Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Residential Services
INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM The Center’s Independent Living Program offers individuals the opportunity to live independently in their own efficiency-style apartment while still benefiting from the resources and services The Center has to offer. For some, it is one step towards a goal of independent living in the larger community and for others, they have already met their personal goal. Participants in our Independent Living Program live in Cullen Residence Hall. ASSISTED LIVING PROGRAM The Center’s Assisted Living Program exemplifies our vision for all adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive the resources necessary to realize their personal potential. Clients in our Assisted Living Program demonstrate every day all that is possible when the right support is available. Participants in our Assisted Living Program live at Willow River Farms, with some additional availability at Cullen Residence Hall. HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES (HCS) HCS is a residential program designed for people who desire to live in full community integration. The service planning team ensures that each person receives the support needed to successfully manage day-to-day living. HCS is a program of choice. Individuals may choose among Supervised Living, Residential Support Services, Community First Choice, and Host Home Companion Care. The Center has a full complement of staff to provide our clients services in management, program coordination, social work, nursing, and residential administration. RESPITE SERVICES The Center offers respite services to families and caregivers with both overnight and weekend care at our Willow River Farms location. For information on enrolling in our Residential Services programs, please visit http://thecenterhouston.org/admissions/
Day Services
The Center’s Day Programs offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to develop social skills in a classroom-centered environment structured around their varying needs. Our programs encourage participants to engage with their community through a variety of experiences, including group activities, field trips, special classes, seasonal celebrations, exercise, crafts, music, and more. VOCATIONAL TRAINING Pre-vocational training, work center training, and competitive employment are key components of the Adult Training and Employment Services (ATES) program. Clients learn new skills, participate in meaningful work, and increase earning potential. ARTISAN CRAFTS Participants at our Willow River Farms location have the opportunity to learn artisan crafts such as ceramics, papermaking, weaving, and more. ADULT ACTIVITY CENTER Individuals with multiple disabilities who require ongoing support are served in an integrated and structured environment. Sensory awareness, leisure, recreational, and one-on-one personal care activities are provided. Health care professionals monitor medical needs. YOUNG AT HEART Active retired and older adults enjoy activities such as community outings, cultural events, picnics, crafts, movies, and more. The wide range of activities offered encourages our clients to make their own choices and pursue their own interests. Each day is a new day filled with opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and friendship. For information on enrolling in our Day Services programs, please visit http://thecenterhouston.org/admissions/
Employment Services
At The Center, we strive to actively
promote the choice, growth, and personal independence outlined in our mission
by supporting the full participation of adults with I/DD in community work
life. This starts by helping our clients find meaningful, community-based work
that pays a competitive wage and providing them the support and resources
necessary to succeed in those roles. Clients enrolled in this program will receive employment skills training in settings that will help prepare them for employment. Assessments and careful matching of skills to employment opportunities are essential in successfully obtaining and retaining employment. Once employed, a job coach will assist with on-the-job training and ongoing supports for as long as the client requires them. For information on enrolling in our Employment Services programs, please visit http://thecenterhouston.org/admissions/
Enrichment Services
The Center’s Enrichment Services program renders support to adults with I/DD that enables their full participation in the community. Our knowledgeable and patient staff can provide assistance with both everyday and special activities. A client might request help with grocery shopping or attending medical appointments, but also with seeing a Texans game or going on vacation. Caregivers may request temporary in-home supports or assistance with specific care-related tasks. Through our Enrichment Services program, The Center strives to ensure our clients the opportunity to take full advantage of community resources. This facilitates access to the shared experiences that promote personal growth and enrichment in all our lives. Services may include, but are not limited to: Assisting with daily living activities Providing transportation Assisting with retaining and improving self-help skills Utilizing community resources Integrating individuals into the community Participating in leisure and social events Traveling assistance The Center works to provide individualized assistance in the lives of adults with I/DD, whatever their unique needs may be, and considers applications on a case-by-case basis. If you have a request that is not mentioned above, please contact us and we will work to help find the best solution for you or your loved one. For information on enrolling in our Enrichment Services program, please visit http://thecenterhouston.org/admissions/
Dental Clinic
At The Dental Clinic at The Center, we make it our goal to provide excellent dental health care for your entire family. The Dental Clinic is open to everyone in the community while specializing in serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who may require special modifications to receive dental treatment. Some of these modifications include: Positioning for protection of the airway Monitoring of vital signs Behavioral management Positive reinforcement Desensitization Voice control IV sedation The Dental Clinic staff is trained and experienced in working specifically with persons with I/DD. We are dedicated to The Center’s mission to promote choice, growth, and independence for our clients, and to provide them with the best possible experience. IV SEDATION The Dental Clinic at The Center is pleased to announce that we now offer IV anesthesia administered by a licensed anesthesiologist. This new service makes it possible to see more clients on-site and reduce previously long wait times for those who would otherwise have to seek appointments at external facilities. As with the general population, many patients with I/DD share a fear of the dentist. These patients can benefit greatly from conscious sedation that will allow them to maintain good oral health despite their anxieties over dental procedures. Please note that the philosophy of the dental clinic is to use the least restrictive methods possible to achieve a positive outcome. The addition of sedation dentistry is not to make it easier to obtain compliance but to relieve patient anxiety and protect both patients and staff from injury. Contact Hours: Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Phone: 713-525-8462 | Fax: [email protected] The Dental Clinic at The CenterChi Omega Health Services Building3550 West DallasHouston, TX 77019 Medicaid and most other insurance providers accepted.
Where we work
Awards
Affiliations & memberships
United Way Member Agency
External reviews

Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
The Center for Pursuit
Board of directorsas of 09/15/2021
Mr. Eric Nordstrom
Markel Service, Inc.
Term: 2021 - 2023
Christopher Borreca
Thompson & Horton LLP
John Buckley
Wilbur-Ellis
Herman Coronado
Curry Boudreaux Architects
David Cunningham
Moelis & Company
Jennifer Dominiquini
Envoy Mortgage
Holly Dudley-Harrell
Texas Children's Hospital
Joni Fichter
Career Placement, Inc.
Gwen Koch
Community Volunteer
James Pavlik
Avalon Advisors, LLC
Jon Prather
McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc.
Richard Rosenberg
U.S. Zinc Corporation
Lisa Schott
AAMA Inc.
Anthony Borreca
GSO Capital Partners
Lyndsey Knight
Junior League Representative
Shaheen Ladhani
Goldman Sachs
Shon Link
Local Partners LLC
Eric Nordstrom
The Hudgins Law Firm
Lance Reynolds
Wells Fargo
Kevin Kushner
CBRE
Christina Maccio
DLA Piper
Raj Naran
ALS Unlimited
Meredith Gomez
Macquarie Group
Vernus Swisher
Career and Recovery, Inc., Retired CEO
Kevin Davidson
Wells-Fargo
Allison Edwards
Cizik School of Nursing
Robert Goodside
Attorney at Law
Anthony Borreca
Blackstone Credit
Charles Njuguna
Deep Down Inc.
Elizabeth Ray
165th District Court (retired)
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
-
Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Not applicable -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data