Tag Archives: Special Needs

Morgan’s Wonderland accepting applications for educational field trips this October

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logoMorgan’s Wonderland is a fun place, but it’s also a learning place where elementary students from Greater San Antonio schools can participate in educational field trips.

The unique, completely wheelchair-accessible theme park is now accepting reservations for educational field trips that will begin Monday, Oct. 6, said Becky Lucci, Morgan’s Wonderland programs director.  Other fall field trips will be available Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

“Since 2011, our educational field trips have enabled elementary-school students to learn lessons in science, mathematics and other subjects throughout our 25-acre park,” Lucci said.  “Our goal is to offer learning opportunities outside the classroom in a colorful outdoor setting, and the feedback we’ve received from students, teachers and parents has been extremely positive.”

Created in conjunction with the Region 20 Education Service Center, each field-trip activity for students is directly related to the state’s TEKS lesson plans.  Region 20 has updated the curriculum, Lucci noted, and more learning stations throughout the park have been added.

Morgan’s Wonderland offers programs geared especially to students, senior citizens, young moms and scouting groups.  For more information and educational field trip reservations, contact Lucci at (210) 637-3469, or visit www.MorgansWonderland.com.

The non-profit theme park and other endeavors to help those with special needs – the nearby STAR Soccer Complex, San Antonio Scorpions pro soccer team, Toyota Field multi-purpose stadium and Monarch Academy school for students with learning challenges – were created through the vision and leadership of The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation.  Net profits from STAR Soccer, the Scorpions and Toyota Field have been earmarked for the expansion of programs and services at Morgan’s Wonderland to benefit the special-needs community.

Morgan’s Wonderland ‘Free to Soar Gala’ Sept. 19 to honor five outstanding individuals

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logoOn Friday, Sept. 19, the annual “Free to Soar Gala” benefitting non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland will honor five individuals who have been champions for those with special needs.

“Each year, we salute outstanding individuals who embody character traits such as determination, caring, achievement, sacrifice and inclusion,” said Ron Morander, general manager of the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.  “They will be recognized at the gala, and their names will be added to the Walk of Fame that encircles our park’s eight-acre lake.”

Details about how to nominate individuals for inclusion on the Walk of Fame by the Aug. 1 deadline can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com.   A committee from Morgan’s Wonderland and The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, along with special advisors, review nominations and select the five honorees.

Morander said an honoree might be a student who, regardless of a special need, perseveres at school and inspires other students; a Wounded Warrior who embraces life despite immense physical challenges and serves as a role model for other Warriors; a dedicated employee who has earned the admiration of a supervisor and peers for a job well done; a parent or caregiver who has sacrificed to make a difference for those with special needs; or someone who works directly with the special-needs community to make a difference in numerous lives.

Sponsorship information and other specifics about the Free to Soar Gala are available from Becky Thomas at (210) 493-2811.  Gala proceeds will help expand programs and services for the special-needs community through Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy.

Completely wheelchair-accessible Morgan’s Wonderland admits anyone with a physical or cognitive challenge to the 25-acre park free of charge.  Monarch Academy, located next door to Morgan’s Wonderland, helps students with special needs achieve their full potential through individualized instruction.  The school’s Bridge Program strives to equip students with valuable skills that lead to productive lives as adults.

The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from Morgan, daughter of philanthropists Gordon and Maggie Hartman, who will celebrate her 21st birthday during the gala.  Morgan’s soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within the Hartmans a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers and invited friends.  “Inclusion is the overarching objective,” Gordon Hartman noted.  “Everyone can have a good time at Morgan’s Wonderland.”

Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy are located in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. For more information about Morgan’s Wonderland or Monarch Academy, call (210) 495-5888 or (210) 479-3311, respectively.  Or visit www.MorgansWonderland.com or www.MonarchAcademy.net.

‘Joy’ spreading joy as colorful new Ambassador for Morgan’s Wonderland

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logo“Joy” has taken “flight,” much to the delight of people young and older who come in contact with the new butterfly mascot representing Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park built for everyone’s enjoyment.

Joy’s maiden “flight” into the San Antonio community “landed” at North Central Baptist Hospital’s pediatrics unit where young patients received warm hugs from the multi-colored costumed character.  Joy will make periodic appearances during Morgan’s Wonderland operating hours and represent the theme park at events in the community.  The latest Joy information will be available at www.MorgansWonderland.com.

