What do you do when the school bus stops coming? This was the question posed by three Co-Founders of The Nicholas Center (TNC). The non-profit offers innovative programs and services that allow autistic individuals to work, learn, live and ultimately thrive in their communities.
With locations in Port Washington, Long Island and Pleasantville, TNC is helping bridge the gap between high school graduation and the real world for a number of autistic individuals. TNC was founded in 2011 by Stella L. Spanakos, Nicole Ferrara and Patrick Bardsley. The trio collectively had over 30 years of experience in autism education and nonprofit work. Their vision was to create a program model to help serve those seeking an alternative to a traditional “day habilitation” program – one that’s person-centered and community-fueled.
This year TNC is celebrating five years in Pleasantville. “Pleasantville has been perfect for us. We are so happy to have found this location”, says Lee Anne Vetrone, the Director of Development. TNC is currently working with 35 families in the region. “Once autistic individuals age out of the school system, there are limited opportunities for skills training and community integration. Our programming and support are a real game changer for individuals, families and the community – In New York State, individuals with special needs can attend school until the age of 21. What are the opportunities available after they age out of school is the question. This is where TNC helps to fill in the gaps.”
Jeremy Scalchunes is the Associate Executive Director of Programs at TNC. He shares that the mission of TNC is threefold – vocational training and job placement; learning and social development programs such as classroom instruction, Media Arts, Health and Wellness; and community inclusion. He states, “We’re out there at networking events, the Chamber of Commerce, local parades and more. We are looking to create as many partnerships with our individuals as possible. We have 30 partnerships in Westchester with food pantries, community gardens, state parks and more. Participants volunteer at these organizations. While they help out, they receive valuable vocational experience and neighborhood engagement. The community has been very receptive to us.”
Some of TNC’s community partners include The United Way, Rockefeller Preserve and St. John’s Episcopal Church – where they are currently working on creating a Respite Cafe to serve those with dementia. “The Pleasantville community has embraced TNC with open arms,” says Vetrone. “We’ve engaged with many local non-profits, including the Pleasantville Music Festival, Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) and the Westchester Children’s Museum. For some this may be their first experience working with autistic individuals. TNC has recently been asked to create an art installation at the Westchester Children’s Museum. The exhibit, “Keep Our Seas Plastic Free,” was created using found materials. The exhibit will remain up through December.
TNC’s Supported Employment Program works to pair autistic young adults with a business opportunity, starting with an on-site internship, with the goal to build up to supportive paid employment where the individual can slowly have more independence in their role. Business staff are also trained on how to best support individuals. “We try to serve the individual’s needs and skill level to put them in the right place employment-wise”, says Vetrone. Currently, TNC has individuals working at the JBFC and Second Mouse Cheese.
How participants hear about TNC programs is varied. Some via their school districts, therapists and counselors while others hear of TNC through social media or word-of-mouth. The autistic community is always looking for new opportunities. Says Vetrone, “Parents aren’t always aware of what comes next in terms of opportunities after school is over. We serve as a resource for those looking for opportunities.”
TNC teaches life skills to its participants and offers a safe space to form peer connections. “It’s important to have a community and friends. Once school is over, it can be harder for this population to make these vital connections.” says Vetrone. “TNC creates a space to make and maintain relationships.”
“There’s a stigma that is often associated with hiring the neurodiverse community”, says Scalchunes. “We have created an inclusive, supportive model. We’re introducing employers to this model, and they see tangible benefits, including the benefits of different ways of thinking and solving complex issues. We create opportunities for participants to get out in the community and get jobs.” TNC’s program in turn helps the nonprofits they work with fulfill their missions and helps to break down stigmas. Concludes Scalchunes, “This is an untapped population that has a lot to offer. If we open our minds to different ways of thinking and being, there are tangible benefits a society can gain. Our mission is to break down these stigmas for society.”
The Nicholas Center
175 Tompkins Ave.
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-919-9188
TNCnewyork.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NICHOLAS CENTER
