Helping children and young adults with ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and AVB (Applied Verbal Behavior) Therapy.

Services include:

• Consultative Services
• Life skills training
• Social skills group and workshops
• Academic tutoring

Our Goodwill Good Careers Centers provide free career assistance to anyone seeking employment or a new career.

Our trained staff can help you answer the following questions:

• How do I write my resume to highlight my experience and get the attention of recruiters?
• How do I search for and apply for jobs that meet my needs?
• What careers am I interested in and how do I get started?
• What should I expect during an interview and how do I make a good first impression?
• What workplace skills do I need to be successful at my new job?
• What are the best ways to apply for government jobs?

Our staff provides one-on-one career coaching that focuses on:

• Identifying your career interests
• Developing or updating your resume
• Connecting to employers
• Completing online job applications
• Practicing interview tactics

If you have a hearing or vision disability, we can coordinate support for you.

Click here for a downloadable informational flyer in English and Spanish.

Financially assists deaf educators with classroom accommodations, supplies and equipment, outreach inclusion, and training and conference fees.

Click here for registration and a list of FAQS.

Eligibility:

Educators/administrators of deaf/hard-of-hearing children/teens ages 0–22 (high school completion)

• Who teaches music and arts
• Who teaches core subjects, most especially reading and language arts
• Those who have facilities, supplies, and resources but need additional resources for classroom enrichment

Aid the Silent considers applications for financial support from educators who work with deaf/hard-of-hearing children/teens ages 2-18

• On necessary independent speech therapy sessions or American Sign Language lessons
• On language acquisition and literacy
• In the study and performance of music
• In the research and creation of the arts
• Are willing to work in collaboration with Aid the Silent to retrieve data
• Are eager to report Aid the Silent on the pre-and post-program implementation to ensure its success

Provides financial assistance for communication resources such as hearing aids, assistive communication devices, sign language lessons, speech therapy, etc.

Eligibility:

• Between the ages of birth and 22 years old (while in high school)
• Medically diagnosed with hearing loss
• Must prove financial hardship

Click here to apply for resources.

Join Team Aid the Silent as we gather together to support the deaf and hard-of-hearing community at our annual 5K / 10k walk or run race in the Texas Hill Country. Help raise awareness while you enjoy a great walk or run in the historic downtown Boerne.

Stroll along the beautiful Boerne river walk, view local artwork from area donors and enjoy the scenic grounds of this quaint city. Come for the race, but stay for the day. Make it a family affair and visit local boutiques, dine at well-known local restaurants, or visit nature trails throughout the town.

*Virtual runner sign-up also available for anyone around the world to participate: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Boerne/AidtheSilent5KRunWalk 

Open to anyone

*Free entry for death and hard-of-hearing participants.

*$35 per runner.

Sign-up form: (now open) https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Boerne/AidtheSilent5KRunWalk 

Deaf Young Life (DYL) is taking place in San Antonio, Texas, to reach deaf and hard-of-hearing teenagers. DYL allows these teens to experience the Gospel and interact with others who share the same hearing loss story.

Click here to register for Deaf Young Life or to volunteer.

Click here to apply for the Camp Scholarship.

To book Emma Faye, call 830-249-1744 or email [email protected].

Our supervised apartment program is for adults with IDD who need minimal support.
MRDC’s three apartment communities are Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
subsidized complexes. The apartments are designed exclusively for adults with IDD and
have one or two-bedroom options, plus community rooms and laundry rooms.

Our Party Nights are a unique twist on Parents' Night Out that provide children with an opportunity to develop their social skills.

It is exclusively for children with special needs ages 6 to 18 years old and their non-disabled siblings (ages 5 and older). This event is held on Friday nights from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM during the school year (August to May). Parents and caregivers get a well-deserved break, while the children have a PARTY!! These parties are themed and children enjoy a variety of games, collaborative video games, creative crafts,  a small snack and drink, friendly interactions with others, and a time to DROP EVERYTHING AND DANCE!

For application and the latest information, click here.

Prefer a virtual option? Join our MOVE & ZOOM dance party on Zoom on select Friday nights at 7pm. Click on the RSVP button to sign up.

Join Special Reach to celebrate a Summer to remember!