Joy from Morgan's Wonderland Joy from Morgan's WonderlandJoy from Morgan's Wonderland“We chose a butterfly to be our unique theme park’s mascot and goodwill ambassador because of the ability to emerge from a cocoon, spread wings and soar to new heights,” said Ron Morander, Morgan’s Wonderland general manager.  “Similarly, our special-needs guests visiting Morgan’s Wonderland can have fun in an atmosphere of inclusion and be inspired to do things previously thought not to be possible.”

For example, guests in wheelchairs can take advantage of special swings to experience a sensation most people take for granted, Morander noted.

Morgan’s Wonderland is now heading into the popular summer travel season.  In June, July and up through mid-August, the park will be open daily except on Mondays, Morander noted.  And just like in previous summers, Morgan’s Wonderland will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday to take advantage of milder morning temperatures for guest comfort and enjoyment.

In addition to its regular attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland will host summertime special events including a Friday, July 4, salute to active-duty members of the armed forces and first-responders such as firefighters, law-enforcement officers and emergency-medical professionals.  Also, the park will be the scene of a Young People’s Concert of classical music presented by the renowned Cactus Pear Music Festival ensemble at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 9.

The latest information about the park’s operating schedule and special events is always available at www.MorgansWonderland.com or at (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

Morgan’s Wonderland is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.

Morgan’s Wonderland seeking to honor champions who’ve befriended people with special needs

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logoMorgan’s Wonderland has set Friday, Aug. 1, as the deadline for 2014 Walk of Fame nominations, according to Ron Morander, general manager of the world’s first theme park designed with special-needs individuals of all ages in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.

“We annually honor five outstanding individuals who have been champions for the special-needs community,” Morander said.  “These remarkable individuals serve those with special needs in many different ways.  In doing so, they embody character traits such as determination, caring, achievement, sacrifice and inclusion.”

Walk of Fame honorees will be recognized at the Free to Soar Gala on Friday evening, Sept. 19, at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, and their names will be added to the Walk and Roll Path that encircles the park’s scenic eight-acre lake.

A committee from Morgan’s Wonderland and The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, along with special advisors, will review nominations of not more than two typewritten pages submitted to WalkofFame@MorgansWonderland.com and select honorees.  Complete nominating instructions can be found on the park’s website, www.MorgansWonderland.com.

Sponsorship information and other details about the Free to Soar Gala are available from Becky Thomas at (210) 493-2811.

Morander provided examples of deserving honorees – a student who, regardless of a special need, perseveres at school and inspires other students; a Wounded Warrior who embraces life despite immense physical challenges and serves as a role model for other Warriors; a dedicated employee who has earned the admiration of a supervisor and peers for a job well done; a parent or caregiver who has sacrificed to make a difference for those with special needs; or someone who works directly with the special-needs community to make a difference in numerous lives.

“Though we recognize that an individual might be a true inspiration or a hero to his or her family members, we’re looking for those who positively influence or help multiple individuals in spite of physical or cognitive challenges,” Morander said.

Names of the honorees will be embedded in round, translucent “stepping stones” featuring the Morgan’s Wonderland logo – a butterfly in flight – on the ¾-mile-long Walk and Roll Path.  The pathway contains 88 of the 2-foot-in-diameter stepping stones that glow beginning at dusk.

Morgan’s Wonderland, which is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens.  (Check www.MorgansWonderland.com for the latest information on days and hours of operation.)  Admission for special-needs guests is free; admission for accompanying family members, friends, caregivers and the general public is nominal.  Children age 2 and younger are also admitted free of charge.

The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from philanthropist Gordon Hartman’s 20-year-old daughter Morgan.  Her soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within him a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers and invited friends.  “Inclusion is the overarching objective,” he noted.  “Everyone can have a good time at Morgan’s Wonderland.”

Morgan’s Wonderland is part of a larger 106-acre sports venue to encourage inclusive recreation whereby individuals of all abilities can play side-by-side.  The nearby STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex offers 13 lighted soccer fields for tournaments and league play.  Net profits from STAR Soccer go to support the operation and maintenance of Morgan’s Wonderland.  Likewise, net profits from the San Antonio Scorpions FC pro soccer team and the team’s new, 8,000-seat home – Toyota Field – are also earmarked to expand programs and services at Morgan’s Wonderland for the special-needs community.

