The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation

Excellence in Government Award

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:05:39 GMT

Center Resident - Janis "JJ" Jackson recipient Excellance in Government Award - Employeee With Disabilities

Willow River Farms

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:36:02 GMT

Willow River Farms offers a rural, family style lifestyle for adults with developmental disabilities and related conditions. It was founded on the principle that every individual has value and something to contribute to the community. In this rural setting residents realize their potential and experience the satisfaction and pride that comes from productive work. The community features cottage-style residences situated around a picturesque central courtyard near the banks of the Brazos River in San Felipe, Texas. Meaningful employment opportunities, vocational training, and day activities are provided, including Artisan studios. Parents and family members who wanted a rural living option for their loved ones envisioned Willow River Farms. The vision was made a reality in 1989 by The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation. The Center is a private not-for-profit United Way Agency, and has been responding to the needs of people with developmental disabilities since...

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:34:34 GMT

Willow River Farms offers rural, family style living for adults with Mental Retardation. Now accepting ICF clients. Features an artisan community, extensive landscaping program, and More >>

Wish Lists

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:36:00 GMT

The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation accepts in kind donations of needed supplies, equipment or services. Donated items help keep our administrative costs down and donors may be eligible for a tax deduction. Please take a moment to review our wish list. If you find a wish that you are able to fulfill please contact Gifts In Kind as listed above. In kind donations are not limited to the wish list items below. If you have questions as to whether or not we can use a specific item please contact Gifts In Kind. Pick up of donations can be arranged for donors in the Houston area. AdultActivityCenter Automatic External Difibrillator Bath Towels Jackets, Shirts, Sweaters, Socks (For Adult Men and Women) - gently used Refrigerator Recliners (leather or vinyl) Tables and Chairs Twin Bed Sheets (Flannel or Cotton) Underwear (for adult men or women) Adult Training & Employment Services Arts & Crafts Supplies for classrooms (non-toxic) Carpet...

Admissions Department

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:02:33 GMT

The Admissions Department serves as the initial point of contact for all inquiries to ensure potential applicants are connected to programs and services which best meet their needs. The Department provides assistance and direction for families and agencies that wish to access Center services. Contact Us >> Admission Aplication Below *Note* Please print and complete forms 1-12 and fax to Rick Rettig at 713-525-8334. In order to be considered for admissions, all forms must be completed. 1. Application For Services 2. Physical Examination 3. Medication Policy 4. Physicians Request for Administration 5. Admissions - Medication History 6. Emergency Authorization 7. Advance Directives 8. Receipt of Notice of Privacy 9. Program Information Receipt 10. DPT Immunization Record 11. Seizure Classification 12. Admissions - Intake Folder Checklist

Board of Trustees

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:03:21 GMT

Officers:

David Baldwin, President
Jerry Johnston Andrew, Vice President/Secretary
Elizabeth DeLuca, Vice President
Mark T. Dulworth, Vice President
Bernard Z. Lee, Vice President/ Treasurer

Trustees:

Jim Aycock
C. Len Benckenstein
Craig Bergez
Christopher P. Borreca
Joseph A. Cialone, II
Jonathan DePriest
Louis M. Ditta
Jack T. Dulworth
Joni Fichter
Elizabeth Lyons Ghrist
Arthur E. Jones
Marcy E. Kurtz
Jack B. Manning
Mark McCollum
Dena Prasher
Thad “Bo” Smith
Tana Wood

Life Trustee:

Dr. Frank Borreca

LifeCare

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:01:23 GMT

LifeCare’s Commitment to Your Personal Care Plan Mission Statement: The mission of the LifeCare program is to assist those families of persons with disabilities served by The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation in the preparation of individual plans for the support and personal advocacy services for such persons with disabilities when the primary caregiver (parents, guardian, advocate or whomever is filling the role) is no longer able or available to continue the tasks they had previously performed. The Foundation is committed to supporting the mission and goals of The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation, and assists families in planning for the care of their family member with a developmental disability.The Foundation does this through its program of LifeCare. LifeCare services include development of a Personal Care Plan, Advocacy, Guardianship and Trust Management. LifeCare represents the wishes of the family and acts on their behalf when it...

Board of Governors

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:14:44 GMT

Board Officers:

Jack B. Manning, President
Brian J. Cohen, Vice President
Wilson Windle, Secretary
Glen Shepard, Treasurer

Board Members:

Jerry Armstrong
Jim Aycock
David C. Baldwin
Christopher P. Borreca
Frank A. Borreca, Ed.D.
Ian J. Butler, M.D.

