About Us

In 1983, Nick and Agnes Pittas created Homes for Autistic Children and Adults.  As parents of a young adult on the autism spectrum, they recognized the lack of options for independent living.   Caring for autistic loved ones can put varying degrees of pressure on the people who look after them. For many families, they may grapple with how to best care for their loved ones as they get older.  The lack of funding and care as well as an increasing waitlist to get into existing group homes lead the Pittas to act. Out of concern for families in similar situations they began to raise money to address the housing need. With the help of longtime family friend Robert Tepedino and Nick’s business connections they were able to raise enough funds to buy a house in Mount Sinai, Long Island that accommodates 9 adults with varying degrees of Autism.  The house was donated to the State of New York and the adults receive care through the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI).  As the organization had just started to build momentum, Nick Pittas the driving force behind the organization fell ill and passed away in 2000.  Leaving behind a great legacy but some unfinished business.  Today, all these years later the need is still there and with every 1 out of every 56 children being diagnosed with Autism it will only continue to grow.  We are proud to continue the legacy of Nick and Agnes Pittas by reviving their persistence to provide autistic children and adults with the safety and comfort they deserve.  Please join us in our mission.