Indoor and Outdoor Activities and so much more!

For children with developmental delays ages 6 to 18 years old and their siblings ages five years and older.

Click here for all program registration forms and information.

Click here for program dates and venues.

Our  San Antonio Adventure and summer enrichment programs are exclusively for children with developmental delays ages 6-18 and their non-disabled siblings (ages five and older).

This program is designed to provide children with a memorable school holiday experience. Children transition through interactive activities presented by special guests such as athletes, musicians, community heroes, etc. Snacks and lunch are provided in this program.

To register for SAAP and the latest information, click here.

Adult Volunteer

Our adult volunteers are an essential part of our organization.  We have a great staff, but Special Reach won't be where it is today without the help of volunteers to carry out our mission. 

We are always looking for additional help and support to assist our organization in different areas, such as:

• Office work
• Events 
• Programs
• Raise funds
• Spread the word about Special Reach

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for volunteer opportunities ahead of time.  Upon completing and reviewing the adult volunteer form and subsequent training, an adult volunteer may assist children during program hours.  All adults working with children will work under the supervision of trained, state-certified professionals, and all adults who volunteer with children must pass a background check.  Click below to complete an application or sign up for a volunteer opportunity.

Teen Volunteers

Our teen volunteers are an essential part of our organization.  Teen volunteers must be at least 15 years old.  Teens younger than 15 years old must volunteer with a parent/caregiver who has passed our background check (if volunteering with our participants).  Teen volunteers are required to sign up for volunteer opportunities ahead of time.  Upon completing and reviewing the teen volunteer application and subsequent training, a teen volunteer may assist children during program hours.  All teens will work under the supervision of trained, state-certified professionals.  Special Reach offers volunteer credit hours to teen volunteers. 

Please click below to complete an application.  A completed teacher recommendation form is required for teen volunteers.

Your time and talent make a significant impact in the lives of our kids - thank you.

Click here for the Adult Volunteer Application.

Click here for Adult and Teen Volunteer Sign up.

Click here for the Teen Volunteer Form.

Click here for Teacher Recommendations for Teen Volunteers.

We provide psychological assessments that include:

• Diagnostic evaluations
• Pre-Surgical evaluations
• Education Sessions

Ages 3+.

Click here to contact us.

Insurances Accepted include:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• Tricare
• Medicaid - Superior and Community First
• Ambetter
• Optum
• United Health

When one person in a family is afflicted with emotional or mental health issues, the entire family can be deeply affected.

We help family members learn how to encourage and support their loved one as well as cope with the behaviors, symptoms, and effects of the illness.

Our Services

• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Engagement Activity
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Family Partner Supports
• Counseling
• Rehabilitative & Skills Training
• Medication Training and Support
• Parent Support Group
• Crisis Intervention
• Housing
• Employment & Education
• Forensic Services

Click here to learn more about our services

We accept STAR, CHIP, PLUS, and all Medicaid/Medicare Insurances.

Primary care physicians today, unlike any time in history, must not only treat physical ailments but also emotional and mental health problems. That’s where we can help.

We provide the counseling, treatment plans, and other necessary services that physicians don’t have the time in their busy practice to focus on.

Our Services

• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Engagement Activity
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Family Partner Supports
• Counseling
• Rehabilitative & Skills Training
• Medication Training and Support
• Parent Support Group
• Crisis Intervention
• Housing
• Employment & Education
• Forensic Services

Click here to learn more about our services

We accept STAR, CHIP, PLUS, and all Medicaid/Medicare Insurances.

At The Village Life Center, our overall goal is to reduce, minimize, or avoid other outside interventions (such as school expulsion or even prison) and see improvements in the student’s grades, ability to pay attention, school attendance, learning, and overall happiness and sense of accomplishment.

We are honored to partner with you to make a difference in these student’s lives.

Our Services

• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Engagement Activity
• Assessment
• Case Management
• Diagnostic Interview Examination
• Family Partner Supports
• Counseling
• Rehabilitative & Skills Training
• Medication Training and Support
• Parent Support Group
• Crisis Intervention
• Housing
• Employment & Education
• Forensic Services

Click here to learn more about our services

We accept STAR, CHIP, PLUS, and all Medicaid/Medicare Insurances.

