Aphasia Center of West Texas, Inc.

I want to highly recommend this center for anyone who has or has a family member going through the Aphasia experience. My Mother has Primary Progressive Aphasia and thoroughly loves and looks forward to her time each week she spends there. Mom feels comfortable to be in an environment with others that are in the same situation as she.

The staff is very professional and caring and make the members feel apart of a specific community. I would highly recommend to anyone, to take the time and research and visit this gem in Midland Texas

Thank you for all you do for her,

Scott W

I lost a bet to one of the members on a college football game. We bet lunch. We went to lunch and I got to discover things about him that I didn’t know. We visited about his past and his strong believe in God. His determination to walk and talk again after his stroke. He said he couldn’t understand why God had let this happen to him. He has always been slim and very athletic. He said they thought he’d never walk again. But with his strong will and belief in himself and God he is walking and now has a new job. He is such an inspiration to me and those around him.

20 years ago, West Texan volunteers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals not only listened, but responded to the plight of my dad, other aphasia survivors, and family members like me. With their help creating the Aphasia Center of West Texas, my dad and I were gifted a lifeline to days filled with purpose, friends, new communication strategies, and a lot of laughter (after a ton of despair). My dad lived 5 years after his stroke. He would be as proud as I am at the now thousands of people served. There aren't enough words to describe my gratitude to all who invest in the transformative mission of the Aphasia Center! How lucky I am to still witness new aphasia survivors arrive to the welcoming team awaiting them - survivors who become mentors, dedicated staff and fantastic volunteers.

I had a stroke a few years ago and I came to the Aphasia Center at least 2 years ago. They help me with reading and writing. It’s a great place to be where I have made friends who share the same story. I encourage anyone to come try it out if your struggling with your speech.

My husband has been a member of the Aphasia Center of West Texas since 2002.
During that time we went from wondering how to still do some of the things that we felt was taken away after his stroke.
The Aphasia Center helped by showing us how to still be a part of our community and still participate in living a fun and useful life.
The programs they offer can help do just that. Among his favorites are gardening, cooking, woodworking, poker, music. They also offer computer classes and communication skills and several others.
Everyone should find at least a few classes to participate in that they enjoy.
If someone is new to Aphasia they need to give it a try. Strangers soon become close friends and family.

The Aphasia Center
In February of this year my husband Roy had two strokes. The first one was at church, and I was the first to recognize symptoms. We left church (he drove) and went to a favorite restaurant. He was unaware of what was happening, but I grew more and more concerned. I actually texted our pastor and his wife to pray while we were eating. Later that day Roy started packing for a trip to Dallas. I tried to talk him out of it, but if you look in the dictionary under stubborn you’ll find his picture. He packed and drove to Dallas (I told you he was stubborn) and I told him if he started feeling odd to go to the hospital. His speech was slurred and his face was drawn on one side, and yet he went. That evening he did begin to feel off. He noticed he couldn’t touch his nose with his finger and his arm was extra heavy. He had more symptoms so he drove to an emergency center where the nurse notified him that they couldn’t deal with strokes. She suggested he drive himself just down the road to the hospital. I was not a happy camper as he relayed this bit of information to me. She said it could take two hours for an ambulance to get to him, so he drove. Thankfully once he made it to the hospital they took all him symptoms very seriously. He called me from the ER and announced his situation. I was a combination of terrified and mad as a soggy hen (and my hens can testify to disliking being soggy). 
To make a long week’s story short I will simply say, thank you to my stepdaughter and stepson for rushing to Dallas to take care of their dad. I was stuck at home with a yard full of chickens, four dogs and three cats. Talk about being too busy to feel as helpless as a woman tied to a world full of critters. They cared for him, and even brought his car home once he was stable and ready to come home. 
Part of Roy’s rehabilitation was to visit the Aphasia Center. I had never heard of Aphasia until this lovely adventure progressed. I knew many of the side effects of strokes having spent many hours of my childhood ministering in nursing homes with my mother. My grandfather had at least five strokes that I remember. He never lost his ability to communicate as far as I can recall, but he changed a great deal because of them. 
Shortly after Roy’s first visit at the Aphasia Center he began volunteering. He didn’t have too many residual symptoms from his strokes, but he did have some difficulty recalling words from time to time. He still does. The best thing that came out of his volunteering is that he could recognize those challenges that came from the stroke and he was much more patient with himself. He showed a side of himself that seldom surfaced before and that was great compassion and a huge desire to help others who had had strokes. I remember joining an event at the center and Roy helping one of his fellow stroke survivors with a game we were playing. He got up, went over to his friend and simply made it easier for him to play. He also helped with the food and anything else he saw needed done. I’ve known he was a lover and a sweet man, but he has always been hesitant to show it out loud. He likes to hide and do nice things. He became very hands on and I’m delighted. 
He loves working with everyone at the Aphasia Center, and has nothing but shining words for everyone involved. He’s away in the DFW area today as a first responder to the hurricane. I’m so thrilled that his doctors recommended he visit there, it has truly changed his life. He has a bunch of special people he calls friends, and his recovery has been helped in a bunch of ways as he comes to understand what happens to the brain and body during and after a stroke. I can’t say enough good things about the folks that work there. They are caring, sensitive and so very helpful. We recommend the Aphasia Center every single time we discover either a care giver or a person who has suffered a stroke and doesn’t know about the center. Huge blessing to us!