In addition, Monarch Academy, a school for students with special needs next to Morgan’s Wonderland, is wrapping up its third year of instruction.

Morgan’s Wonderland is located in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.  For more information, call either (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

Memorial day weekend signals start of 2014 summer season at Morgan’s Wonderland

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logoThe 2014 summer season at unique and colorful Morgan’s Wonderland theme park will begin Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, according to Ron Morander, general manager.

The safe, affordable and completely wheelchair-accessible theme park will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 25; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day.  It will wrap up the month of May welcoming guests from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 28, 29 and 30 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 31.

In addition to its regular attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland will host summertime special events including a Friday, July 4, salute to active-duty members of the armed forces and first-responders such as firefighters, law-enforcement officers and emergency-medical professionals.

In June, July and up through mid-August, the park will be open daily except on Mondays, Morander noted.  And just like in previous summers, Morgan’s Wonderland will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday to take advantage of milder morning temperatures for guest comfort and enjoyment.

The latest information about the park’s operating schedule and special events is always available at www.MorgansWonderland.com or at (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

Morgan’s Wonderland offers more than 25 attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens for everyone’s enjoyment.  “Morgan’s Wonderland is the center of a family fun destination we call Wonderland, Texas,” Morander said.  “Our ‘community’ also includes the new, 8,000-seat home of the San Antonio Scorpions FC pro soccer team and the STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex.”

This summer, the 25-acre park will continue to offer discounts for active-duty and retired military personnel, senior adults and children, plus season passes and discounted multi-ticket packages.  Admission for those with special needs is always free of charge, while admission fees for accompanying family members, friends, caregivers and the general public are affordable.

“Non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland is the very first park of its kind because it was designed with special-needs individuals in mind but built for everyone to enjoy,” Morander noted.  “We’re now in our fifth year of operation, and thus far we’ve welcomed more than a half-million guests from all over America and around the world.”

To provide non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland with a steady revenue stream for expansion of programs and services, the Scorpions are battling North American Soccer League rivals at Toyota Field, just across from the theme park’s main entrance.  All Toyota Field and Scorpions net profits are earmarked for Morgan’s Wonderland.  This is the first time a professional sports team has been organized to benefit the special-needs community.  More information is available at www.SanAntonioScorpions.com.

In addition to Morgan’s Wonderland, the Scorpions and Toyota Field, The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation provided the impetus for nearby STAR Soccer, featuring 13 lighted fields for tournament and league play, and Monarch Academy, a school for students with special needs that opened next to Morgan’s Wonderland in August 2011.  To learn more, visit www.MonarchAcademy.net.

Morgan’s Wonderland is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.

Returning Veterans to be saluted May 17, Armed Forces Day, at Morgan’s Wonderland

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logoMore than 1,000 military veterans and members of their immediate families will be saluted at Welcome Home, an Armed Forces Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Morgan’s Wonderland.

“We look forward to welcoming those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn,” said Marie Weldon, director of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS), “however any veteran of the U. S. armed forces is invited to participate.”

Morgans WonderlandFor the third consecutive year, STVHCS and Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment, will team up to offer returning veterans a day of fun at the park plus special musical entertainment, food, games and prizes.

Information Fair _ Morgan's WonderlandIn addition to the family fun, veterans will have access to an information fair in the Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center on a wide variety of services available to them.  The 11 o’clock opening ceremonies will include remarks by Dr. Julianne Flynn, STVHCS chief of staff.

Many returning veterans with physical disabilities are taking advantage of STRAPS (South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports) at Morgan’s Wonderland.

Thanks to support from the San Antonio Scorpions pro soccer team and generous gifts from aerospace titan The Boeing Co., and Warm Springs, a leading provider of comprehensive rehabilitation services, STRAPS offers physically challenged athletes competition in sports such as wheelchair soccer, powerchair soccer, goalball (a sport similar to soccer for visually impaired athletes), wheelchair basketball and wheelchair softball.

For more information about Welcome Home, visit www.southtexas.va.gov.  Additional information can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com and www.STRAPSsoccer.com.

Completely wheelchair-accessible, Morgan’s Wonderland is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive just west of IH 35 in Northeast San Antonio.

