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Community Resources Tags Select Tags 29 Acres Mission: “To ensure that people living with autism and other neurodiversity have community and a safe place to live where opportunity and happiness are the standard.” Contact Information: Email: connect@29acres.org Phone: (469) 216 - 8038 Website: www.29acres.org A Better Approach Mission: “When your child is young, every decision feels urgent and heavy. Between long waitlists, confusing insurance requirements, and uncertainty about what therapy should look like, it’s hard to know where to turn. You want support that helps your child build skills now — without sacrificing dignity, individuality, or long-term growth.” Contact Information: Email: info@abetterapproach.net Phone: (469) 522-9867 Website: abetterapproach.net ABA ENHANCEMENT Mission: “Our mission is simple: We provide hope and love to the individuals and families we work with, regardless of funding source. This manifests in the programs we have that help neurodiverse individuals. It manifests in how we help individuals become more independent and self-reliant. It manifests in how we impact the overall quality of life for our clients and their families.” Contact Information: Email: IntakeCoordinator@abaenhancement.com Phone: (817) 730-6203 Website: https://abaenhancement.com/ AFiL (Association for Independent Living) Mission: “To provide a safe and supportive living environment for our adult residents who are diagnosed with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, elevating them to their highest independence and interdependence through life skills, education and vocational guidance.” Contact Information: Email: inquiry@afildfw.org Phone: (214) 351 - 0798 Website: www.afildfw.org Advocate Together Special Education Mission: "Bridging the gap between parents and school leaders to ensure students with disabilities receive the support, inclusion, and advocacy they deserve." Contact Information: Email: admin@advocatetogether.org Website: advocatetogether.org Follow us: @advocatetogether Alpaca Health Mission: "The Future of ABA Belongs to Clinicians, Not Corporations" "We support the people who support your child. That means we handle the behind-the-scenes work — billing, scheduling, insurance paperwork — so providers can spend less time on admin and more time on care.We’re not the provider. We’re not the boss. We’re the scaffolding.Our role is to make it easier for independent providers to do what they became providers to do: help your child grow, learn, and thrive." Contact Information: Website: https://www.alpacahealth.io/ Amazing House of Hope Mission: "To empower young adults with autism and severe behavioral challenges to reach their fullest potential by identifying and addressing the root causes of behavior through a compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based approach. Integrating therapeutic intervention, innovative education, vocational training, research, and comprehensive social and family support to foster confidence, independence, purpose, and a meaningful sense of belonging." Contact Information: Website: https://www.amazinghouseofhope.org/ Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health Mission: “Our goal is to provide the best home health care and to serve you in a loving, caring, and professional manner. We infuse our “HALOS” values (Heart, Advocacy, Love, Outreach, Speed) into everything we do, with our clients at the Heart of every decision. We are a big family here, so we pour into our employees; we feel when we show love to our employees and they love their job, they will pass that love onto our clients. The Angels of Care family includes thousands of HALOS-minded nurses, therapists, attendants, CNAs, and specialists throughout the states we serve, and we would be honored to match you with the perfect clinician to care for your loved one." Contact Information: Phone: 855-45-ANGEL Website: https://angelsofcare.com/ Arise Special Needs Ministry Irving Bible Church Mission: "God made each person in his image, and everyone has a purpose and inherent value. But many individuals with special needs and their families don’t experience this hope. That's why Arise exists! We offer a wide range of opportunities meant to encourage, empower, and uplift the whole family." Contact Information: Trinity Clark (Director of Arise) Dawn Johnson (Arise Coordinator) Email: info@irvingbible.org Phone: (972) 560-4600 Website: https://www.irvingbible.org/arise Ascension Kids Learning Center Mission: "At Ascension Kids Learning Center, our mission is to provide high-quality childcare with a strong focus on early intervention. We are dedicated to nurturing each child’s development while connecting families with essential resources, including Speech, Occupational, Physical, and ABA therapies. As we grow, we remain a trusted partner in helping children and families thrive." Contact Information: Email: ascensionkidsinfo@gmail.com Phone: (469) 956- 2919 Website: https://ascensionkidslearningcenter.com The following list of resources is provided for informational purposes only. The Not Forgotten 1st has compiled these resources based on our personal experiences and the experiences of others, but we encourage you to conduct your own thorough research and due diligence before engaging any of these providers. Your interactions and any agreements with these third parties are solely between you and the provider. By using this resource list, you acknowledge and agree that The Not Forgotten 1st is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

The Not Forgotten 1st's goal is to advocate for equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities and to support and to provide resources to the families that walk alongside them. Our primary goal is to advocate for individuals with exceptionalities and to serve as Care Navigators for their families—guiding them to resources, opportunities, and support. We see you. We hear you. And we are here. You are not forgotten. TNF1st 2025 Highlights Our first year was filled with meaningful moments, incredible families, and a community we were honored to serve. We are grateful for every connection and every step taken together. This is only the beginning. As we enter year two, we look forward to growing with purpose and creating even greater opportunities to serve and uplift others. Photo Gallery Community Resources Navigating the journey of caring for a loved one with an exceptionality can feel overwhelming. Finding the right support, information, and opportunities shouldn't have to be another challenge. That is why we have created the Community Resource page with a curated list of organizations, non-profits and services, all dedicated to supporting the individuals with exceptionalities and their families. For More Information The Not Forgotten 1st is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Hope Lives Here Newsletter April 2026 Download April Newsletter February 2026 Download February Newsletter December 2025 Download December Newsletter October 2025 Download October Newsletter August 2025 Download August Newsletter June 2025 Download June Newsletter

