The Center For Pursuit
To promote the pursuit of choice, growth and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism or similar conditions.
The Center for Pursuit’s humble origins began in 1950 when a small group of parents of children with intellectual disabilities came together to share their concerns and hopes for their children’s future. Driven by the conviction that their children could live meaningful, rewarding lives with proper support and care, the parents combined resources to form The Center, planting a visionary seed at a time when institutionalization and isolation were the norm.
Their vision for The Center fully broke ground when they hired Dr. Frank Borreca in 1956 as the first full-time executive director. A native of New York, Dr. Borreca’s life was shaped by two experiences that ultimately brought him to The Center. The first took place while he was serving in the Pacific during WWI; it was there that Dr. Borreca encountered a local farmer whose son with disabilities could be heard wailing from the barn where he was kept in a cage hidden from local authorities who would “take him away” if discovered. Later, while completing his graduate degree at Columbia University, he had the opportunity to work with a group of children with Down syndrome. Inspired by the children and never forgetting the cries of the farmer’s son, he knew his life’s purpose was to advocate for those with developmental disabilities so that they would be treated with the dignity they deserved.
Dr. Borreca’s compassion would prove fertile ground for The Center to flourish. Through his careful cultivation of innovative programs and services, The Center grew deep roots in the Houston community and branches extending outward to reach and serve a diverse array of individuals. Throughout the 35 years that Dr. Borreca served as Executive Director of The Center he kept a small piece of paper on his desk with the words written “Lest we forget why we are here” as a simple reminder that The Center is here because every individual, regardless of ability, possesses an inherent worth and innate potential that must be nurtured and allowed to flourish. We will never forget.
Financials
Programs
Caning Furniture Repair
CUSTOM WORK SINCE 1979
Founded in 1979 by a mother seeking a creative work opportunity for her daughter, Cullen Caners restores cane, rush, and wicker furnishings to meet customer specifications, including repairing or replacing hand-woven or prefabricated materials.
MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT
Cullen Caners are skilled at handling difficult and precise patterns. The Center’s caning program is self-supporting and provides employment for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities.
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
Customers include antique dealers, museums, decorators, businesses, and individuals.
Camp Pursuit
Camp Pursuit is an adult Saturday program filled with fun activities ideal for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and other similar conditions to enjoy. Each Camp is packed with a variety of activities that promote a sense of belonging and the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, find new interests, and practice their social skills.
Join us to unplug, have fun, try something new, and make friends.
Date & Time: Every Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm
Location: The Center for Pursuit, 4400 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011
Lunch included
ADULT DAY PROGRAM
Every individual at The Center for Pursuit has the opportunity to enhance their life with the skills and education to live a fulfilling life. The Adult Day Program is a licensed DAHS Individual Skill and Socialization program providing classes, activities, and outings on and offsite to enrich and strengthen the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and other similar conditions. Our program is divided into three specialized divisions – Pursuit Learning Academy, Adult Activity Center, and Memory Care – each designed to address the unique needs of our community members. Our dedicated and well-trained staff are equipped to provide personalized care and support while promoting independence, growth, and choice. By enriching the lives of our participants, all divisions strive to create a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
COUNSELING AND BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Counseling and Behavior Support Services at The Center for Pursuit provides counseling and behavioral support by licensed clinicians to adolescents, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and other similar conditions. Counseling services are open to any qualifying community member regardless of whether or not they are currently enrolled as clients of The Center.
Services include:
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Behavior supports (therapy and support plans)
Psychiatric services, PHP, and IOP are not currently offered by The Center for Pursuit. Individuals needing these services will need to seek an external provider.
Counseling services are offered in a safe and confidential environment at The Center and via telehealth where individuals can explore their personal feelings and concerns in an effort to increase self-awareness, make good choices, establish satisfying relationships, set personal goals, and achieve overall mental well-being. Counseling also helps those living with emotional, psychological, social, or behavioral problems as well as other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Behavioral supports are also provided by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), in office, via telehealth, and in the person’s home (if applicable) to help individuals, family members, and other caregivers through training and consulting to learn how to manage behavioral challenges in a positive way. Additionally, behavioral supports help to educate the individual, family members, and other caregivers about ways to assist the individual in managing maladaptive or unacceptable behaviors.
Enrichment Services
The Center’s Enrichment Services program renders support to adults with I/DD, Autism or similar conditions 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.
Employment Services
Employment Services at The Center for Pursuit provides customized employment planning and assistance for transitioning youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and other similar conditions. Our primary goal is to help motivated individuals to find success in competitive, integrated, and community-based employment in areas of their interest. We provide person-centered planning through every stage of the employment journey with services that include:
Pre-Employment Evaluations
Vocational Evaluation | Birkman Assessment
Personal Social Adjustment Training (PSAT)
Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT)
Pre-Employment Training for Transitioning Youth (ages 14-22)
Job Placement Assistance
Supported Employment
Job Coaching | Job Skills Training
At The Center for Pursuit, we have high expectations for all of those we serve. We are dedicated to improving the employment landscape for individuals with IDD, autism, and other similar conditions by helping participants in Employment Services to embrace and demonstrate their professional abilities.
Volunteering + Events
Volunteer at Camp Pursuit!
Volunteering at The Center for Pursuit is more than an opportunity for service; it’s an invitation to join a community where you find inspiration in unexpected places. Whether you’re looking for a one-time experience or an ongoing commitment, there is a place for you at The Center.
The Center needs volunteers every day of the week in multiple areas, and we take special care to match your unique skill set to where it is needed most. We also welcome schools, churches, and businesses looking to make a difference to those we serve. When you apply to volunteer at The Center, you are applying for a truly personalized volunteer experience that you will not find anywhere else.
If you would like to be a volunteer at The Center, please check out our current opportunities and submit your information through our online Volunteer Application Portal. (Click Learn More below)
Do you have a skill to share that is not listed in our current volunteer opportunities? Please contact Teaya Smith at 713-525-8317.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Center is grateful to be the beneficiary of several special events throughout the year that raise funds and awareness for our cause.
The Center for Pursuit has provided growth, choice, and opportunity to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 70 years. The Center is here because every individual, regardless of ability, possesses an inherent worth and innate potential that must be nurtured and allowed to flourish.