Texarkana Resources for the Disabled: A Mission Built on Independence
by: Michelle Horton
If you think mission-driven work is all boardrooms, grant applications, and polite handshakes, think again. Texarkana Resources for the Disabled has spent more than five decades proving that real change looks more like grit, persistence, and a community refusing to accept that some people deserve fewer opportunities simply because life gave them different challenges.
Today, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled serves more than 100 children and adults with disabilities every single day — not through charity, but through employment, training, housing support, life skills education, and community partnerships. CEO Jennifer Lewis believes the organization is not just a nonprofit — it is a catalyst for empowerment.
Before diving into the programs and stories that define Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Lewis shares the organization’s modest beginning. “Founder Ross Parker and a group of parents who wanted more for their adult children with disabilities started this mission with its first Work Center located in the College Hill area of Texarkana, Arkansas. In 1978, the focus shifted from retail and upholstery services, once offered at the Workshop Thrift Shop on Whitaker Street in Texarkana, Texas, to industrial work and subcontracting opportunities,” Lewis says.
Following a year of strategic planning, the organization secured a Small Business Administration loan to construct a new, modern facility in Texarkana’s Industrial Park on East 19th Street. With this move came a new name, Texarkana Work Center, reflecting its renewed dedication to creating meaningful work experiences and fostering independence through employment.
Today, the organization has remained true to its mission, helping people with disabilities help themselves while evolving to meet the changing needs of the community. “For more than half a century, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled has been a cornerstone of opportunity and empowerment,” she says. “We have grown beyond the scope of work training to include housing support, daily living skills training, employment help, home modification repairs, and more.”
Texarkana Resources for the Disabled started because people believed in possibility — and it continues because that belief has not faded. However, the mission is only as strong as the values behind it. Lewis emphasizes that Texarkana Resources for the Disabled is guided by principles that are more than poster statements. “For more than five decades, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled has been guided by a set of enduring values that shape every program, every partnership, and every success story,” she says. Each program begins with a people-first philosophy — not disability-first thinking.
She explains that the organization recognizes each person by their strengths and potential. “At Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, individuals are recognized not by their disabilities, but by their strengths, abilities, and the unique value they bring to the world,” she says. Lewis also stresses compassion and respect, asserting that every interaction should protect the dignity of participants. Empowerment is another foundational value. “By providing tools, skills, and opportunities, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled empowers individuals to make informed choices about their lives and the services they receive,” she says.
A person-centered approach, Lewis adds, means no two plans look alike. Freedom of choice plays a significant role too: “Everyone deserves options,” she explains. Lewis also includes community commitment and integrity among the organization’s priorities. These values shape a practical outcome: independence, but independence does not look the same for every participant.
Lewis believes independence is not defined by doing everything alone. “It is about having the confidence, skills, and support to make choices, pursue goals, and live a life of purpose,” she says. She describes independence as a journey built through access — access to learning, employment, community, and agency. Every milestone matters: a first paycheck, a daily routine mastered, a new friendship formed, or a new skill learned. Lewis explains that developing self-advocacy is essential. “Whether it is choosing a job they are passionate about, deciding how they want to spend their day, or taking part in community activities, each person learns that their opinions and dreams truly matter,” she says.
Texarkana Resources for the Disabled believes that independence is visible in progress — and one story illustrates this exceptionally well.
Jackie is a participant in the Supported Employment Program and a longtime Haven Home resident. His journey began with resume-building, interview practice, and workplace skill development. Jackie secured not one, but two jobs — both of which disappeared when the businesses closed. According to Lewis, the sudden loss felt personal, but Jackie did not quit. Instead, he worked closely with his specialist, continued applying, and kept refining his skills. Finally, Jackie earned a job at Rocketfast Car Wash and is thriving. His employment specialist explains that Jackie’s journey shows that setbacks do not define your future. With determination, support, and the right resources, success is always within reach.
His story is a testament to resilience and the power of ongoing support: the combination of personalized guidance, skills training, and encouragement from Texarkana Resources for the Disabled helped Jackie navigate obstacles, maintain his motivation, and achieve meaningful employment. It serves as a reminder that adults with disabilities, when provided with the right tools and support, can make meaningful contributions to the workforce and their communities, breaking down barriers and inspiring others along the way.
That support begins long before employment — sometimes in community-based programs, such as Adult Development Day Treatment (ADDT).
For adults with developmental disabilities, the ADDT Program is more than a schedule — it is a support system. Lewis explains that participants meet Mondays through Fridays and receive tailored, hands-on instruction in essential life and workplace skills. “The program focuses on teaching practical life skills and building confidence. Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences that cover everything from job readiness and vocational skills to independent living, money management, cooking training, and how to cope with emotions and behaviors,” she says. “It is about giving people the confidence to engage with others, to take pride in their abilities, to build friendships that extend beyond this organization, and to know they are valued members of this community.”
Cooking lessons, budgeting, emotional regulation, work readiness, and social interaction are key components of the curriculum. According to Lewis, the friendships formed in the program sometimes matter more than the training.
Texarkana Resources for the Disabled also offers vocational training Monday through Friday, giving participants the tools they need to succeed in integrated community jobs. Lewis explains that participants learn both technical and interpersonal skills: workplace etiquette, communication strategies, productivity standards, and time management. She emphasizes the emotional impact of employment. “Earning their own paycheck represents far more than a financial milestone,” she says. “It is a source of self-worth and dignity.”
Local businesses help make the program possible through subcontract partnerships, including JCM Industries, Runnin WJ’ Ranch, Inpac, LLC, Rowe Casa, Sterno, and Smith-Blair/Xlyem. Lewis credits community relationships with sustaining the work and expanding opportunities.
