Workshop - Celebrating 50 Years of Service

On September 24, 2007 in the Adult Training and Employment Services (ATES) building, also known as the workshop, The Center held a special ceremony to celebrate 50 years of operation. The first work training program opened September 1957 serving only 15 clients. Today, ATES helps more than 250 adults learn the social and vocational skills they need to function in the workplace. The special event, complete with celebratory food and cake, and a large showing of Center supporters, friends and past employees, made the day extra special for the clients who work at the West Dallas campus. Houston’s Mayor Bill White presented The Center with a proclamation honoring ATES’ fifty years of services to Houstonians with special needs. Eva Aguirre, The Center’s executive director, recognized several in attendance for their individual contributions to the success of the program including Art Jackson, of METRO, for the agency’s continuous support over many years, Richard Gruen, former ATES director, and Dr. Frank Borreca, the heart of The Center, for his dedication and vision for workshop training and services. In addition, Bob Von Minden and Hattie Adams were recognized for their long years of service (since 1965 and 1967, respectively).