Photo Gallery FEATURED _____________________________________________________ The Strategy (Hack-A-Thon) Meeting February 26, 2026 RECENT _____________________________________________________ AUsome Moms Autism Resource Fair April 25, 2026 _____________________________________________________ United Rocks Climb Fest Set-Up April 18, 2026 _____________________________________________________ North Texas Disability Chamber's 2026 Disability Inclusion Summit April 17, 2026 _____________________________________________________ The Well Community Church's IDD Workshop April 16, 2026 _____________________________________________________ Operation "No One Forgotten" Tactical Support for Exceptional Lives Meeting April 7, 2026 _____________________________________________________ City of McKinney Parks and Rec's Autism Acceptance Day Celebration April 4, 2026 _____________________________________________________ Especially Needed's Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt and Resource Fair March 28, 2026 _____________________________________________________ North Texas Disability Chamber's Community Connections March 5, 2026 _____________________________________________________ The Strategy (Hack-A-Thon) Meeting February 26, 2026 _____________________________________________________ Envision Dallas Tour February 23, 2026 _____________________________________________________ More Photo Gallery: 2026: January - March 2025: April - September , October - December

Community Events

Community Resources < Back Exceptionality Awareness Linda Bonner Blessed with Extraordinary Support, Resources and Coaching Mission: “To partner with families and caregivers who want to experience the hope and joy of building a fulfilling life for their loved ones with Down Syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).” Contact Information: Email: blessedwithextraordinary@gmail.com Website: www.blessedwithextraordinary.com Dominique Cares Mission: "Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing the highest quality care, training, and support. We are dedicated to championing their needs, offering resources, help, and hope, and empowering them to succeed in life, family, and the community—one person at a time." Contact Information: Email: Info@dominquecares.com Phone: (972) 806-2480 Website: https://www.dominiquecares.com/ Especially Needed Mission: "To build a strong community where individuals with special needs are valued, respected and included." Contact Information: Email: heather@especaillyneeded.org Phone: 214-499-3439 Website: www.especiallyneeded.org Hank’s Friends Mission: “We endeavor to serve our typical and atypical communities by providing resources and assistance to those in need without our communities.” Contact Information: Website: www.hanksfriends.org Labeled & Loved Mission: "To embrace and strengthen families with disabilities by providing connective experiences and educational resources for the primary caretaker igniting personal growth and systemic change within the community." Contact Information: Email: hello@labeledandloved.org Website: https://www.labeledandloved.org/ Levin & Perconti The Cerebral Palsy Toolkit Mission: "When your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it can dramatically alter the life you imagined for your child and your family. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy requires significant time and energy, and it can take a toll on your family’s finances. This guide can help you find support, cope with the changes, and explore ways to set your child on a path to a bright future." Contact Information: Website: https://www.levinperconti.com/birth-injury/cerebral-palsy/guide-toolkit/ LifePath Systems Mission: "LifePath Systems’ Mission is to serve individuals and families impacted by behavioral health, intellectual or developmental challenges, resulting in stronger communities." Contact Information: Phone: (972) 422-5939 Website: https://www.lifepathsystems.org/ Meletra Bell ( Division Coordinator) • Email: mbell@lifepathsystems.org Jade Gittens ( Supported Employment Supervisor) • Email: jgittens@lifepathsystems.org Jonathan Steele (Crisis Intervention Specialist) • Email: jsteele@lifepathsystems.org Metrocare Services Mission: “At Metrocare, we serve our neighbors with developmental or mental health challenges by helping them find lives that are meaningful and satisfying." Contact Information: Phone: 214-243-1200 Website: https://www.metrocareservices.org/ Moussa Autism Consulting, LLC Mission: “To provide advocacy, guidance for ARD/IEP, nutrition, diet, therapies, transitions, a plan of action and autism training.” Contact Information: Email: naglaalvin@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/moussaautismconsulting/ Navigate Life Texas Mission: “To inform and empower parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs.” This Texas Health and Human Services website provides resources and support for families raising children with disabilities. Contact Information: Phone: (877) 541-7905 Website: https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/about Partners Resource Network James Wright Regional Coordinator Mission: “To empower and support Texas families and individuals impacted by disabilities or special health care needs.” Contact Information: Email: region10prn@gmail.com Phone: (469) 712 - 8409 or (855) 974 - 1368 Website: https://prntexas.org/ The Arc of DFW Area Julia Chalker, Director Mission: “To be a driving force for advocacy and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the DFW Metroplex.” Contact Information: Email: julia@thearcofdfw.org Email: Info@thearcofdfw.org Website: https://www.thearcofdfw.org/about-us The G.U.D. Life Universal Mission: “The G.U.D. Life Universal strengthens and supports individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families by cultivating generosity, unity, and dignity—creating opportunities for everyone to thrive in a brighter future.” Contact Information: Email: info@thegudlife.org Phone Number: 626-230-0085 Website: https://thegudlife.org/home/ The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare Mission: “The Cohen Clinic at Metrocare seeks to complement care provided by the Veterans Administration (VA) and support the mental health of post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members, and their families.” Contact Information: Email: mfc@metrocareservices.org Phone: 469-680-3500 Website: metrocareservices.org/mfc To Be Like Me Mission: "To Be Like Me is a nonprofit disability awareness program on a mission to encourage empathy, kindness, and compassion through disability awareness programs led by people living with disabilities. Our impactful focus areas include: 1. Offering transformative 2-hour field trips for students and teachers at the Greenwood Hills Learning Center in Richardson. 2. Hosting enlightening panel discussions for businesses on the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and engagement for people with disabilities. 3. Creating meaningful job opportunities for individuals with disabilities as advocates and educators in our programs." Contact Information: Email: Hello@tobelikeme.org Website: https://tobelikeme.org/ VisioTech Tiffani Martin (Founder & CEO) Mission: “To lead the future of responsible technology by creating accessible, secure AI solutions that expand opportunity, protect communities and make equity a built-in advantage — not an afterthought.” Contact Information: Email: info@visiotech.co Website: www.visiotech.co The following list of resources is provided for informational purposes only. The Not Forgotten 1st has compiled these resources based on our personal experiences and the experiences of others, but we encourage you to conduct your own thorough research and due diligence before engaging any of these providers. Your interactions and any agreements with these third parties are solely between you and the provider. By using this resource list, you acknowledge and agree that The Not Forgotten 1st is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