A few of the children living at Mission Road are members of loving families who partner with us to care for their children overnight, throughout the week, and on weekends as is helpful. We provide each child with professional, 24-hour AWAKE care by trained, attentive staff allowing the child to thrive and grow into a successful and happy adult.

Children ages 3 to 17 years with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Mission Road Boarding School is a private, fee-for-service program contracted annually, billed monthly and priced individually based upon the needs of the child.

Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) make it possible for adults with IDD to live with their biological family or non-relatives, and the cost to Texas taxpayers is about 1/3 the cost associated with “Group Home” expenses billed through Medicaid. The IRS also allows families to claim those funds as non-reportable/non-taxable. Mission Road is honored to participate as a provider of Adult Host Companion Care (formerly Foster Care).

Our Mission Road Host Companion Care program partners with families to provide professional training, oversight, and often immediate and urgent assistance. We help families and caregivers create and maintain a safe home environment where adults with IDD can flourish socially, emotionally, and physically.

While the ISS services program is funded by the Medicaid waiver programs of HCS/TxHmLv and DBMD, we do accept individuals funded through CLASS, ICF, GR, and private pay.

Please note we do not accept Medicaid such as Molina, Star Plus or other HMOs.

Mission Road offers a once-a-month Mom’s Morning Out program for families caring for children who have been diagnosed with IDD at home. The program affords parents with children with IDD some much-deserved free time and even “me” time and is available to families living in San Antonio and Bexar County caring for children with IDD.

Mom’s Morning Out was specially designed to give children diagnosed with IDD healthy and active Saturday mornings while providing their caregivers with time to relax, exercise, go shopping, see a movie, or visit friends. Parents need professionals they can trust to care for their special-needs child while they take some time to re-energize and relax. We are delighted to provide this loving care by our professionally trained staff, so parents and families can be confident that their child receives the best possible and appropriate care while away.

Moms Morning Out Activities: 

• Playground Time
• Games in our gym
• Arts and Crafts
• Quiet time in our sensory room
• A healthy lunch is also provided

Click here for the Moms Morning Out Interest Form. 

Families living in San Antonio and Bexar County caring for a child, aged 6 to 17 years, with IDD.

No medication may be administered to children at Mom’s Morning Out

$40/child for 4 hours of care.

Mission Road Developmental Center provides in-home and family support services to children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities who choose to remain in their own homes.

If you are interested in one of our services for your loved one, start by contacting AACOG (Alamo Area Council of Governments) to begin the screening and assessment process to determine if your client or loved one qualifies for IDD services. Once this is completed, you can fill out our interest form below and a Mission Road program director will reach out to you to determine which programs might be appropriate and available.

Click here for the program interest form. 

The HandsOn Program of Mission Road provides quality residential care and day activities for persons with multiple disabilities.

The services are designed for individualized training that facilitates the acquisition and/or enhancement of skills in communication, personal care, daily living skills and recreation.

Services are provided in the least restrictive environment while promoting the safety, care and welfare of all participants.

Requirements for this program: 

• Children and adults
• Must have a diagnosis of legal blindness, a hearing impairment that affects their speech, and a disabling condition that affects their independent functioning
• Must meet the criteria for Medicaid Eligibility
• The program serves 24 persons who meet the criteria

Free To Be is our Individualized Skills & Socialization Program located on our Main Campus, Mission Road Developmental Center – on the city’s south side. We provide a stimulating environment for adults with IDD (intellectual and other developmental disabilities) and mild to severe medical needs. We do this by providing both person-centered on-site and off-site activities. Through the years, this program has been referred to as adult day care, adult day hab (habilitation), and DAHS (Day Activity Health Services). 

Details:

• Located on our 22-acre campus on the banks of the San Antonio River near Mission San Juan
• For adults with differing levels of disability
• Provides care for the physical, mental, medical, and social needs of our clients
• Serves adults who may not be eligible for traditional day services due to the extent of their disability

Mission Road Developmental Center provides residential care for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through the ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) program and the HCS (Home and Community-Based Services) programs. The Texas Health & Human Services Commission monitor and license the HCS and the ICF group homes and the assisted living program. We have 12 HCS and 4 ICF for a total of 84 residents.