Mr. And Mrs. Roy Cherry

This is the most organized nonprofit board I have had the pleasure of serving. It is a working board that does have the opportunity to weigh-in on matters. The organization operates at such a responsible level and with high integrity and ethics - you are excited each meeting to hear about their news and the latest concepts they have for giving the patrons the best experience and growth. Big cheers for the difference the staff makes for their clients and the care they have for them.

My husband had a major stroke about six years ago. As he recovered and I had to return to work, I didn’t know how I would take care of him. We learned about the Aphasia Center and they the answer for both of our needs. For him, the Aphasia Center became home and everyone there became family. He still attends and loves everyone there. The different activities are so much fun and interesting. For me, the Aphasia Center removed the quilt of leaving home home alone and I knew he was in a safe place. Safe in the sense that he wasn’t laughed at when he tried to speak or if he was slow responding they were patient with him. The Aphasia Center has been a Godsend for us.

The Aphasia center is a real ray of hope to the victims of Aphasia in Midland. As my father had a phasia before he passed in 2012, I can only imagine the difference it would have made in his quality of life had he known about this unique resource. Victims of Aphasisa because of their lack of ability to communicate often feel isolated not just from friends but from their families. The aphasia center gives those people hope by giving them fellowship and new skills to improve the lives of their family and themselves.

I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors of the Aphasia Center of West Texas now for eight years on two separate terms. I continue to serve because of the difference the center makes in people's lives. They stand behind their mission and are a well run organization.

The ACWT staff is a group of top notch individuals who are caring, understanding, knowledgable, and passionate beyond belief for those with aphasia as well as their loved ones. I cannot say enough great things about the selfless volunteers as well whom give countless hours serving year after year because of their devotion. ACWT is truly a family!

I have been a speech-language pathologist in west Texas for the past five years. I have worked for an inpatient rehabilitation hospital where I have seen and treated many individuals with aphasia after a stroke or brain injury. The Aphasia Center of West Texas provides a sense of hope and direction for people with aphasia by providing them with a future free from the isolation and misunderstanding many have to endure. The Aphasia Center educates people with aphasia, their friends and family, as well as, the community around them. As a speech-language pathologist, I feel privileged to have them as a resource and a next step for the patients and families that I serve. Every single person associated with the Aphasia Center is a delight to interact with! You will always be greeted with a warm smile and know that you are in the hands of someone who genuinely wants to help.

It is nice to be a part of this program as a volunteer. The staff is very friendly and supports the volunteers and provides excellent care to their clients. I would highly recommend the Aphasia Center to anyone that might need the services they provide.

I was first introduced the the Aphasia Center in 2011 as a long-time community member and was very impressed with their services, their excellence and their integrity. At that time I was working for another non-profit agency in Midland and loved my job but I also wanted to make a difference by volunteering in a totally different type of service so I chose the Aphasia Center of West Texas. In the years that I assisted with their annual fundraiser, they never ceased to amaze me, I was hooked!! In 2015 I joined their staff and now I'm even more impressed with the Aphasia Center of West Texas! From the outside looking in, they were fantastic but now, from the inside...I'm even more convinced that they were what I thought them to be. They do absolutely everything with the utmost integrity and distinction starting with their programming and into their fundraisers and day-to-day operations. The staff and volunteers alike treat everyone with the highest regard, it makes me proud to be included with this amazing group of people!! Coming into the office and hearing the laughter daily is such evidence that the programs provided for our clients are successful and meaningful to their lives. I can't say enough good things about this agency, The Aphasia Center of West Texas is making a profound difference in the lives we serve, their families and our whole community!

My name is Paula. I had a stroke 3 year ago. I come to the center because I am around people with the same challenges as me and they understand. I have learned strategies that have helped me improve my communication. I made friènds and they give me hope and comfidence.