Current Events _______________ Past Events 2026 The Strategy (Hack-A-Thon) Meeting 2025 Community Town Hall

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Testimonials Testimonials TNF1st Strategy (Hack-A-Thon) Meeting February 26, 2026 Dr. Demetrice Smith Capable Minds, Hearts & Hands Charles Daniel Merrill Lynch Deborah Bradford Community Care Allie McDaniel 29 Acres Dathan Johnson Alpaca Health Richard Martin DeSoto Police Department Clay Boatright Kim Reed Dehnu Mitchell H.E.R.O.E.S / Prosper ISD Here N' AdHere Community Town Hall July 17, 2025

The Founder & The Journey When Portia’s second son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, a new and challenging journey began. A sense of hopelessness crept in, and loneliness became a constant companion. The diagnosis was foreign, and the uncertainty and fear about his future was just as heavy on the heart as the uncertainty and fear of his day-to-day. At the time, resources were scarce and genuine, non-judgmental support for families was hard to find. She had no one to confide in, no one to learn from. The road felt long and isolating. But twenty-one years later, Portia and her son, Callie, stand as a testament to resilience and hope. Their journey is one of perseverance, filled with falls and triumphs, and unwavering faith. She learned that a diagnosis is not an ending—it's a beginning. There is hope and there is more to the story that they are navigating. Portia's heart beats for individuals with exceptionalities and their families. Through The Not Forgotten 1st, her mission is to promote awareness, acceptance, and respect. She is driven by a deep understanding of the road these families travel, even if their individual walks differ. She desires for both the individuals and the families to know that hope exists and they are not alone. Portia is here to help—whether it's connecting families with resources, finding job opportunities, or simply offering a shoulder to lean on. She wants every family to know that love and support live here.

Community Resources < Back First Responders Take Me Home Plano Police Department Mission: “This program allows first responders to know en route to an emergency where an individual lives and alerts them that he or she may be non-verbal or lack expressive language.” Contact Information: Phone: (972) 941 - 2431 Website: www.planopolice.org The following list of resources is provided for informational purposes only. The Not Forgotten 1st has compiled these resources based on our personal experiences and the experiences of others, but we encourage you to conduct your own thorough research and due diligence before engaging any of these providers. Your interactions and any agreements with these third parties are solely between you and the provider. By using this resource list, you acknowledge and agree that The Not Forgotten 1st is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

Community Resources < Back Fitness Special Strong Adaptive & Inclusive Fitness Manju Nivsarkar, M.Ed. (ABA) Owner & Adaptive Fitness Trainer Mission: “To unlock the strength and confidence within the mind, body, and spirit of every individual impacted by mental, physical and cognitive challenges in order to live a more independent and abundant life.” Contact Information: Email: manju@specialstrong.com Phone: (469) 440 - 8916 Website: www.specialstrong.com The following list of resources is provided for informational purposes only. The Not Forgotten 1st has compiled these resources based on our personal experiences and the experiences of others, but we encourage you to conduct your own thorough research and due diligence before engaging any of these providers. Your interactions and any agreements with these third parties are solely between you and the provider. By using this resource list, you acknowledge and agree that The Not Forgotten 1st is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.