My Nonprofit Reviews

Bridges Training Foundation, a Midlothian-based nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to support the Texas disability community. Today, the organization announced its approval as a community-based Medicare provider for Texas Home Living (TxHmL) and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) programs through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

The certification marks a major expansion of services for the foundation, which has been operating since 2012. "This approval enables us to serve more individuals through Medicaid waiver programs and provide expanded in-home and community-based services," said Michael Boler, the COO and Director of the organization.

The announcement comes at a critical time for Texas, where approximately 130,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities currently face waiting lists for essential services. The foundation's expanded certification will allow it to address this growing need through additional support services and programs.

Since its establishment, Bridges Training Foundation has demonstrated a substantial impact on the disability community. The organization has provided over 18,000 hours of job and vocational support services, resulting in 720 successful job placements for individuals with disabilities. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that only 18% of adults with disabilities typically secure employment after high school.

The foundation's reach extends beyond employment services. Over the past twelve years, it has delivered 179,712 hours of social, life skills, and curriculum-based advocacy services. Additionally, the organization has dedicated 7,461 hours specifically to autism support, providing specialized resources and guidance to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

Through its new provider status, the foundation will be able to expand its programs to include:
 Opportunities to form meaningful community relationships and utilize community resources.
 Support for responsible choice-making in employment, housing, social, and healthcare interests.
 Facilitation of skills that foster optimal independence.
 Community education about who we are and what we do.

Additionally, be able to provide through the HHSC Waiver Programs:
• Adaptive Aids
• Behavior Support
• Cognitive Rehab Therapy
• Dental
• Individualized Skills and Socialization
• Dietary
• Employment Assistance
• Host Home/Companion Care
• Transportation
• Minor Home Modification
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Residential Support Services
• Respite
• Social Work
• Speech/Language Pathology
• Supervised Living
• Supported Employment
• Transition Assistance Services

"We envision a Texas where every individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities has access to the support they need to live independently and thrive in their community," Boler explained. "With our new provider status, we're better equipped than ever to make this vision a reality."