My name is Gary Davis. I had a brain aneurysm 13 years ago. The Aphasia center is a place where my voice is heard. I am surrounded by people who understand me and who have become my family.

My stoke happened 6 months ago . I have never heard of Aphasia. We are so lucky the center is in our city. The center is a place to talk and not feel threatened. I would be bored at home. The center is cost effective which is really nice.

My name is Ronnie and I survived a stroke five years ago. After my stroke, I was discharged from all therapy and was left wondering what to do with my life and new communication issues. The Aphasia Center brought me a community of people that understood what I was going through. It is a place where I can have fun and try new things. For example, I participate in the Gavel Club at the Aphasia Center where I work on speaking in front of groups of people, something I NEVER did before I developed aphasia. Ironic I know!

They go above and beyond to support their people! Each volunteer is important to them and encourages their volunteers to develop relationships with the members of the center.

I have been a member of the staff of the Aphasia Center for 5 years. I had only private sector professional experience prior to working at ACWT, however, I find all the staff members very professional, friendly, and the most compassionate and hard working people I've ever met. Every staff role is unique and professional, and all undergo training specific to the needs of those with aphasia. The board members, families of members, and volunteers at the Center are a delight to work with, all with the singular purpose of making this the best place in the world for those with aphasia. Having volunteered with many organizations over the decades, I find the aphasia center very well run, and the perfect place to meet the needs and desires of those people with aphasia and their families. The ACWT is a life changing, happy place!

My board service at the Aphasia Center of West Texas was some of the most amazing time and experiences in my life. To be able to help, in a small way, my friend Gary is the meaning of life; serving one another!

My sister Frankie suffered a massive stroke several years ago. The Aphasia Center has changed her life! She is a vital part of her community now. She is a member of Toastmasters, bakes and decorates fabulous cakes and is able to verbally communicate. Thank you Aphasia Center for giving my sister confidence to do anything.

My sister had a massive stroke, almost 10 years ago. The Aphasia center has helped her tremendously with her speech, being able to do every day things that we all take for granted, and they have given her confidence to attempt and do the things that she loves. Thank you Aphasia Center for being there for my sister, Frankie Wickham!

I as Frankie Wickham. 9 1/2 years ago massive Stroke! Three years later, it doesn't matter that the afternoon had difficult location (lil) building, Aphasia Center West Texas!! Whoohoo! I'm HOME!!
Thank you!!

In October 2007 I had a AVM which left me with Aphasia I was blessed to live in Midland, Texas. My doctor told me that was the best place to be, because it had the Aphasia Center of West Texas. He was truly right. I have been a member of the center since April 2008 and it gave me back myself. This place is filled with hope, care, learning, fun, love, friends, and most of all Family The Aphasia Center of West Texas is blessed and you can feel it when you walk in the door every time. My family and I are so thankful it is here

Since 2007 I have been associated with the Aphasia Center of West Texas, first as associate director, and then after retiring, as a board member, now serving as president of the board. Words cannot describe the passion and dedication of all who are associated with this amazing organization. From the staff, to the board, to all volunteers, including programming - all work tirelessly to make sure our wonderful members and families receive the most quality programming and support possible. As a member of the staff, I absolutely loved going to work each day and being able to see with my own eyes how lives were changed from hopelessness to laughter and sunshine (and I do mean laughter)! What a privilege to serve along with others with a passion for improving the quality of life of individuals and families living with aphasia!

My husband had multiple strokes after surgery for a dissected aorta. The strokes left him unable to speak. He was diagnosed with Aphasia. We had no idea what the word meant, but quickly learned. After months of therapy, insurance ran out, we discovered the Aphasia Center of West Texas. The Aphasia Center has been wonderful for Gary because he is around people like himself that struggle to speak. They have discussions about real life and feel like a part of society again. We feel blessed to have professional people and many volunteers to give part of themself to restoring a high quality of life for us!

I co-wrote a CD of songs with a stroke survivor from Los Angeles. We then recorded the songs and created a documentary film, as well... all designed to inspire stroke survivors and care givers. I have since presented this work all around the Country and, for that reason, have visited many support centers.

I can honestly say that none of the centers operates on the high level of the Aphasia Center of West Texas. During my visit, it felt like everyone could find room to be themselves, express their heart and find joy. The folks at the Aphasia Center of West Texas have created an environment of caring and tenderness that should be supported in every way possible.

I started volunteering at the Aphasia Center back in 2010 for a rather selfish reason, to work on the Chocolate Decadence committee. Since then, I have witnessed the love, compassion and dedication this center has for its members and I hope that when the time comes, I will be able to serve in all aspects of the centers operations.