Respite Care of San Antonio celebrating 26 years of service

By North SA Chamber Editor
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respitelogofinalRespite Care of San Antonio, celebrating 26 years of service, is a locally founded and based nonprofit organization for families caring for a child with special needs.

Respite Developmental Daycare empowers parents to work while their child receives specialized care, preparing them with the tools they need to achieve success. The agency is most noted for serving the most vulnerable amongst us, children with special needs who are victims of abuse or neglect. The Davidson Respite House and Najim Family Respite Home provide safe shelter to children with special needs and their siblings who are in protective custody. The homes are notably the only shelters in Texas dedicated to children in need of specialized care. The agency also empowers families to embrace children in need of temporary foster care services.

To commemorate the unique services this entity provides, the 12th Annual Celebration of Love & Children will be held Thursday, April 10, 2014, beginning at 6:00 pm on the campus of Respite Care, located in the historic Monte Vista neighborhood. This event will honor Craig Boyan and his family, along with the partners of HEB, for their many gifts to the children of Respite Care throughout the years.

To learn more about Respite Care or to purchase sponsorship and tickets to this very special celebration, visit www.respitecaresa.org

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa awards community grant to Respite Care of San Antonio

By North SA Chamber Editor
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HyattHCResort_logoHyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is helping Respite Care of San Antonio start the New Year strong, thanks to a generous $20,000 grant from Hyatt Hotels Corporation to further the organization’s mission to provide support and care to children with special needs and their families. The $20,000 grant is one of the highest of the 26 grants awarded to non-profits across the world as part of Hyatt Community Grants, a philanthropic program that empowers Hyatt associates to nominate nonprofits that directly serve their community.

Hyatt Community Grants, a key component of Hyatt Thrive – Hyatt’s global corporate responsibility platform – encourages hotels worldwide to identify and nominate local nonprofits for funding consideration. The program builds on Hyatt’s belief that no one better understands a community’s most pressing issues – and their solutions – than those that live and work there.

“Through the Hyatt Community Grants program, we are able to help Respite address the greatest needs they have in providing for these amazing children,” said Gino Caliendo, general manager. “We have been working with Respite since 2010 and we know this gift will help them continue the important work they are accomplishing.” The $20,000 ties in with the resort’s 20th anniversary and the addition of a 20,000 sq. ft. ballroom.

Respite Care of San Antonio, a locally founded nonprofit organization celebrating its 26th anniversary, serves the most vulnerable in our society, children with special needs. Their original mission – to enhance the stability and the nurturing opportunities of families caring for a child with developmental disabilities – is met through community-based and occasional overnight shelter services designed to give short-term relief to participating parents. In 1997, the mission expanded to provide residential care for children with developmental disabilities and complex medical diagnoses who have been taken into protective custody as a result of abuse and neglect. Respite Care provides care to approximately 450 children each year throughout its various program services.

Bert Pfiester, Respite Care’s President & CEO, shares, “This generous gift from the Hyatt will assist children with developmental delays to be better prepared for learning and maximize their capabilities for a life filled with hope. The specialized care each child receives provides lasting impact.  The children of Respite Care have enjoyed many partnerships with the members of the Hyatt Hill Country family.  This gift again demonstrates the special place our children hold within their hearts.”

About Hyatt Community Grants
Funding for Hyatt Community Grants is provided by Hyatt Hotels Foundation, a donor-advised fund created in conjunction with the National Philanthropic Trust. In 2013, Hyatt Hill Country was one of 26 Hyatt properties from around the world awarding more than US$340,000 in grants to nonprofits in their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, Hyatt hotels have awarded nearly US$1,700,000 to nonprofit organizations in 103 communities and 34 countries around the world.

For more information about Hyatt Community Grants, please visit www.hyattthrive/philanthropy.com.

About Hyatt Thrive
Hyatt’s global corporate responsibility platform, Hyatt Thrive, is designed to help make our communities places where our associates are proud to work, our guests want to visit, our neighbors want to live and owners want to invest. Harnessing the power of more than 90,000 associates worldwide, Hyatt Thrive brings together teams of passionate people to focus on positive local efforts that create a significant global impact.

