Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc (FREE), with a location in Old Bethpage, was founded in April 1977 by a group of parents and consumer advocates in response to the need for community residential alternatives to the institutionalization of individuals with mental challenges and developmental disabilities.

Since that time, Family Residences has established a wide range of services for persons with disabilities residing in either Nassau or Suffolk Counties. Their mission is to help individuals of all abilities to realize their full potential and prevail over life's challenges. FREE's broad spectrum of services encourages individuals to share their gifts and talents as contributing members of the community.

Last week, Darryl Strawberry, a famous face in New York for his contributions on the baseball diamond, was contributing in other ways when he visited FREE to donate $25,000, which will help the agency continue the many programs that they offer.

The Darryl Strawberry Foundation was founded in 2006 by Darryl and Tracy Strawberry to bring global awareness to autism and other developmental disorders and to raise funds to create and establish the programs and facilities that meet the current needs of the individuals and families affected by autism and other developmental disorders.

"My wife and I are really impressed with FREE and what they do," said Darryl Strawberry in an interview with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald. "We support their programs because they don't stop programs once individuals turn 18. It is not only the children that need our help - it is also our adult community."

This is not the first time that Strawberry has visited and made a contribution to FREE. The consumers, staff and guests were excited to see their "friend Darryl," as one consumer stated, come visit. This time, he not only presented a check and toured the school, he spent time playing basketball with the consumers inside their gym.

"We believe that every life is precious," Darryl and Tracy Strawberry stated on their website. "We are committed to each individual receiving the quality of life that they so desperately need and so truly deserve. A parent should not have to fight for the basic needs of their child to be met."

Darryl Strawberry was drafted first by the New York Mets in the 1980 Major League Baseball draft and won the National League's rookie of the year award in 1983. Battling through a downward spiral in the late 1980's and early 1990's that included drug and alcohol abuse and colon cancer, he now dedicates his life to helping people.

"The spikes are in a box, the bat is retired but the true passion and purpose for my life is just beginning," said. "That passion is being able to make a difference in the lives of others. That's what life is all about."

For more information on FREE, visit www.familyres.org. For more information on the Darryl Strawberry Foundation, visit www.darrylstrawberry.net.