Charles Archer created EDCSPIN with a partner in 1996 with an eye toward helping underprivileged communities, particularly individuals and families suffering from mental illness and learning disabilities.

Today, the organization provides free resources and services across the city. Archer heads a staff of over 500 individuals, who meet the needs of more than 1,000 people and their families.

Archer said that one of the most critical projects is the after-school program, where children ages 5 to 17 that suffer from a developmental disability receive free programming.

A weekend program has also been established in which children who have parents who work Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy programs like horse backing riding or a Disney on Ice show.

Along with working with children, EDCSPIN also focuses on helping the entire family overcome the issues surrounding mental illnesses. In the future, Archer said that he hopes EDCSPIN will have “the opportunity to be a full-service organization,” which could include counseling and addressing issues like alcoholism and other physical illnesses.

Archer also hopes to spread the reach of EDCSPIN further than New York City. His eyes are set to the tri-state area, but believe that his organization can do positive things for mentally handicapped individuals across the country.