About Summerhouse Houston
Take a minute to get to know us a little better.
About Summerhouse Houston
Take a minute to get to know us a little better.
Our Program
Summerhouse was founded in 2011 by a mother, Donna Fruge, who has a daughter with an intellectual disability named Summer. The family could not find the right next step for Summer after high school. They wanted Summer to stay connected with her community and continue to develop work, social, and life skills, so Summerhouse was created. Since then, the program has grown into a one-of-a-kind service in our community. We develop strong relationships with our members, their families, and our community partners to promote the meaningful inclusion of adults with IDD in the Greater Houston area. We believe that our community is stronger when everyone participates.
Summerhouse offers community-based day services and supported employment services that are driven by the interests, needs, and strengths of those we serve. Members of our day services spend time in the community doing activities of their choice, including volunteering and participating in social activities, classes, exercise, and more. We offer a low member-to-staff ratio that allows our highly trained staff to best support our members. We accept new full-time members on a rolling basis as openings become available. Exceptions for part-time admission may be made on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about our day services here
Through our supported employment program, we support members and referrals through the Texas Workforce Commission to find competitive, integrated employment. We also provide coaching to ensure long term success on the job. These services are highly individualized and one-on-one. We work to develop relationships with local employers to create employment opportunities that fit the skills and interests of those we serve. We accept new employment referrals through the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions, Medicaid waiver programs, and private pay on a rolling basis. Learn more about our employment services here
See Our Annual Reports:
See Our Financial Reports:
See Our Form 990:
See Our Program Strategy & Performance:
Four Areas of Focus
Employment
Highly individualized and customized job placement, coaching, and supported employment services provided to members and outside referrals.
Volunteerism
Assisting members to give back to the community while exploring their career interests and learning valuable work skills.
Community Engagement
Our community is stronger when everyone participates, and we support members to develop socially valued roles and engage in their communities.
Family Support
Being a resource and support to families as we truly partner to implement each member’s PATH and ILP.
Our Program
Summerhouse was founded in 2011 by a mother, Donna Fruge, who has a daughter with an intellectual disability named Summer. The family could not find the right next step for Summer after high school. They wanted Summer to stay connected with her community and continue to develop work, social, and life skills, so Summerhouse was created. Since then, the program has grown into a one-of-a-kind service in our community. We develop strong relationships with our members, their families, and our community partners to promote the meaningful inclusion of adults with IDD in the Greater Houston area. We believe that our community is stronger when everyone participates.
Summerhouse offers community-based day services and supported employment services that are driven by the interests, needs, and strengths of those we serve. Members of our day services spend time in the community doing activities of their choice, including volunteering and participating in social activities, classes, exercise, and more. We offer a low member-to-staff ratio that allows our highly trained staff to best support our members. We accept new full-time members on a rolling basis as openings become available. Exceptions for part-time admission may be made on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about our day services here
Through our supported employment program, we support members and referrals through the Texas Workforce Commission to find competitive, integrated employment. We also provide coaching to ensure long term success on the job. These services are highly individualized and one-on-one. We work to develop relationships with local employers to create employment opportunities that fit the skills and interests of those we serve. We accept new employment referrals through the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions, Medicaid waiver programs, and private pay on a rolling basis. Learn more about our employment services here
See Our Annual Reports:
See Our Financial Reports:
See Our Program Strategy & Performance:
Four Areas of Focus
Employment
Highly individualized and customized job placement, coaching, and supported employment services provided to members and outside referrals.
Volunteerism
Assisting members to give back to the community while exploring their career interests and learning valuable work skills.
Community Engagement
Our community is stronger when everyone participates, and we support members to develop socially valued roles and engage in their communities.
Family Support
Being a resource and support to families as we truly partner to implement each member’s PATH and ILP.
See our Videos
About Summerhouse's Program & Our Mission
Summerhouse in partnership with Harold’s Restaurant supports hiring people with IDD
The Value of Hiring People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Building Bridges, Amerigroup
What People Are Saying
We love hearing how Summerhouse Houston is impacting lives in Houston. Take a look at what some people are saying!
I like coming to The Summerhouse because we do fun things and work at The Food Bank.
Austin
I’m blessed to be with my friends and I love helping them.
Noriann
The Summerhouse makes me happy!
Bekah
I am truly blessed that Bekah has had such remarkable teachers and therapists on her journey through this life God gave her. And now The Summerhouse! The staff is remarkable and the love and care they give to our kids is just incredible. Thank you for your great vision and positive outlook you have for this great program. I’m so grateful that Bekah is part of it now.
Lee Ann
Vicki and I cannot thank you and the wonderful staff of The Summerhouse for accepting our son, Austin, into your program. This has been a Godsend for us, as Vicki and I must work, your program gives Austin a feeling of belonging and purpose in his life as a result of the volunteer work activities at the Food Pantry and other learning and recreational activities The Summerhouse gives him the opportunity to participate in. As many parents of special needs sons and daughters know all too well, not many people, even people who are our close friends and family come and knock on the door to ask kids like ours to play or engage in social events. The Summerhouse has filled that lonely void in Austin’s life. Almost everyone who meets Austin and gets to know him usually remark to us that given his condition, he is happy and outgoing and truly enjoys life, and I know that the engaging and supportive staff of The Summerhouse play a primary role in making Austin’s life happy and as a result, ours as well. We will never be able to adequately convey our gratitude for the blessing you’ve given us…. Thank you and God bless you and yours at The Summerhouse.
Roy & Vicki
The Summerhouse simulates a family environment that is safe and fun while meeting individual needs.
Iris & Bob
What People Are Saying
We love hearing how Summerhouse Houston is impacting lives in Houston. Take a look at what some people are saying!
I like coming to The Summerhouse because we do fun things and work at The Food Bank.
Austin
I’m blessed to be with my friends and I love helping them.
Noriann
The Summerhouse makes me happy!
Bekah
I am truly blessed that Bekah has had such remarkable teachers and therapists on her journey through this life God gave her. And now The Summerhouse! The staff is remarkable and the love and care they give to our kids is just incredible. Thank you for your great vision and positive outlook you have for this great program. I’m so grateful that Bekah is part of it now.
Lee Ann
Vicki and I cannot thank you and the wonderful staff of The Summerhouse for accepting our son, Austin, into your program. This has been a Godsend for us, as Vicki and I must work, your program gives Austin a feeling of belonging and purpose in his life as a result of the volunteer work activities at the Food Pantry and other learning and recreational activities The Summerhouse gives him the opportunity to participate in. As many parents of special needs sons and daughters know all too well, not many people, even people who are our close friends and family come and knock on the door to ask kids like ours to play or engage in social events. The Summerhouse has filled that lonely void in Austin’s life. Almost everyone who meets Austin and gets to know him usually remark to us that given his condition, he is happy and outgoing and truly enjoys life, and I know that the engaging and supportive staff of The Summerhouse play a primary role in making Austin’s life happy and as a result, ours as well. We will never be able to adequately convey our gratitude for the blessing you’ve given us…. Thank you and God bless you and yours at The Summerhouse.
Roy & Vicki
The Summerhouse simulates a family environment that is safe and fun while meeting individual needs.
Iris & Bob
Schedule A Tour
We would love to welcome you to Summerhouse Houston and take you on a personalized tour of our facility and discuss how we can potentially partner together!