Debra Collins

Anne Harvey Cowan
Lorene M. Cox
Nona Dancer
Joni Hruska Fichter
Cathy Coers Frank
Elizabeth L. Ghrist
Robert M. Goodside
Henry A. Hill

C. Wayne Johnson
Gwen S. Koch
Bernard Z. Lee
Monica Loesch
Harold I. Nicoll
Jesse V. Noland, Jr.
Darl Petty
Jon M. Prather
Linda H. Rava
Ellin Royds
Greg A. Savage
Betsy D. Smith
Barbara M. Sylvester
James W. Williams

Life Member:

Jerry Johnston Andrew

Raymond Terrell

Contact for Contribution of Stock

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:53:08 GMT

To make a contribution of stock, please have your broker contact:

Ralph F. Ruske
Frost National Bank - Vice President & Trust Officer
1200 Smith St, Suite 2200 (Two Allen Center)
Houston TX 77002
rruske@frostbank.com
713-388-7650 telephone
713-388-7808 fax
1-800-438-4891 x77650 toll free

To electronically transfer a contribution from your bank or financial institution:

Frost Bank - Texas
ABA #114000093
For further credit to Foundation for the Retarded
Account No. 170007609

You may also contact:

Debra S. Collins, Executive Director at Foundation for the Retarded
713-525-8479 or dcollins@cri-usa.org

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:50:36 GMT

Let Us Work For You

Tue, 29 May 2007 19:49:17 GMT

Momentum Industries

Texas Home Living Programs (TXHML)

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 16:00:37 GMT

Our services include two locations: 1. Cullen Hall (West Dallas Campus) near downtown Houston, Texas, and 2. Willow River Farms (San Felipe). Texas Home Living Services (TxHmL) The Texas Home Living program is a Medicaid wavier program approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) pursuant to 1915 © of the Social Security Act. It provides community-based services and supports to eligible individuals who live in their own home. DADS operate the TxHmL program under the authority of HHSC. The TxHmL Program is limited to the number of Individuals in specified target groups and to the geographic areas approved by CMS. TxHmL program service components are divided into service categories, Community Living Service Category and Technical/Professional Supports Services category. Each category has an annual cost limit referred to as the services category limit. The combined cost of the service categories must not exceed $10,000 per individual per IPC year. The...

Products and Services

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:12:03 GMT

Artisan Products The Artisan Products program provides meaningful employment for the residents of Willow River Farms. Residents may weave placemats and rugs, make paper the old-fashioned way, embroider, knit, create one-of-a-kind ceramics and make hand-dipped candles. The Artisans at Willow River Farms take pride in their creations; many of which are sold to the public. Click here to see a sampling of the handcrafted Artisan products that are available for sale. Caning Founded in 1979, Cullen Caners restores caning, rushing and wicker furnishings to meet customer specifications. Cullen Caners can repair or replace hand woven or prefabricated materials. Please note: Cullen Caners does not repair or stain furniture. Gingersnaps Why wait for the holidays? Treat yourself to Gingersnaps, Cheesesnaps, Fruitcakes & Crunchy Chocolate Nuggets! GINGERSNAPS ETC. is 100% volunteer driven. All proceeds from the sales of products in these web sites go to enrich the lives of the 600 adults...

Adult Training & Employment Services A.T.E.S.

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:10:28 GMT

The mission of Adult Training & Employment Services is to provide training, employment services and support to persons with developmental disabilities. Through these activities, The Center empowers them to achieve community integration by maximizing their social and vocational independence. Momentum Industries Momentum Industries, an Adult Training & Employment Services program, provides adults with developmental disabilities, programs where they can learn work habits and skills needed to become valued employees. One of the primary goals of the program is to enable persons to acquire the skills they need to be seen by employers, as contributing members of their work force. A.T.E.S. offers various options to respond to individual needs: day habilitation services, work center training, supervised off site crews and supported employment. Momentum Industries provides a ready work force of over 250 trainees to the business community. Not only is contract work performed within the work...

