An Amazing April
April continued to bring positive changes, lots of adventures, and continued growth for Summerhouse! We began the month with Top Golf, and the St. Andrew's Easter Seals graciously donated lunch, Easter activities and baskets for us. The staff attended the 2019 Transition Hiring Event: Leaping into Employment for Young Adults, where we continue to share the mission of Summerhouse! We are proud to announce another paid member of Summerhouse- Summer! She will be a paid employee of Shred for Independence following years of dedication and vocational training. As we prepare for our new campus, we have had many tours and lots of interest in our well-deserved program! Members are expanding their vocational skills by trying new volunteer sites and adding to their resumes!
We would like to welcome our newest Program Assistant, Estela, as she has joined Summerhouse part-time through the summer!
Fun Fridays!
- May 3rd: Kickball at Langham Creek Family YMCA, followed by lunch at Slim Chickens
- May 10th: Fire It Up, to customize some pottery, followed by lunch at Piada Italian Street Food
- May 17th: We are headed to the Zoo! Thanks to TDI Industries for sponsoring our day at the zoo (including lunch!)
- May 24th: Gallery Furniture (hopefully running into Mattress Mack) and a taco-filled lunch at Lopez Restaurant
- May 31st: It's Karaoke Day! Members will choose their favorite tunes, and we will enjoy a lunch out!
Important Dates:
- Thursday, May 16th: Parent Meeting: The role of a Support Coordinator for waiver clients and non-waiver clients. Speakers from the Harris Center will be:
- Randi Garza, HCS Program Director
- Janice Baines, HCS Program Director
- Monday, May 27th: Closed for Memorial Day
Waseca St Updates
The parking lot is laid, and our metal frames are being finished! Fingers-crossed the nice weather continues, and we can finish construction by the end of summer!
Columbia St Updates
Our beloved Heights bungalow is officially for sale- a bittersweet feeling. Please share the listing below!
May Legislative Update: It’s Crunch Time at the Capitol!
Over the past five months, Texas has made some good legislative strides for people with disabilities. Notably, the House and Senate recently passed HB 885/SB 753 to end discriminatory laws allowing sub-minimum wages for Texans with disabilities!
As the 86th Texas Legislative Session comes to an end on May 27, let’s look at some important bills affecting services for adults with intellectual disabilities that still have a chance to get on Governor Abbott’s desk. Time to contact your legislators!
Upcoming Events:
- May 6th, 11am: Transition Training: Helping Students with Disabilities Prepare for Adult Life, at the Harris Center
- May 4th 6:30pm-9pm: May the 4th be with You (Star Wars) with the Arc at West Gray Recreational Center. Fill out a consent form by visiting aogh.org
- May 8th, 11am: Special Education 101, at the Harris Center
- May 11th, 11am-1pm: Sensory-friendly screening of "Avengers: End Game" at Studio Movie Grill locations
- May 19th, 11am-1pm: Sensory-friendly screening of "Ugly Dolls" at Studio Movie Grill locations