The Aphasia Center is truly a great nonprofit. The servant hearted employees, volunteers and donors combined with the benefits and enjoyment that their clients receive only affirms this.

I have had the privilege to work for the Aphasia Center for 8 years now and it has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. I don't consider this a job because I absolutely love doing everything that my job entails. I enjoy coming to work and seeing the members smiling faces. The Aphasia Center offers them most of all hope. Something most of them have lost in all that they have encountered. Most of them come in feeling alone and leave with a sense of family cause everyone here can relate to their struggles and offers them the support they need. I am with out a doubt glad to be a part of this organization and hope to be her for another 8 plus years.

I was privileged to be invited to join the Aphasia Center of West Texas in 2008. I was proud to accept, because my Dad's family has a history of strokes.
Unexpectedly, I had a stroke myself in October 2012, which reinforced my feeling of wanting to help others. I have been on several boards in my life, but have never worked with a more enthusiastic, motivated group of individuals. I also truly believe that this board is divinely blessed since every need thaoccurs is amazingly and surprisingly fulfilled!
It has been a honor for me to serve, and I feel we bless our members in need.

Sincerely,
Janice Thompson

I have so much appreciation for the Aphasia Center of West Texas that the most recent donation I have made was actually in honor of "the staff." Most of the staff have been with the Center for many years and have put their hearts and souls into creating a meaningful, satisfying experience for each of their clients. Over the years since its inception, I have had the pleasure of creating the first "Sing-along" program, volunteering in other aspects, and supporting the Center in various other ways. Many, many times I have watched the clients laugh uproariously with their classmates and the staff. I have watched them create lovely Christmas decorations and paint prettier paintings than I could. I have watched them learn tools for communicating, work in the garden, and learn computer skills. I could go on and on about the benefits to the clients, but I could also go on and on about the benefits to family members and volunteers who learn techniques for communicating with people who have Aphasia. I work in an assisted living facility in which one of the clients lives. On many occasions, I have been called to the front desk to help figure out what it is this lady is trying to say. Because of the techniques I have learned, I am frequently the one who can understand what she is attempting to say. Kudos to you, Aphasia Center! Keep up the good work!

To volunteer at the Aphasia Center of Midland is to enter a world in which those who are encumbered by loss of speech are treated with dignity and grace. It is a place of hope and acceptance where the members can communicate, laugh, enjoy life and learn new skills; in short, to return to many of the pleasures that they enjoyed before. It is an honor to be a part of that world!

After my husband suffered a massive stroke a year and a half ago we quickly ran out of all of our therapy resources. It was so hard to see how desperately he still needed so much with really no place to turn. We decided to leave our home in Georgetown and move to Midland to be close to our daughter. What a great blessing it was to discover the Aphasia Center of West Texas. It has been so good for him and has given him a place to be with others that share the same struggles and difficulties that he experiences. With the love, support and guidance that he receives from everyone involved in this program he has really thrived and gained so much confidence not only in his speech but in so many ways. The Aphasia Center also offers great support and resources for the families. We are all so blessed by the Aphasia Center of West Texas!!

The Aphasia Center of West Texas is the definition of West Texas pride and passion. This organization reaches out to all and is there to help in every aspect of understanding what aphasia is, how to live with Aphasia and how to help family members of those living with a loved one who has Aphasia. The Staff of the center is a family and we are blessed to have this amazing and special place available to us in West Texas. I am proud to be a part of such a special place.

I have volunteered and donated to this charity for the past ten years. I have watched it grow from a small entity to a leadership position in the Aphasia community. It is an efficiently run organization that raises almost 40% of its operating expenses through a fundraising event.
The Center's clients are cared for by an attentive staff, cheerful and dedicated volunteers and wonderful therapists. There is nothing quite as exciting as seeing the difference the Aphasia Center makes in the lives of people suffering from communication issues.
The Aphasia Center of West Texas also serves as a mentor for other cities who are trying to start up their own center. They have achieved the pinnacle in the nonprofit world. They serve the community, they have great fiscal responsibility and they willing share their knowledge with others.

After witnessing two very special people close to me complete the Aphasia program in Midland, TX, I am a strong believer in this organization. Not only is staff highly trained and compassionate, they have become more like family than teachers. The programs that the Center offers are tremendous. No one can truly believe the difference they can make within a short period of time without witnessing. I don't think I can ever repay the Aphasia Center of Midland, TX for the comfort, support and help they have brought to my family and I.

