Founded in 2011, The Nicholas Center’s mission is to create innovative programs and services that allow Autistic individuals to learn, live and work in the community”. Co-Founders, Stella L. Spanakos, Nicole Ferrara and Patrick Bardsley considered the following question;

“What happens to individuals with special needs when they grow up?”

Collectively, with over 30 years of experience in autism education and nonprofit endeavors, the trio were eager to develop solutions to address this question. Concerned with the lack of meaningful opportunities for young adults after graduation, the vision became to create a community-propelled program model to serve as an alternative to traditional “day habilitation” programs. It would be person-centered and community-fueled. The goal?

To become a self-sustaining and replicable model and make a significant impact on the lives of people with autism.