Home
Mission Road has 16 adult community homes throughout the city of San Antonio and one assisted living home on the main Mission Road campus for adults. Residents living in the homes are assisted by well-trained, 24-hour AWAKE staff. During the week, residents spend their day working, training for a job, volunteering or engaging in a social/habilitation program. Evenings are spent acquiring and refining the skills needed to live a more independent and fulfilled life. Weekends are for shopping, completing chores, recreational activities and spending time with friends.

Apartments
Mission Road Ministries sponsors a supervised apartment program for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities who need minimal supports. The goal of the program is to provide supportive services to optimize the independence and productivity of the adults in an affordable living arrangement.

Mission Road has three apartment complexes in San Antonio that provide affordable housing and services for the tenants. Suzanne Smith Management Company supervises the three apartments: Independence Square, Murray Manor and Meadow Brook. The apartments are Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized apartment complexes designed exclusively for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The apartments have one or two bedroom options with a community room for gatherings and a laundry room.

At Mission Road, the children find a new, safe, and predictable home life staffed by trained, loving, professional caregivers. Once in our care, the resiliency of the human spirit is recognized in all its glory. Our children thrive and progress now that they live in a safe, happy family setting in which all their needs are met – and then some! 

Click here for the Program Interest Form. 

Children ages 3 to 17 years with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

The Custodial Residential program is licensed and monitored by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Fees for the care of our children are provided by the State of Texas through a variety of funding sources and are augmented by private and corporate donations.

Independence Square, Inc. is one of three apartment complexes in San Antonio sponsored by Mission Road Ministries that provide affordable housing and services for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, but need minimal supports.

The apartments are Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized apartment complexes, designed exclusively for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and are supervised by the Suzanne Smith Management Company.

The apartments have one or two bedroom options with a community room for gatherings and a laundry room.

To qualify, applicants must be:

• an adult with an intellectual developmental disability (IDD);
• low-income;
• not under guardianship;
• independent in self-care, self-medication, and self-evaluation in emergencies;
• require minimal assistance in home safety, kitchen/household management, clothing maintenance, and community mobility;
• employed or participating in a competitive employment, sheltered employment, vocational training program, or a day activity center.

Meadow Brook, Inc. is one of three apartment complexes in San Antonio sponsored by Mission Road Ministries that provide affordable housing and services for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, but who need minimal supports.

The apartments are Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized apartment complexes, designed exclusively for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and are supervised by the Suzanne Smith Management Company.

The apartments have one or two bedroom options with a community room for gatherings and a laundry room.

• Adult with an intellectual developmental disability
• Low-income
• Not under guardianship
• Independent in self-care, self-medication, self-evaluation in emergencies
• Minimal assistance required in home safety, kitchen/household management, clothing maintenance and community mobility
• Active employment or participation in competitive employment, sheltered employment, vocational training or a day activity center

Mission Road Developmental Center provides residential care for adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through the ICF-MR (Intermediate Care Facility-Mental Retardation) program and the HCS (Home and Community-Based Services) programs.

Mission Road has 12 adult community homes throughout San Antonio, and one assisted living home for adults on the main Mission Road campus. Residents living in the homes are assisted by well-trained, 24-hour awake staff. During the week, residents spend their day working, training for a job, volunteering, or engaging in a social/habilitation program. Evenings are spent acquiring and refining the skills needed to live a more independent and fulfilled life. Weekends are for shopping, completing chores, recreational activities, and spending time with friends.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Texas Health & Human Services Commission monitor and license the HCS, ICF-MR Group Homes, and the assisted living program.

MRDC provides in-home and family support services to children and adults with IDD who
choose to remain in their own homes. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and
other Medicaid waiver programs ensure each individual's welfare in the community and
help to prevent or delay people from being placed into institutions. A team of professionals
and family members develop a plan with the individual seeking services to identify the
goals and services that a person needs to continue to live in their own home. In this
program, MRDC employs paid staff (referred to as PAS/HAB) who visit an individual’s
home according to the individual’s treatment plan to provide services. Typically, these
services are rendered for a few hours each week. 

