named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Custom Apparel Production
Screen printing and embroidery services for custom clothing, providing vocational training and employment for individuals with autism
GCE Designs
Licensed program in Florida creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities through custom merchandise production
Spectrum Suds
Laundry and textile service enterprise offering job opportunities for individuals with autism
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Nonprofit Retail and Merchandise Sales 2 activities
- Processing customer returns and exchanges for apparel itemsAccepts and processes returns and exchanges for apparel within 30 days of receipt, provided items are in original condition with hangtags attached, ensuring customer satisfaction and service quality.
- Providing procurement services for NYSID through branded merchandise productionServes as a trusted procurement partner for NYSID, producing and supplying custom apparel and branded merchandise to support organizational needs.
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Textile Waste Diversion and Reuse 1 activity
- Implementing sustainable operations in apparel productionPowers its Pleasantville facility with 100% renewable energy, uses 100% recycled mailers saving 105 gallons of oil annually, prevents over 3,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year, recycles 10,000 pounds of textiles annually via partnership with Helpsy, and holds Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) certification—one of only two apparel companies nationally certified by SGP.
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Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
- Operating a customized apparel printing social enterprise to provide employment for individuals with autismRuns a commercial screen printing and branded merchandise business that creates meaningful vocational opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. The organization operates two 8,000-square-foot facilities (in Port Washington and Pleasantville, NY), expanded from a backyard barn in 2011 to a team of 32 employees, with productivity increased by over 500% through automation upgrades.
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Distribution of PPE and Crisis Supplies 1 activity
- Producing custom PPE during the pandemic to support community access and workforce stabilityManufactured custom personal protective equipment during the public health crisis to ensure community access while maintaining employment continuity for its autistic workforce.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Expanding inclusive employment through licensing and replication modelsLaunched a licensing model to replicate its social enterprise model, partnering to establish GCE Designs in Florida to create new employment opportunities for people with disabilities beyond New York.
- Raising awareness about inclusive employment through advocacy campaignsGenerated a viral social media video reaching over 28 million viewers to promote global awareness of employment opportunities for people with autism.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$7.46M
Contributions & grants$500K7%
Program service revenue$6.94M93%
Investment income$22K0%
Other revenue$4K
expenses
Total expenses$7.39M
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead11%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$2.71M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$6.50M
Cash$703K
Investments$396K
Liabilities$1.91M
Net assets$4.59M
Liquid reserves1.8 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +17.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PATRICK BARDSLEY | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 40 | $222K |
| TIM HOWE | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | 40 | $143K |
| GREGG CARTAGINE | CONTROLLER | 12 | $43K |
board members · 8
- ADINA STORCH — BOARD MEMBER
- ALYSON ROZNER — BOARD MEMBER & SECTRETARY
- CHRIS BOFFA — BOARD MEMBER & VICE PRESIDENT
- DENISE SMITH — BOARD MEMBER
- JANE GILMARTIN — BOARD MEMBER
- JOHN BEYER — BOARD MEMBER
- JOTHY NARENDRAN — BOARD MEMBER & PRESIDENT
- ROBERT DEGAUDENZI — BOARD MEMBER & TREASURER
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- FourLeaf Federal Credit Union Partner — Collaborates with Spectrum Designs by placing orders that support employment for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- FourLeaf Federal Credit Union Partner — Collaborates with Spectrum Designs to support meaningful employment for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
- GCE Designs Partner — Partnered to launch GCE Designs in Florida as part of a licensing model expansion.
- Helpsy Partner — Partners with Helpsy to recycle 10,000 pounds of textiles annually.
- NYSID Partner — Proud partner collaborating with Spectrum Designs to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities; Spectrum serves as a procurement source for NYSID apparel and branded merchandise.
- NYSID Partner — Trusted procurement partner for apparel and branded merchandise.
- People and Planet First Network — Verified by People and Planet First for meeting standards in purpose-driven operations, revenue model, surplus reinvestment, and legal structure.
- Social Goods Partner — Business partner that values Spectrum Designs as a mission-driven organization providing real jobs to adults on the autism spectrum.
- Social Goods Partner — Business partner that works with Spectrum Designs for printing needs, praising the organization as mission-driven and effective.
- Sustainable Green Printing Partnership Network — SGP-certified member committed to sustainable supply chain practices in printing and apparel production.
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Social Enterprise Employment Modelmethodology: social_enterpriseBy operating a customized apparel printing business as a social enterprise, the organization creates structured employment and vocational training for individuals with autism; this generates revenue that sustains meaningful work opportunities, thereby increasing independence and productivity because economic participation reinforces personal growth and long-term autonomy.
- Strengths-Based Neurodiverse Employmentmethodology: strengths-based employmentBy designing employment around the unique strengths of autistic individuals rather than requiring conformity, the organization fosters personal growth, engagement, and workplace thriving because valuing neurodivergent traits as assets increases motivation, reduces burnout, and supports authentic contribution.