Hyatt expanded its corporate responsibility commitment with the launch of Ready to Thrive in 2013, a multi-year philanthropic commitment to education initiatives in Hyatt communities around the world. With a focus on literacy and career readiness, Ready to Thrive supports community organizations and programs that offer a launching point for individuals to learn and develop the critical skills needed to professionally advance.

For more information about Hyatt Thrive, please visit www.HyattThrive.com.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation or one or more of its affiliates.

About the Hyatt Regency Hill Country
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is located on 300-scenic acres in the heart of San Antonio. The recently renovated 500-room resort features 53,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 165,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space.

Resort amenities include the full-service Windflower-The Hill Country Spa featuring 21-treatment rooms with world-class services, a five-acre water park with a FlowRider® wave machine, 22’ tower waterslide, four swimming pools, Ramblin’ River and regulation sized sand volleyball court. With five restaurants, a lounge and tavern, guests can enjoy superb epicurean dining or cocktails with colleagues overlooking a lushly landscaped 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course. For reservations or information contact 210-647-1234 or visit us at hillcountry.hyatt.com.

Respite Care provides specialized care to families with special needs children

By North SA Chamber Editor
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respitelogofinalRespite Care of San Antonio, celebrating its 26th anniversary, provides specialized care to families caring for a child with special needs. Services offered provide families a temporary break from the demands of caring for a child. A developmental daycare also offers fulltime early childhood interventions for children with numerous needs including newborns and toddlers that are medically complex to empowering families to work and gain financial resources.

respite support photoPerhaps what Respite Care represents most to friends who have visited our home is the safe haven provided for children in crisis. For the past decade, Respite Care of San Antonio serves the most vulnerable in our society, children with special needs who are victims of abuse or neglect. Our homes are the only licensed, round the clock residential facilities in Texas to children with developmental disabilities and often times complex medical diagnoses. Demand for care for children in protective custody continues to rise. A 66% increase in needed bed space for children in crisis has occurred in the past ten years. Several majestic homes within the historic Monte Vista neighborhood serve as a safe haven in need of loving hands and specialized care to aid in their physical and emotional healing.

Respite Care also empowers families to serve as foster parents to children with special needs. Members of the team invite prospective foster parents to join in caring for a child and or sibling groups until forever, permanent homes can be established.

Respite Care has been a partner with members of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce for many years. Respite Care benefits from the numerous offerings of trainings and small business development opportunities to increase efficiencies and managerial practices. Bert Pfiester, CEO of Respite Care of San Antonio, is a former chair of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and recently presented to the members of Lead SA sponsored by the North Chamber.

If you would like to extend support to Respite Care, consider becoming a Friend of Respite. Friends of Respite is a group that was founded in 2002 to provide support for children with special needs, with funds utilized for the purchase of various supplies, such as specialized baby formula, clothing, toiletries and the cost of essential medical care. Gift memberships are also available for family, friends and associates. Also, members of the North Chamber are invited to assist in empowering the needed services to children in crisis. Items and services to be presented at upcoming events assist in raising much needed resources for the costly care of children with complex medical diagnoses.

To learn more about Respite Care of San Antonio or to become a Friend of Respite, visit their website at www.respitecaresa.org.

Respite Care of San Antonio celebrates 26 years of service to families, children with special needs

By North SA Chamber Editor
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respitelogofinalRespite Care of San Antonio serves families caring for children with special needs, the only agency of its kind in San Antonio providing highly individualized care in a loving, home-like environment to children with developmental disabilities and complex medical diagnoses. To celebrate 26 years of the provision of these unique services to children, Respite Care’s 26th Anniversary Luncheon will be held Thursday, November 14, 2013, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the historic Pearl Stables, located at 312 Pearl Parkway. We are pleased to welcome a special guest, John O’Leary, who will share his inspiring story of tragedy and personal triumph. We hope you will join us as we see, first hand, the incredible power of the human spirit.

Because of Respite Care, families enjoy much-needed temporary breaks from the intense care often required by these special children. The Davidson Respite House and the Najim Family Respite Home provide safe shelter to children with special needs and their siblings who are in protective custody as a result of abuse or neglect. The homes are notably the only shelters in Texas dedicated to children in need of specialized care.

To learn more about Respite Care, how you can help or to make reservations to attend this very special celebration call 210-737-1212 or visit www.respitecaresa.org.