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:59:44 GMT

The West Dallas campus offers vocational programs, day habilitation, adult day care, residential care and many other amenities. More >>

Home & Community Based Services (HCS)

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:08:35 GMT

Our services include two locations: 1. Cullen Hall (West Dallas Campus) near downtown Houston, Texas, and 2. Willow River Farms (San Felipe). Home and Community Based Services (HCS) The HCS program is a Medicaid wavier program approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) pursuant to 1915 © of the Social Security Act. It provides community-based services and supports to eligible individuals an alternative to the ICF/MR program. DADS operate the HCS program under the authority of HHSC. The HCS Program is limited to the number of Individuals in specified target groups and to the geographic areas approved by CMS. HCS program service components are selected for inclusion in an individual’s IPC to ensure the individual’s health and welfare in the community supplement rather than replace that individual’s natural supports and other community services for which the individual may be eligible, and prevent the individual’s admission to...

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:55:02 GMT

The Center Serving Persons With Mental Retardation To access our IRS 990 click here: www.guidestar.org NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES Effective April 14, 2003 Download PDF NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES - Effective April 14, 2003 NOTA DE NUESTRAS PRACTICAS SOBRE LA PROTECION DE SU INFORMACION INTIMA - Efectivo el 14 de Abril del 2003 This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. When you receive treatment or benefits from our main campus location or any one of our satellite sites, we will obtain and/or create protected health information about you. Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any information that relates to (1) your past, present or future physical or mental health or condition; (2) the health care provided to you; and (3) the past, present or future payment for your health care, for which there is reasonable basis to believe the information...

Day Programs

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:50:10 GMT

The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation offers a wide array of programs to meet the needs of all individuals.

Several day programs are offered at The Center to provide enrichment activities for individuals of all ages:

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:32:01 GMT

Click here to learn how to support The Center.

Willow River Farms - Programs

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:14:15 GMT

<< To Willow River Farms Main Page

Artisan Program

Residents at Willow River Farms have the opportunity to build new skills at home, in the artisan studio and through farm and community activities. A team consisting of the resident and their family along with WRF & The Center staff establish an individualized plan for each resident. This plan is tailored to each person's individual needs and desires. This approach enables individuals to focus on personal goals rather than standardized or production benchmarks. Willow River Farms is a unique community in that it was developed based on the needs and goals of its residents, and will continue to change or develop in an effort to assure the individual outcomes sought by its residents. During the year, the individuals produce a wide range of artisan products. These include quilts, handmade paper products, woven mats, ceramics, and hand dipped candles. Everyone has an opportunity to participate in the sale of these items through custom orders and at community events.

For More Information:

Contact: Sondra Williams (713)525-8300
Artisan Info: Leona Marshall (713)525-8300
Additional Info: Rick Rettig 713-525-8318

Novemberfest, 2006 - Photo Gallery

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:30:15 GMT

Cullen Residence Hall

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:16:33 GMT

The Cullen Residence Hall is home to nearly 200 men and women. In addition to private living quarters, the Cullen complex provides a dining room, a snack bar, an on-site bank, a Laundromat, a gift shop, health and dental services, and housekeeping and transportation services. Planned social activities and lounge and recreational areas build community while assistive services are designed for each individual to promote independent living.

Cullen Residence Hall is located on the main campus of The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation at 810 Marston Drive, Houston, Texas 77019.

Obtain more information on Cullen Residence Hall, or call (713) 525-8318 to answer your questions about enrollment.

Additional Residential Programs

Respite Services
Supported Living
Willow River Farms

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:56:25 GMT

Click here for more information. More>>

Artisan Products

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:30:30 GMT

Available for Sale at Willow River Farms >>

Adult Activity Center

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:10:45 GMT

The Adult Activity Center provides age-appropriate enrichment activities and community interaction for people with multiple disabilities or complex medical conditions. Activities include, but are not limited to, gardening, music, movies, crafts, socializing with friends, exercising, cultural trips and independent living skills. The activities stimulate self-awareness and encourage socialization while providing the physical, rehabilitative, and social services that improve or maintain an individual's level of independence.

The program's goal is to prevent premature or unnecessary prolonged placement of participants in institutions. The Adult Activity Center provides and encourages full participation on a regular basis.

Willow River Farms - Additional Information

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:07:53 GMT

<< To Willow River Farms Main Page

Health Care

Willow River Farms also provides health services. Two nurses are available daily to respond to routine health care and/or medication needs. Additional health care is coordinated with The Center and community based health services. Each person served at Willow River Farms must have health insurance to cover doctor's visits, acute care hospitalization and prescriptions. Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance fulfills this need.

