A 501c3 Non Profit Empowering the Autistic Community Since 2015.
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Resident Support Professional Annie and Luv Michael Homes resident Alastair sharing a moment of connection. This tender exchange speaks to the power of human connections and the deep sense of belonging that comes from being welcomed into a community where everyone is valued and supported. It’s in these simple, meaningful moments that inclusivity and understanding truly shine.
Our Story
It Began with Michael
Michael, like many young adults on the autism spectrum, faced big challenges like finding meaningful work, a place to live, and a welcoming community. Today, unemployment, loneliness, and depression are at epidemic levels in this community.
2015 — The Start of Luv Michael (501c3)
In 2015, Michael and his parents, Dr. Lisa Liberatore and Dr. Dimitri Kessaris, launched Luv Michael to create meaningful work opportunities through a bakery. Michael and his friends not only found jobs but also a sense of belonging.
2020 — A Bigger Vision
But work is just one part of a fulfilling life. In 2020, Luv Michael collaborated with the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church to build Luv Michael Homes, a first-of-its-kind residential model. Now, Michael and eight friends are learning to live independently, proving what’s possible for adults on the spectrum.
2022 — Education and Advocacy
Autistic adults need a welcoming community to thrive and contribute. This led to the development of Luv Michael’s volunteer advocacy and community service program. Since 2020, over 50,000 students have educated over 1,000,000 people while raising funds to support our mission. Additionally Luv Michael built an innovative team fundraising program that helped youth programs raise money for their team and ours.
2024 - First Community Living Conference
Luv Michael hosted its first conference on successful community living for autistic adults with over 100 attendees.
The Journey Continues
Dr. Lisa, Dr. Dimitri, and Michael, united with the families and the community, are focused on “How do we create a financially sustainable model beyond the lives of their parents?” Ten years later, Luv Michael and our extended community believe that together, with your help, we grow closer to that answer.
Why Luv Michael Exists
Our Services
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Inclusive Community Living
Luv Michael supports Luv Michael Homes, 501c3 an innovative alternative residential model established in Southampton, NY in 2019. This model collaborates with a faith based supportive community partner in an interdenominational manner to help parents answer the looming question: “Who will be there for my child when I’m no longer here?”
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Education and Advocacy
Luv Michael’s volunteer advocacy and education program engages student volunteers to raise awareness and support for autism inclusion while earning service hours. Through advocacy campaigns students become empowered to make a meaningful impact, fostering understanding and creating opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. Over 50,000 Volunteers have joined the movement..
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Workforce Development
Luv Michael’s workforce development program creates meaningful employment opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum through an individualized approach that focuses on interests and talents, from culinary arts, technology, and handcrafted goods. The program empowers individuals to build valuable skills, fostering independence, creativity, and personal growth.
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Team Fundraising
Raise funds for your cause while providing much needed support for the autism community. Your campaign helps your team:
-Raise Funds Online
-Earn Community Service Hours
-Support the Autism Community
It’s Free, Simple, and Meaningful. You keep 50% of what you raise while the remainder helps the Luv Michael mission
Follow us on social at luvmichaelco
Let’s Connect
The Worlds Best Granola, Handmade with Luv.
Support workforce development by purchasing some of our award winning granola hade made with luv by the Luv Michael Granologists.
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The purpose of creating granola for Luv Michael is to provide individuals with autism meaningful employment opportunities, training in culinary skills, and the chance to earn a food handler’s license, empowering them with independence, job readiness, and a sense of purpose while producing high-quality, organic products that support acceptance and inclusion.
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Creating Luv Michael’s granola is a meaningful process that begins with training individuals with autism in culinary skills and food safety, allowing them to earn a food handler’s license. Participants then measure, mix, and prepare high-quality ingredients to craft the granola in small batches. After careful baking, they package the product with attention to detail, readying it for distribution. This process not only produces delicious organic granola but also empowers participants with valuable skills, independence, and pride in their accomplishments.
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Hand mixed, hand packed organic granola. This granola has a flavor profile that features notes of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s fortified with delicious organic cranberries. This product is gluten-free and nut-free. Our 100% organic whole grain granola is made using only the finest organic ingredients and is both, gluten and dairy-free. Each order is hand mixed and packed in small batches by hard-working individuals with autism who we like to refer to as our “Granologists.”