The Arc of Greater East Texas

06/14/2026

Robert Ogden, executive director at The Arc of Greater East Texas, will be presenting with Chelsea Owens on July 8th, and I want to thank her for the invitation to do this with her. This webinar is hosted by Consolidated Planning Group.
Transitioning to Adulthood: Special Needs Legal Planning and Public Benefits
Wed., July 8, 2026 at Noon CT
Free on Zoom
Chelsea Owens, estate planning and guardianship attorney, will open with the legal foundation on guardianship at 18 and Special Needs Trusts.
For my part, I will be coming at this from a few different angles at once. As an educator, consultant and advocate who sees parents struggle with this system all the time. As executive director of The Arc of Greater East Texas, where we get these calls from struggling parents every week. And as a parent who is going through the same hurdles and roadblocks myself, which can be frustrating even when you think about these things every single day.
I will talk through the Social Security and Medicaid roadblocks I see Texas families hit, and how to advocate for your loved one.
This is not just for parents who are in the middle of the transition right now. If your loved one is 30 and you still have loose ends to tie up, you are welcome. If your child is seven or eight, you are welcome too. Before you know it they will be turning 18, and you need to start getting ready now. If we stay ready, you do not have to get ready.
I hope you will join us. Please share with a family who could use it.
Register: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O9AfN5MCR7yvDmYssQ37TA&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw368rf2VuFmWgfZhAQt2N0z

06/11/2026

06/04/2026

Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a high-energy production featuring a talented cast. Their vocal abilities were truly exceptional. I highly recommend attending this outstanding entertainment!

05/18/2026

Better late than never!
On May 7 we participated in the Women's Fund of Smith County Mother's Day Luncheon. Tea party theme, and the ladies involved with the Women's Fund took it very seriously. We fit right in with these ladies dressed for a tea party.
The Arc of Greater East Texas was asked to decorate a teapot. We let our youth artists make it camp-themed on purpose, because Women's Fund support helps make our camps for children with IDD possible.
Look close and you'll see a snow-covered leaf, a fish, a kid paddling a kayak hard through rough water, and a little rain. That's camp life.
We set out tea bags that read "Independence is built" and "Inclusion is intentional" to start honest conversations about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sometimes it's not more support people need, just a different kind.
Thank you to the Women's Fund for helping more kids get to camp, and for making room at the table for all of us.

05/13/2026

There were 32 attendees at the May Tyler Rose Advocates meeting. We learned that everyone makes choices, both big and small. Self-advocacy means thinking about what choice is best for you. Thank you to Lindy Arteaga for the delicious meal, to all the ladies who stepped up to help serve, and to the Advocates board for leading the meeting with skill and confidence.

05/06/2026

We are seeking Summer Camp Counselors to assist adults with special needs. This one-week camp offers participants a unique environment where they can engage in new activities, create lasting memories, and form meaningful relationships. Student volunteers will receive service hours for their participation, making this an opportunity both personally fulfilling and beneficial for academic requirements. https://ggr.sh/Uhfx

04/28/2026

It’s East Texas Giving Day! Join us in making a difference by supporting The Arc of Greater East Texas and the incredible work being done in our community. Every contribution helps empower lives and create opportunities.

https://mtyc.co/meg8bf

04/28/2026

It’s East Texas Giving Day - Support The Arc of Greater East Texas! https://mtyc.co/meg8bf

It is the mission of The Arc of Greater East Texas to enhance the general welfare of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, throughout their lifetimes, by providing fully inclusive programs, services, education, advocacy, and compassion for those we...