In addition, therapeutic counseling is available with psychologist or other licensed professionals. Counseling services may be short-term or ongoing, based on each individual’s needs.

Financial

Willow River Farms is a not-for-profit program, operated by The Center. The land and facilities were purchased through the fund-raising activities of our Foundation. Currently, the tuition at Willow River Farms is $2,700 per month for the majority of residents. We also offer services for individuals with more intensive medical needs. The tuition for this program is $3,800. Some financial assistance is available for qualifying individuals through our Foundation. In addition, we have 12 beds which are funded through the ICF-MR program for qualifying individuals.

Licenses

Willow River Farms is licensed by the following agencies:

TDHS - Texas Department of Human Services (Type A and Type B Assisted Living Facility)
ICF-MR - Intermediate Care Facility for Mental Retardation

Employment

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:44:39 GMT

Welcome to the Employment section of our website!

The Center - Serving Persons with Mental Retardation, Human Resources office seeks to promote a diverse, professional environment which attracts qualified employees. The Center is an equal opportunity employer. The Human Resources department hours of operation is Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm.Our job hotline number is 713-525-8333.

Employment Applications

Employment applications may be obtained from the Human Resources by visiting their offices. They are located in The Center’s Chi Omega Alumnae Building #2, on the ground floor.

If you would like to fax us your resume, our fax number is 713-525-8489.

Download Application >>

You may also, upload your resume and apply for jobs online.

Supported Living Program

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 21:53:17 GMT

Residential Services Our Residential Services programs present a caring home-like environment for adults with mental retardation and related disabilities. The Center’s residential programs are designed to support the personal goals and choices of each person served. We promote autonomy and independence, while encouraging maximum self-help skills, social skills, domestic skills, and money management skills. The Center offers 3 residential options: Cullen Residence Hall, a six-story high rise located near downtown Houston, Willow River Farm, our rural setting located in Sealy Texas, and Supported Living, an apartment based program. Services include: 24-Hour Staff Supervision Behavioral Services Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF-MR) Medical Services MHMRA (Funding Source) HCS Nutritional Services Service Coordination Social Services Cullen Residence Hall (CRH) Open since 1974 Dormitory style setting Shared living quarters, and single...

Donations

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:43:12 GMT

The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation and the Foundation for the Retarded are both 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Donors may choose to restrict the use of funds for specific projects or programs or make a general donation to be utilized as needed. Donations may be utilized for:

Tuition assistance
Client events, such as summer camp or the annual Holiday Banquet
Capital Expenditures, Renovations and Maintenance needs
Equipment and Supplies

More Information

To make a monetary donation, please download and submit the Donation Form or call (713) 525-8484.

Online Application

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 19:08:33 GMT

Online Application

Momentum Industries

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:17:28 GMT

Momentum Industries is a division of the Adult Training and Employment Services (ATES) program that provides a variety of services to the community and other organizations and corporations. Momentum Industries Services include:

Caning
Landscaping
Mail Service & Packaging
Assembly

Contact Momentum Industries at (713) 525-8305 for a price quote on any services or to further discuss your project needs.

Artisan Products

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:16:07 GMT

The Artisan Products program provides meaningful employment for the residents of Willow River Farms.

Residents may weave placemats and rugs, make paper the old-fashioned way, embroider, knit, create one-of-a-kind ceramics and make hand-dipped candles.

The Artisans at Willow River Farms take pride in their creations; many of which are sold to the public.

Below is a sampling of the handcrafted Artisan products that are available for sale.

The Caroline School

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 20:11:25 GMT

The Caroline School at The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation currently serves students 12 months to 9 years of age with multiple disabilities, medically fragile health conditions and severe and profound developmental delays. With class sizes of 5 and a staff to student ratio of 1:2.5, children are out of their wheelchairs, learning to move toward desired goals, finding outlets for their creativity and maximizing self-help skills.

At The Caroline School teachers focus on what a child can do, building skills slowly step by step. Students are provided with a positive year-round learning environment including therapeutic activities in the gym, on the playground and in the sensory stimulation room.

Young at Heart

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:11:00 GMT

The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation's Young at Heart program provides enrichment activities for those individuals who are retired. The program concentrates on training and maintaining daily living skills such as safety, personal grooming, money management and more.

Daily activities may include community outings to Houston's hot spots, arts and crafts, cultural enrichment, and exercise and fitness activities.