Smiles. That is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about my first experience with the Aphasia Center of West Texas. I was in the Center as a visitor and I left the center that day feeling so very happy with the work that was being done and the smiles on the clients faces as a result of the program. Beyond the therapy and the support that clients will receive they will also gain friendships that will last a lifetime.

My name is Ann Semple and I am 70 years old. I suffered a stroke 12 years ago and have been attending the Aphasia Center since the begining stages of the program. I love it so much! One of the reasons I love it so much is because of the members. We all share the same story. They can relate to me and I do not feel judged. Just excellent people! Love the reading, writing, art, cooking and gardening. Aphasia Center brought me love, understanding, friendships, confidence and encouragement. JUST BROUGHT BACK LIFE!! If I had not come to the center I would be lonely. IT'S JUST AMAZING!!!!!!

When I was 11 years old, my mother suffered a massive stroke which ended up in getting diagnosed with Aphasia. When she started attending the Aphasia Center of West Texas I tagged along with her as much as possible because not only did I want to be around my mom but the center had such helpful and wonderful staff as well as clients. I was constantly given support, facts, and hope by the many people involved in the center which has ultimately made me consider them apart of my own family! Over the years my mom has been attending I have seen her consistently getting better and better with reading, writing, typing and speaking. But the most important rehabilitation I have seen is that the Aphasia Center of West Texas has helped bring the life back into her smile! She loves going as much as possible because the center is a home away from home for her, she feels comfortable and understood. My moms happiness and safety is most important to me and i known she is well taken care of at the center! I'd say it has been a life changing place for my entire family, and I.

The Aphasia Center of West Texas not only offers support for people with aphasia once traditional therapy ends, it gives them back their life. The lonliness disappears when they enter the doors of the center and are greeted by a loving, caring staff and various volunteers who enhance their daily lives. This is where they make new friends, where they begin to feel comfortable in their "new skin" and can be themselves without fear of being misunderstood or ignored. I have been a volunteer at the aphasia center for over three years and have seen several members blossom and settle in where they once were shy and a bit introverted about joining in to conversation with others. It has been a blessing and inspiration in my life and I look forward every week to the time I spend with my friends at the Aphasia Center of West Texas.

As someone who has suffered from aphasia myself as a result of a debilitating automobile accident when I was 25 years old, I have a special affinity for those who are now living with this condition. I have been able to overcome most of the speech and language deficiencies that I experienced then (I was so "out-of-it I don't even remember that I couldn't communicate or walk for 2-3 months!!!). I was able to complete the doctorate degree in music I had started and have had very satisfying teaching and performing opportunities through the years. I give great appreciation for the care I received from speech and physical therapists after the accident and for the patience and understanding I have felt continually from friends and family. Needless to say, my heart goes out to those who experience aphasia in any form, and I am delighted to be involved with the Aphasia Center of West Texas. I have great thanks and respect for all the directors and volunteers of this outstanding organization, and I realize the significance of the care and "heart" that is always felt inside these walls! - Joan Lucas

Try this simple test. Say out loud your full name, your parents names and where you were born, city and state. Now, without stopping and searching for words, say the exact same thing backwards. It should be easy. It's things you know. Words you use all the time. For those living with Aphasia, every sentance can be that difficult to say. I know the words; I know what they mean; I just can't get them out. I'm not stupid. The Aphasia Center of West Texas is a place where communication happens. It happens with supportive speech. It happens with gestures. It happens by using the environment. But, it does happen! Our clients engage in life; their life and life outside. They have say in the direction of

As a voluteer at the Aphasia Center of West Texas, I have been amazed to watch it restore quality and dignity to adults who suffer from aphasia. The center provides a beautiful, safe and appropriate setting for the members to communicate through art projects, computer work, cooking and gardening projects, music classes, and conversation groups on current events. Each member has unique challenges with communication and physical difficulties, but all have an accepting place where laugter is in abundance for them.

When my father had his stroke, he left the inpatient treatment only able to speak a handful of words and the reality of having to change from being right handed to left handed. The Aphasia Center greatly improved his speech and also helped him to rekindle one of his old hobbies, drawing. He was able to progress on to painting, all using his nondominant hand. He would not have been able to do this without the Aphasia Center's help. But probalby more important, he gained new friends that really became family. So much so, that even after his death almost a year ago, I still keep in touch and try to volunteer whenever I can.

As a professional in the field of Speech Language Pathology it was challenging to discharge patients from therapy services that were still in need of help. Rehabilitation for major neurological events are often cut short due to reimbursement issues. The Aphasia Center offers the next step for ongoing and useful support when people acquire aphasia. Aphasia leads to isolation and major life change. The Center works with these individuals to live life successfully.