Fulshear-Katy Community Guide & Directory 2023-24

SOCIAL Children with Special Needs often struggle fitting in with neurotypical peers. There are social activities geared specifically for children and adults with disabilities. The Arc, with several local branches, offers resources and events while helping with public policy and advocacy. Ana Esparza, Parent Advocate with The Arc of Harris County, states, “The mission of The Arc is to promote wellness, enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Every Arc has different programs so check which one meets your family’s needs.” Facebook’s The Village of Triumph and Focus on Friends provide activities like dinners, movies, cooking classes and parties. EMPLOYMENT Finding employment can be challenging, but companies are realizing the benefits of hiring people with Special Needs. Having a supportive job teaches many skills and allows employees to become valued, productive members of the community. The Brookwood Community, a leader in the Special Needs community, offers its “Citizens” residential living plus day programs in Brookshire and a workshop inside Gallery Furniture on the Grand

advisor knowledgeable about Special Needs as they understand the specific long-term investment needs and how benefits like SSI and Medicaid can be protected with proper planning. Support is available for the many stages of your child’s life. It’s important to ask for help so you can create a purposeful, exceptional life for your child with Special Needs as well as for your entire family.

adults with Special Needs is rewarding and beneficial for our team and the community. Regardless of any additional supports that may be needed, we consider everyone part of our team.” LEGAL/FINANCIAL Caring for children with Special Needs is a lifelong commitment and it’s important for parents to start early with strategic legal and financial plans. Having Wills and Special Needs Trusts prepared by an attorney experienced with Special Needs Planning is critical. As children become adults at age 18, parents should consider Guardianship or Alternatives to Guardianship. Attorney Boyd Handley works with families to create comprehensive legal plans so inheritances received during a child’s life won’t affect government benefits. Parenting blogs. “As a parent of a young adult with Special Needs, I understand the issues families face,” Handley says. “In my practice, I help families like ours work through these issues to find services and legal solutions for them, now and in the future.” Parents should consult a financial Handley’s website has many resources and Special Needs

Parkway. Shannon Moreno, Director of Work Program, says, “Brookwood believes in the power of a paycheck, and watching the excitement our Citizens have on payday Fridays is incredibly fulfilling. They have immense pride in the work they do each day. When you visit the studio or shops, they love to show you what they have worked on. Brookwood has a vision to help change the way the world thinks about adults with disabilities.” Texana Café, located on 359 in Fulshear, supports meaningful employment for neurodiverse individuals. The Café trains interns in food services, teaching them to make and serve food and beverages while learning job skills in a supportive environment. Interns train for up to a year at which time they may move to jobs within the community. Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in Katy offers employment to many with Special Needs. Eighty percent of Howdy’s staff have Special Needs, and the company is looking for opportunities to offer jobs to more Howdy Heroes. Katy Franchisee Rod Batson says, “Howdy Homemade Ice Cream is on a relentless pursuit to employ individuals with Special Needs.” Dogtopia, new to the Fulshear/Katy area, offers dog daycare, boarding and spa services and has a foundation which employs those with Special Needs. Owner Justin Burnett says, “Employing

Changing the way the world thinks about adults with disabilities

Shop and dine at our Gift & Garden Center and Café! OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY • JUST 10 MINUTES WEST OF KATY 1752 FM 1489, Brookshire, TX 77423 • 281-375-2149 • brookwoodcommunity.org • •

FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2023-24 ISSUE 69