Places to go and people to see, what's happening this month in Young at Heart:

Miller Outdoor Theater
Wings Over Houston Air Show
Lake Charles Casino
Fishing trip
Birthday celebration
Bar-b-cue
Houston Zoo

Center Respite Services

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:48:49 GMT

The Center Respite Services are available to adults to offer caregivers a break from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a family member with developmental disabilities.

Overnight respite can be provided to adults through Cullen Residence Hall or Willow River Farms. Overnight respite services include daytime activities such as employment and/or leisure programs. Overnight respite stays cannot exceed thirty consecutive days.

Day respite services are available to adults through the Adult Activity Center program. Day respite is available on a partial or full day basis.

To provide the most appropriate levels of care, an admissions application must be made before the Center Respite Services can be provided.

Behavioral Services

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:38:31 GMT

The goal for Behavioral Services is for ALL residents to be successful at home and at work. To reach that goal, many have adopted a three-tiered model of behavioral support. Interventions, Targeting Behaviors, and Intensive Counseling @ (wraparound) levels to teach ALL residents what they must do to be successful. (Ways of dealing with feelings and various coping skills) Academic Connection There is no question that people with mental retardation exhibit challenging behaviors, but some experience academic failure. If interventions are designed and implemented to directly teach academic (e.g., counting money and reading) and behavioral deficiencies, our program can improve residents academic performance and reduce problem behavior. When does a resident need a behavior plan? If a resident has a pattern of inappropriate behavior, parents and IEP teams must be proactive before there is any kind of serious incident, real or perceived. Intervention should be swift, with a proactive...

Mental Retardation

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:36:38 GMT

Mental retardation is a developmental disorder characterized by significantly below-average intelligence (an intelligence quota [IQ] below 70) and an inability to function in and adapt to daily life without assistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental retardation affects about 12 out of every 1,000 school children in the United States, making it the most common developmental disorder. Any brain injury or developmental problem in the brain may result in mental retardation. Such problems may occur before, during or after birth. Prenatal causes of mental retardation include genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome), infections in the mother or fetus during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, chickenpox) and exposure to various harmful substances (e.g., medications, alcohol, recreational drugs, radiation) during pregnancy. Serious infections in infancy (e.g., meningitis, measles) and serious head injuries (e.g., head trauma, shaken baby syndrome) in infants...

Services

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 21:53:30 GMT

Services

Caning

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:56:21 GMT

Cullen Caners

Founded in 1979, Cullen Caners restores caning, rushing and wicker furnishings to meet customer specifications. Cullen Caners can repair or replace hand woven or prefabricated materials. Please note Cullen Caners does no repair or stain furniture.

Our satisfied customers include:

Antique Dealers
Museums
Decorators
Local Businesses

The History of Cullen Caners:

Cullen Caners was established by a mother seeking a creative work opportunity for her daughter with mental retardation. She mastered the craft and taught others how to handle the difficult and precise patterns.

Today, Cullen Caners is a self supporting program. This program provides paid employment for 12 adults with mental retardation. Cullen Caners is operated by the volunteer services program of The Center – Serving Persons With Mental Retardation. Founded by parents in 1950, C.R.I. is a private not for profit United Way Agency.

Cullen Caners ~ Volunteer and Learn to Cane

Volunteers are integral to the on-going success of Cullen Caners. Volunteers are taught to cane and work in partnership with CRI staff and the caners. For more volunteer information, please call (713) 525-8453. We look forward to your involvement with this unique program.

Gingersnaps, Cheesesnaps and Fruitcake

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:19:59 GMT

Why wait for the holidays? Treat yourself to Gingersnaps, Cheesesnaps, and Fruitcake Made by loving volunteers to benefit The Center: Serving Persons with Mental Retardation. The holidays are coming. Are you ready? Having a party? Buying gifts? Want to help someone at the same time? What better way to celebrate than this gift of goodies! Visit GingersnapsETC.org for more info and to order >> The Gingersnaps Story Dear Friends: The Willow River Farms Gingersnaps came into being at the request of Barbara Bush. It began like this. Mrs. Bush was visiting her husband’s office one day where I am a volunteer and informed me that she liked Gingersnaps a lot more than fruitcakes and suggested that Willow River Farms make Gingersnaps their project as well as Fruitcakes. I asked her if she would support the project and she said that she would be happy to. Next, we went to work to develop a recipe that was crisp and spicy with lots of taste. We began the task of making...