Results: The agency has affirmed its commitment to strengthening our internal resources and expanding its capacity for service over the next three years during its strategic planning. In spite of our growing collaborations and our increased leverage of volunteer and in-kind resources, our capacity to serve and grow is limited. For over 60 years, the agency has been the only area organization that helps people with all types of disabilities, of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay for services. As part of our capacity building plan, we completed an intensive review of our brand. Effective 1/1/11, we changed our affiliation and became Easter Seals of Greater Houston, Inc. Easter Seals has broader brand recognition, greater depth of expertise, tools, resources and supports for its affiliates at the national level and has opportunities for corporate sponsorships. In addition, we have reestablished the Caroline School with the help of Elizabeth DeLuca and have taken on the programming of the Houston Area Respite Center which was in crisis – allowing us to continue to offer services that no other organization provides and allowing for longer-term sustainability of the services.
Target demographics: Any child or adult with a diagnosed disability or who is at risk and can benefit from our programs as well as veterans and their families. Easter Seals Greater Houston is the only organization in Houston providing services to ALL people with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 10,000+ clients and their families
Geographic areas served: the greater Houston area including Harris, Ft Bend, Liberty, Montgomery and Galveston Counties
Programs: Adult Services offers recreational opportunities to older adults/seniors and younger adults with disabilities through bi-weekly meetings, bowling, field trips, education, self advocacy, skills training and touch based technology training. This program offers many of its clients their only opportunity for socializing and provides respite for the adult participant’s caregivers.
BridgingApps is a community of parents, therapists, doctors, teachers and people with disabilities who share information on how apps and mobile devices can help people of all abilities reach their highest levels of physical, social, and cognitive development. Available locally, in the Rio Grande Valley, Fort Worth and Austin or through the website, www.BridgingApps.org.
Camps and Case Management includes Camp Buckaroo (day camp), Camp Smiles (overnight camp) and Camp MOST for teens (overnight camp) as well as Family Day Out (Houston, Fort Bend and Woodlands) which provide recreation and socialization for the child as well as respite for the caregiver. Case management provides community connection, referral to resources and emotional support for people with disabilities, their caregivers and siblings. Other connections include limited emergency assistance, CLASS Case Management & Official Food Bank Pantry.
Children’s Therapy Services are physical, occupational and speech therapy for children birth to eighteen including intensive therapy for potentially life-changing results as well as AAC/AT assessments and evaluations. Houston Clinic.
ECI/Infant Program provides comprehensive Early Childhood Intervention Services for children 0 to age thirty-six months including physical, occupational, speech and vision therapy as well as case management services, community resource referral services in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Liberty, Walker, Grimes, Washington, Madison, Brazos, Burleson, Leon and Robertson Counties.
High School/High Tech is a community-based partnership of parents, educators, rehabilitation professionals and business representatives working together to encourage high school students with disabilities to explore the fields of science, engineering and technology. This program is 1 of 5 in the United States to offer Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program. (RAMP) with mentoring, job skills, transition and internships for at-risk teens with disabilities. Includes campus meetings, company tours and internships.
Housing Initiative / Financial Coaching assists low-income adults with disabilities or a family with a child with a disability realize the dream of owning their first home through financial coaching, credit boot camp, home buyers education, down payment assistance. The program is a proud partner of THRIVE which works to break the cycle of poverty through collaboration. Harris, Fort Bend, Liberty and Montgomery counties.
Respite Services provides relief options to parents who provide ongoing care of their family member who has a disability, through vouchers for in-home respite care, Lifespan, Parent Night Out and Respitality to reduce stress, prevent divorce, abuse, and institutionalization of individuals with disabilities.
The Caroline School is an option for parents of children with significant disabilities who are seeking availability of a private alternative to existing public school special education programs. The focus is on meeting the physical, cognitive and social needs of the child including available physical, occupational, speech therapy, touch based technology and music/dance therapy on site.
Toy/Tech and Play Therapy offers a lending library of specially adapted toys and AT&T Assistive Technology Lab, Karate, dance, art, adapted PlayAPalooza, yoga, pet therapy, play groups, counseling, and other educational experiences to help the development and integration of children with disabilities into their families, school and the community.
Transition/Employment Services offering a full range of services for youth with autism and co-occurring mental illness; vocational training through Texas Workforce Solutions for people with all types of disabilities.
Veteran Services is a program offering service and companion dogs for veterans with disabilities; case management and referral to other needed services for active service, veterans and their families. Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Collaborative includes outreach and direct services to veterans and their families through counseling, case management, technology, telemedicine, and other supports that will increase access to mental health services and provide a consistent, trusted place where the veteran/family members can turn when issues arise.
