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Preparing Your Young Adults for Independence Jamie Kidder, National Director of Outreach for CLE < Back For More Information 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 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/ 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.

Community Resources < Back Daily Living Support Boomerang Cares Mission: “To bring kindness, guidance, and support full circle. In close connection with Collin County ISDs, we walk alongside families facing life’s toughest moments — offering help, hope, and a community that cares.” Contact Information: Email: info@boomerangcares.org Phone: 469-634-0772 Website: https://www.boomerangcares.org/ Metrocrest Services Mission: “Metrocrest Services specializes in helping families and seniors who are going through a crisis situation stabilize their lives for a brighter future. We offer a wide range of services including emergency financial assistance, financial coaching and education, a food pantry, employment coaching and job readiness, senior services to help seniors age in place, and seasonal programs focused on children including holiday gifts and food for the summer.” Contact Information: Email: info@metrocrestservices.org Phone: 972.446.2100 Website: https://metrocrestservices.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 Day Programs and Independent Living 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 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 CLE - College Living Experience Mission Statement: “We believe every student’s path is unique. Each student’s goals, strengths, and challenges are different, and our role is to support them as they build independence in real, meaningful ways. CLE supports young adults who are ready for college or employment but need additional guidance in areas such as executive functioning, daily routines, social connections, and independent living as they transition into adulthood.” Contact Information: Email: info@experiencecle.com Phone: 800-486-5058 Website: https://experiencecle.com My Possibilities Mission: “To provide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with higher education and opportunities to let their untapped possibilities shine.” Contact Information: Email: frontdesk@mptx.org Phone: (469) 241 - 9100 Website: https://mypossibilities.org Directing My Life Sarah Rodriguez, Owner/Director Mission: “We are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and autonomy in their lives. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling life on their own terms.” Contact Information: Email: srodriguez@directingmylife.com Phone: (903) 456 - 0849 Website: www.directingmylife.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.

Safety Tools < Back Project Lifesaver "Project Lifesaver is the premier search-and-rescue program operated internationally by public-safety agencies, and is strategically designed for “at-risk” individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering or eloping due to autism, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive conditions. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition." View Safety Tool Rider Guardian Kit for Autism "The Rider Guardian Kit - Autism by Divergent Souls provides essential peace of mind for parents and caregivers of vulnerable individuals. This comprehensive vehicle emergency medical alert kit addresses the constant worry of 'what if' scenarios when traveling." View Safety Tool

< Back Video Resources Preparing Your Young Adults for Independence CLE: College Living Experience TNF1st Community Town Hall Panelists The Conversation Continues 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.

Books < Back Ziya Girl, We're Waiting on Your Voice! by LaTonya R Ordaz "Ziya's voice may look different-and that's okay. communication comes in many forms: spoken words, AAC, gestures, facial expressions, and behavior. When we slow down, listen without judgment, and presume competence, we tell every child: You belong, You are heard. You are enough." View Book

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 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

TNF1st Community Town Hall Panelists The Conversation Continues < Back Dawn Neufeld Meryl Evans Crystal Currie Dr. Blair Hickey 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 Counseling / Therapy Day Programs / Independent Living Exceptionality Awareness Financial Literacy / Planning Fitness Guardianship Medicare / Medicaid Respite Social Opportunities Video Resources Daily Living Support Employment / Job Training Faith Based Community First Responders Helpful Tools & Books Government Personal Care Services Sensory Special Education Wellness Services 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.

< Back Helpful Tools & Books Books Safety Tools 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.