisor of YAI Network's camping and leisure activity programs.

News

Hankering for More will be presenting at the 2011 YAI Network International Conference.  Jennifer Geiling, J.D., Founder and Senior Advisor, Sarah Baier, and Jennifer Menges, LCSW, will collaborate on a workshop entitled "Hankering for More at YAI: The Origin and Development of a Grassroots Social Program for High-Functioning Adults with Developmental and Learning Disabilities."

This panel discussion featuring the Hankering For More at YAI founder, current program managers and current members will offer insight into the journey of creating and operating a successful social opportunities program for high functioning adults with developmental and learning disabilities.

The YAI Network International Conference is an annual event that focuses exclusively on the developmental disabilities field.  Over the course of 5 days, the International Conference offers more than 150 information-packed sessions and 300 experts in the field.  The full International Conference brochure, with a complete listing of sessions, is available online.

To Apply

If you are interested in participating in a Hankering for More event, the first step is to complete an application.  Once we have received your completed paperwork, we will contact you to meet one-on-one with a YAI staff member.  The application and meeting are designed to make sure that interested individuals are appropriately matched to the service.

For more information on the Hankering for More program, or to begin the application process, please use the contact information to the right.  For general information on any and all YAI programs, services, evaluations or referrals, please call 1-866-2-YAI-LINK or e-mail link@yai.org. If someone does not answer when you call, please leave a message and a specialist will return your call as soon as possible.