The facility presents awards to winners in its summer chili cookoff.[/caption]The founders of Home Place of Texas wanted to create a program where adults with developmental disabilities could gather during the day to learn skills in a supportive environment and succeed on their own terms in the adult world.
June and Mike Jones began HPOT in 2006 with just three young women and a supervisor, and the program now serves about 80 clients in the Greater Houston area. The family had searched for adult daytime programs in the area for their daughter, Amanda, who was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy as an infant. Unable to find something that suited their needs, the Joneses started the program for families like their own.
“After high school, these young men and women have so little chance to go to secondary school, so we continue that education through adult-type activities,” June said. “Everything we do is trying to make them realize that being an adult is a lot different than being a high school student.”
Serving individuals who are 17 and older and who have cognitive and developmental disorders, HPOT’s daily programs offer opportunities for guided exercise, social interaction, volunteer work and learning skills, which in some cases can translate to full- or part-time employment.
Most of HPOT’s clients are in their 20s and 30s. The facility has no age limit for clients.
The day is built around a schedule that is clearly displayed on the wall on movable cards and maintained by the clients as a skill-building activity.
“A lot of our clients love to be on a schedule,” HPOT program coordinator Jason Paulk said. “We also build some surprises into the schedule, because surprises are going to happen in life as well. This is something they can see every day, and they love to see what’s going on.”
HPOT clients take part in an annual spring celebration at the facility.[/caption]A typical day can include fitness activities, a visit to a local church to perform volunteer work and opportunities to socialize. The Louetta Road facility offers a music room, an art room, reading material, computers and activity stations where clients can build motor and communication skills. One popular activity is clipping, sorting and organizing coupons to be sent to military personnel.
The organization is funded through donations, fundraisers, grants and through a daily fee of about $40 paid by the families of clients. While some participants attend every day, others attend only once or twice each week.
HPOT has partnered with several businesses in the area to find employment for clients who are interested in working. The paper-shredding business Shredding on the Go, owned by a young man with a disability, provides part-time work for several clients, who shred documents for the business.
“We focus on preparing them on that ultimate goal of finding a job,” Paulk said.
While the organization is faith-based and focuses on Judeo-Christian values, June said it welcomes individuals of every faith.
“These young men and women need each other, and they need the community they live in to let them shine,” Jones said. “That’s what we’re hoping for.”
Home Place of Texas
5701 Louetta Road, Ste. 400, Spring
281-257-1004
www.hpotx.org
