The Nicholas Center Opens In Pleasantville

Press release from The Nicholas Center:

April 11, 2021

Amid a global pandemic, Long Island-based The Nicholas Center made preparations to expand services to Westchester County. Six months later, they have opened in Pleasantville, NY, offering opportunity and promoting inclusion to individuals with Autism and related disabilities. The Nicholas Center (TNC), a pre-eminent 501c3 organization specializing in Autism support, vocational training, community partnership and peer connection has experienced a meteoric rise from its early days where the idea took root in a small barn at co-Founder, Stella Spanakos’ Long Island home. Today, the organization works with over 100 individuals in two locations - and offers virtual programming launched during the Covid shut-down in 2020. The organization has forged meaningful partnerships with non-profits and businesses in their communities and is positioned for growth. The potential for advancement is limitless.

“We are proud to have expanded our services to Westchester County and to partner with myriad organizations, businesses and neighbors in the region to further our mission. For 10 years, working with our partners at Spectrum Designs Foundation, we have addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the Autism community and developed innovative solutions to drive transformational change, even during the greatest health crisis of our time. We have worked to advance inclusion, bridge gaps in service disparities, and support the needs of people with Autism across Long Island, and now in Westchester,” says Co-Founder and Executive Director, Nicole Sugrue.

The statistics are daunting, the CDC estimates that 1 in 54 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When school-based services end at age 21, families find themselves at a loss for what comes next…in terms of opportunity, support and employment. TNC has revolutionized continuing education and care for these exceptional adults - who face 80% under-engagement once school ends. Offering challenging and stimulating programming, TNC allows and encourages individuals to follow their passions and interests, hone social and vocational skills, and gives them a chance to live fulfilling and full lives.

The Nicholas Center began after the sudden death of Paul Kitsos, husband of Co-founder Stella Spanakos. Prior to his death they had been discussing options for their 18-year-old son Nicholas, who was preparing to transition to life after high school. Unhappy with the options available, they began discussing a social service agency to support individuals with Autism and related disabilities that would encompass vocational training, community-based experiences and opportunities. Eighty-five percent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed, which led to the decision to create a social enterprise to offer vocational opportunities and employment with real wages.

As a tribute and legacy to Stella’s late husband Paul Kitsos, Co-Founders Stella Spanakos, Nicole Sugrue and Patrick Bardsley rolled up their sleeves and set out to make this a reality. Ten years of amazing milestones have been achieved. Of note – a documentary film - This Business of Autism - chronicled the story and was screened at the U.S. Capital Theatre in Washington D.C. Amidst a global pandemic, TNC pivoted to virtual programming, offering a continuum of services and peer connection. Along with their partner Spectrum Designs, expanded services to a second location in Westchester, NY. In actions and words, TNC exemplifies inclusion and opportunity to an underserved population.

TNC was awarded the NY State Senate Empire Business Award as, “the most impactful and socially innovative agency of its kind in New York State.” The breadth and scope of the organization’s programming and reach is impressive – from daily virtual sessions, a weekly online news program, community engagement opportunities to help neighbors and businesses to hands-on pre-vocational training and employment. TNC promotes community, connection and the opportunity to experience and acquire new skills and interests. The organization is comprised of a neurotypical workforce.

"I am proud of the ground-breaking work and innovative achievements of our staff and participants. The secret sauce? Focus on the individual - meeting each person where they are and assisting with what they need. This has been a winning combination. I have seen the difference firsthand in the lives of individuals with Autism," said TNC Board President, Amy Beyer.

The Nicholas Center is making connections in Westchester…already partnering with local groups in need of some extra help – the team has worked with United Way, Isa Marrs Speech Pathology, Hillside Food Outreach, AYFA Foundation, NAMI and, and Spectrum Designs. For more information or to support the important work of The Nicholas Center, please visit: www.tncnewyork.org.

This press release was produced by The Nicholas Center. The views expressed here are the author's own.