Mission Road annually offers the Summer Outreach And Recreation (S.O.A.R.) & MORE program to our resident children and children from the community with an IDD diagnosis. S.O.A.R. & MORE was created for children diagnosed with IDD and is a strategic educational and engagement program that helps keep children engaged in academics, life skills, art, play, and more throughout school breaks. The program serves our residential children, each of whom has been removed from their families by the State due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It also serves children from the community who live with their loving families throughout San Antonio. 

S.O.A.R. is a summer camp that offers a unique opportunity for children diagnosed with IDD to have a classic camp experience. For most of the children in MRDC’s care. This program provides our resident children and Koalas with a safe and inviting place to spend their summer days and school holidays and opportunities to experience the joy, fun, and excitement they deserve and that only childhood can bring.

Click here for the S.O.A.R and MORE Interest Form. 

Tuition:

• $300.00 per week/child.
• Registration and payment for all eight (8) weeks are required.
• A non-refundable deposit of 1,200.00 (four-week tuition) is due Friday, June 7, 2024.
• The total balance is due July 12, 2024.
• Daily pick-up is at 3:00 pm. $1.00 per minute is charged each minute after 3:00 pm until children are retrieved.

You make the world a better place.

Volunteers of all kinds are important to us. As a volunteer, we want you to participate in a way that is meaningful to YOU. We are dedicated to working closely with you to identify your ideal project plan, specific experience and "take away" plus scheduling days, times and places that are most convenient for you.

There are several ways to volunteer at Mission Road:

• You’re the Expert

What is your passion? Expertise? Joy? Volunteer your time to play your musical instrument; build a bird house; teach us about the sun and stars; bake a cake; care for animals; teach us dances from your ancestors and on and on. Volunteering is about YOU! We love it all!

• On-Campus Group Volunteers

Large volunteer groups are welcome! Activities can include working directly with clients on craft projects, reading, singing, playing sports and games. Got rhythm? Volunteer to dance with clients at our frequent carnivals and parties.

Volunteers may also choose to help with the care and maintenance of Mission Road facilities - painting, gardening, light repairs, hanging Christmas lights, even harvesting olives in our 250-tree orchard.

• Off-Campus Group Volunteers

We love to be out and about. Our clients love to visit museums, the theater, historic sites, see movies, go bowling, and even volunteer for others - visiting senior centers, the Food Bank and baking cookies at the Ronald McDonald House. Where can you take us?

• Sponsors

We appreciate individual and corporate sponsors who may choose donate items such as tickets for community events, books, puzzles, crafts supplies, etc.. Monetary donations are appreciated to help cover transportation expenses, meals and other expenses for off campus experiences - including over-night vacations for our residents.

• Individual Volunteer

An individual may assist in on-campus programming; such as arts and crafts classes, music lessons, tutoring, field trips, birthday parties, fundraisers, holiday parties and much more.

• Shindig, Job Luncheon and Club Unicorn

Individuals can volunteer with Mission Road's client and fundraising events. Dance with our clients, serve popcorn or pizza or serve on our special fundraising committees including Underwriting and Table Sponsor recruitment, Auction Donation procurement, Decor, Guest Registration, etc.

Complete our online Volunteer Form found here.

Upon submission, a team member will contact you to help coordinate a volunteer activity that meets your expectations and provides your volunteers with a memorable and productive experience.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (210) 334-2455.

Mission Road Volunteer Protocol and Restrictions

• Mission Road does not offer volunteer opportunities for Court Ordered Community Service.
• As of 2022, staffing challenges prevent clinical internships and student internships at both our Southside and Unicorn Centers campuses. We are not accepting university, college, and/or nursing school intern partnerships.
• High Access and/or Individual Volunteers must complete our application, undergo a full background check (FBI and DPS), they must pay the non-refundable application fee of $87, and participate in an in-person interview. Acceptance is subject to approval and clearance at all junctures.
• All requests for both individual and group volunteer projects are reviewed by and subject to approval by the Mission Road Volunteer Council. Not all requests are granted.

Dr. Samaniego has extensive experience in psychiatric care for Adolescents and Children. He treats a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders and specializes in the following:

• ADHD/ADD
• PTSD
• Major Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Mood Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• Anxiety, etc.

Ages 16 and under.

Click here to contact us.

We do accept

• Private Insurance
• Medicaid
• Superior
• Community Firs