Special Strong is giving local businesses a platform to share how their services can make a difference for people with special needs. This service provider is North Texas SNAP, a jack of all trades resource center for adults with special needs.
What Does SNAP of North Texas Do?
North Texas SNAP is a nonprofit dedicated to creating and supporting a variety of programs and services for individuals 17 and older. In particular, those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our members all have their own unique needs. Their personal potential is a guiding factor in the way we develop activities and programs. Because of this, we designed these activities and programs to help them achieve the skills necessary to succeed in society.
Members can grow in a positive and caring environment. Here we help to nurture friendships and develop life skills.
At North Texas SNAP We Offer Many Programs
Some of our programs are:
Ambassador Club
Book Club
Expanded Living Program
Girls’ Night Out
J.O.B.S. Club
Workforce Internship Program
Internship Program
Men’s Club
Social Activities (dances, socials, community events)
North Texas SNAP is a great place to make friends and find a network of support for the entire family!
Tell Us Your Story and How You Got Started
In 1999, a group of parents in Northeast Tarrant County were looking for opportunities for their children. These were all children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They were specifically interested in programs for after they graduated from high school and approached adulthood. An area where social services seemed to be failing to address. As a result, many of them would end up falling by the wayside.
These parents found what appeared to be a fragmented social service system very frustrating. Because of this, they saw a need for effective support for their sons, daughters and other families in similar situations. As a result of this, the group began brainstorming ways they could make a difference in the lives of adults. Especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The resulting efforts would lead them to take a bold step in the right direction.
Most noteworthy is the fact that they did not have any experience in developing and managing a nonprofit organization. Yet, this small but courageous group of parents founded North Texas Special Needs Assistance Partners (SNAP). North Texas SNAP is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals 17 and older. Particularly those who are living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Since the Inception of North Texas Snap
Since its inception, North Texas SNAP has expanded its circle to serve approximately 200 intellectually disabled adults throughout North Texas. Our membership ranges significantly in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Furthermore, the group includes the intellectually disabled member, their families, business professionals, and community members.
At SNAP our commitment is to help these individuals achieve their goals. As a result, we have become a strong voice for change that helps our members. As a result, our goal is to create an active community for those with disabilities and their families. Above all, we want to create a network that can support independence. Even more importantly, our goal is to foster choice and personal success for generations to come.
If Someone was Considering Your Services, What Would You Want Them to Know?
Thank you for considering North Texas SNAP! We want you to know that we understand what it’s like to be an adult living with an intellectual/developmental disability. Our founders all come from backgrounds that involve family members with special needs. We believe this makes us uniquely qualified to take on this challenge.
Our members have the same hopes and dreams as their peers living without intellectual and developmental disabilities. They want to have jobs, friends, relationships and decent affordable housing. In other words, they want what everyone wants, the chance to live the American dream!
Our commitment is to help our members achieve these goals. We do this by providing them with a solid support system for generations to come.
When you join SNAP, you will find we offer a range of activities. These include a variety of dances and community events, job skill training and independent living skills. All things that make it possible for our members to enjoy life. We want them to be successful, no matter what challenges they face.
There is no pressure to attend all our events… just come to whatever you are comfortable with. Furthermore, you can visit us as often or infrequently as you like. No one here will ever judge you. We want you and your family to feel safe and at home whenever you are here.
Here Are a Few Testimonials for You to Read
“I love SNAP, I have a lot of friends and I like bowling. I like to go to dances with my girlfriend. Project Neighbor helps me to live on my own. Personally, I like the Men’s Club and all the different sports events and activities. At first, I was afraid, but I learned how to be safe, cook, clean and take care of myself.” – Chad
“SNAP is a great way to be social and make new friends! Girls Night Out has helped me discover new things. The Expanded Living Program has helped me become more independent. It has also helped me to prepare for when I move out on my own.” – Courtney
“Before SNAP I didn’t have “a life.” Now I have lots of friends and get to enjoy fun activities like Men’s Club, Supper Club and Rangers’ games. And I get to learn how to be a better man.” – Patrick
“My favorite thing about North Texas SNAP is it’s fun! I like people and I like to help my friends. Furthermore, I like going to the movies with my friends and learning about leadership in the Men’s Club. Boy am I glad SNAP has helped me through Paul Baker to get a job. It has also made it possible for me to live on my own. Because of it, I am learning how to do things like budgeting my money.” – Marius
I like to go bowling with SNAP because of the great people. Plus I get to enjoy all of this at a great price! I have become much more social since joining SNAP.” – Luigi
Contact Information
Executive Director: Jen Ulatoski-Job
Email: [email protected]