The Supported Employment Program is highly individualized, focusing on both the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce. Participants receive job readiness training, including resume building, interview preparation, and work adjustment training. They also receive vocational assessments, job development support, and coaching tailored to their strengths and goals.
Once employed, the program continues to provide supported employment and job retention services, ensuring that each individual not only secures a position but also feels confident, capable, and successful in their role. By learning essential workplace skills and receiving personalized support, participants gain a sense of pride and self-worth that comes from earning their own paycheck and contributing meaningfully to their community while also significantly impacting and benefiting local employers.
“Seeing adults with disabilities working in local businesses benefits everyone,” says Lewis. “It shows the community that people with disabilities are capable, skilled, and ready to contribute. Every success story helps dispel long-held myths about what they can achieve in the workplace and strengthens our entire community.” Through individualized training, ongoing support, and a focus on personal achievement, the Supported Employment Program helps adults with disabilities build meaningful careers, gain confidence, and positively impact the community
For many adults with disabilities, stable housing is not just a basic need; it is a vital foundation for independence, health, and dignity. Without safe, supportive living environments like the Haven Home Community Living Program, offered by Texarkana Resources for the Disabled since 1972, many of these individuals would face the harsh realities of homelessness.
Haven Home offers a secure and caring residence where adults with disabilities receive the support necessary to live with dignity, safety, and as much independence as possible. The program provides a structured environment that combines personal care, life skills training, and community integration, enabling residents to build fulfilling lives while avoiding the instability that homelessness can bring. For many, Haven Home is the difference between vulnerability and stability. Without such a program, the risk of homelessness rises dramatically due to challenges like limited income, lack of family support, and barriers to independent living. Haven Home’s services fill a critical gap, offering a reliable place to call home and the individualized support that keeps residents healthy, safe, and engaged in their community.
“Our goal is not just to provide housing, but to create a true home, a place where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive,” Lewis says. “For many, this program prevents homelessness and opens the door to a better quality of life.” By offering a stable foundation and comprehensive care, the Haven Home Community Living Program serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for adults with disabilities in the Texarkana area, providing a place where they can truly belong and flourish.
For students aged 14 to 22 with disabilities, the transition from high school to adulthood can be challenging. However, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled is making that journey smoother through its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program. Available at local high schools across Bowie and Cass Counties in Texas and Miller and Little River Counties in Arkansas, this program provides customized career and college exploration classes tailored specifically to students receiving special education or 504 support. Delivered during the school year by skilled facilitators employed by Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, the program is designed to fit each student’s schedule and learning needs.
The comprehensive curriculum addresses all five essential pre-employment transition goals to equip students with vital skills for future success: Career & College Exploration, Workplace Expectations and Hard Skills, Workplace Soft and Social Skills, Planning for Life After High School, and Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy. From mastering interview techniques to learning how to build positive workplace relationships and advocating for themselves, students develop a broad and practical skill set. The program also offers work experience opportunities, bridging classroom learning with real-world practice.
Even with impact and momentum, Texarkana Resources for the Disabled faces a complex landscape of operational and funding challenges that threaten its ability to meet the growing needs of the community.
One of the most pressing concerns is federal funding cuts. Programs that rely on federal support, including Medicaid and vocational rehabilitation services, have faced reductions or stricter eligibility requirements in recent years. These cuts directly impact the organization’s ability to provide essential programs, from vocational training to supported employment, leaving some individuals at risk of reduced services or delayed support.
At the same time, private donations and fundraising efforts have declined. Many families and businesses that have historically contributed to local nonprofits are tightening budgets, while competing priorities and economic uncertainties reduce philanthropic giving. For Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, these reductions make it more difficult to maintain staffing levels, upgrade facilities, and expand programs to serve new participants.
Compounding these challenges is the growing demand for services. The number of individuals seeking support, including life skills programs, supported living, and employment services, continues to rise. Yet not all participants qualify for funding assistance, creating gaps where the need is clear but financial support is unavailable. This means the organization must find ways to stretch limited resources while still maintaining high-quality care and individualized attention for each participant.
There are many ways that residents, businesses, and organizations can get involved, making a tangible difference in the lives of participants and their families. Whether helping in the classroom, assisting with vocational training, or providing support during our social events, volunteers are vital to the daily success of programs. Opportunities are flexible and tailored to match individual skills and availability, allowing community members to contribute in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Financial contributions help bridge the gap between program costs and available funding, especially for individuals who may not qualify for state or federal assistance. Donations support life skills programs, vocational training, and community living services, helping participants gain independence, confidence, and self-worth.
Local businesses can make a lasting impact by providing employment opportunities for program participants. Hiring adults with disabilities not only strengthens the local workforce but also challenges long-held myths about their capabilities, fostering a more inclusive community.
Community members can also get involved by attending fundraising events, sponsoring programs, or helping to organize campaigns—every contribution, whether in time, resources, or funds, directly supports the programs that help individuals thrive. Texarkana Resources believes that meaningful engagement stems from partnerships founded on respect, inclusion, and a shared purpose. By volunteering, donating, or employing participants, community members help open doors to independence, confidence, and opportunity for adults with disabilities in the Texarkana area.
Lewis shares a final thought that captures the entire story: “At Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, our mission is simple but powerful: we provide education, training, and support to enable all persons with disabilities to reach their highest potential and achieve self-sufficiency within the community.”
Texarkana Resources for the Disabled truly values people and lives that mission every day — one skill taught, one job earned, one milestone celebrated, one person empowered. In a city like Texarkana, that impact does not just change individual lives — it strengthens the community.