Our community is fortunate to have many programs, centers and organizations providing assistance to individuals and families in need. A few of those resources are listed in the tabs below. Click on the tab to find corresponding links and contact information for resources.
Basic Needs
- – Find Assistance
COVID 19 Resources
– Vaccines
- – Metrocrest Services | Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and Dallas area belonging to Denton County | 972.446.2100
– Salvation Army (DFW) | 214.637.8100
– Network of Community Ministries | Richardson | 972.234.8880
– Catholic Charities (Dallas) | 214.257.0674
– Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas | 972.437.9950
– Community Council of Greater Dallas | 214.871.5065
– North Dallas Shared Ministries | 214.358.8700
– Housing at MDHA We’ve Got Homelessness’ Number – Housing Forward
– DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas
Shelters
– Promise House (24 and younger) | 214.941.8578
– Family Gateway (18 or older with a child under the age of 18) | 1.888.411.6802 (option 3)
– The Bridge (18 or older without children) | 214.670.1100
- – SNAP | 214.637.8100
– Metrocrest Services | Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and Dallas area belonging to Denton County | 972.446.2100
– Salvation Army (DFW) | 214.637.8100
– Network of Community Ministries | Richardson | 972.234.8880
– Catholic Charities (Dallas) | 214.634.7182
– North Texas Food Bank | 214.330.1396
– White Rock Center of Hope | 214.324.8996
– Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas | 972.437.9950
– North Dallas Shared Ministries | 214.358.8700
– CARE CORPS | Richardson | 972.234.2273
– Friendship House Garland | 972.272.1010
– Life Message (Rowlett) | 972.475.9800
– Food Pantry – 5 Loaves Food Pantry (Sacse, Rowlett)
– Mobile Pantry Food Bank Mobile Pantry Schedule | North Texas Food Bank (ntfb.org)
- – Metrocrest Services | 972.446.2100
– Salvation Army (DFW) | 214.637.8100
– Network of Community Ministries | Richardson | 972.234.8880
– Catholic Charities (Dallas) | 214.634.7182
– Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas | 972.437.9950
– The Roc | Garland | 972.272.1002
– Lite Up Texas (Reduce cost of Electricity and phone) | 1.866.454.8387
– Good Samaritan | Garland | 972.437.9950
– Friendship House Garland | 972.272.1010
– CARE CORPS | Richardson | 972.234.2273
Air Conditioning
– Corner Stone Baptist Church | 214.791.9882
– Dallas County Health and Human Services | 214.819.1848
– Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program | 214.919.1848
Free Phone Service
- – Metrocrest Services | Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and Dallas area belonging to Denton County | 972.446.2100
– Salvation Army (DFW) | 214.637.8100
– Network of Community Ministries | Richardson | 972.234.8880
– Catholic Charities (Dallas) | 214.634.7182
– The Roc | Garland | 972.272.1002
– North Dallas Shared Ministries | 214.358.8700
– Northwest Community Center | 214.396.6517
– Clothing Closet – 5 Loaves Food Pantry (Sachse, Rowlett)
- – ilooklikeLOVE | 1.800.569.5897 ext. 702
– Northwest Community Center | 214.396.6517
– Diapers Etc. | Online Registration
– 5 Loaves Ministry | Sachse | 469.767.8071
– North Dallas Shared Ministries (Richardson) | 214.358.8700
- – DART | 214.979.1111
Medical Specialists
- – Parkland Health Plus Medical Insurance | 214.590.4900
– Help Finding a Medicaid Doctor or CHIP Services (Texas)
- Medicaid Client Hotline | 1.800.252.8263
- CHIP Call Center | 1.877.543.7669 or 1.800.647.6558
– Medicaid Service Coordination/Case Management | 1.877.847.8377
Texas Medicaid STAR Program Health Plans
– Affordable Care Act | 1.800.318.2596
– Medicaid Buy-In Program | 1.877.541.7905
– Medicaid HIPP Texas | 1.800.440.0493
– Scottish Rite Hospital (Dallas) | 214.559.5000
– Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN Program) | 1.800.252.8023
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Accepting Medicaid
– Children’s Health™ Specialty Center Dallas Campus | 1.844.424.4537
– Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities | 214.456.7700
– The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology
– Texas Child Neurology | 972.234.8880
– Child Study Center | 817.336.8611
Not Accepting Medicaid
– Bright Leaf Therapy | 972.963.0384
– Crawford Psychology | 972.735.0445
- – Mercy Bridge Medical | 972.437.4438
– North Dallas Health Center | 214.670.6555
– Vickery Health Center | 214.266.0350
– Hope Clinic in Garland | 469.800.2500
– Healing Hands | 214.221.0855
– Watermark Urgent Care/Quest Clinic | 469.317.0028
– Mission East Dallas (Scale Fee) | 972.682.8917
– Martin Luther King Jr. Family Clinic | Healthcare for your Dallas & Balch Springs Family | 214.987.1131
– Los Barrios Unidos Clinic | 214.540.0300
– St. Vincent de Paul North Texas
Low-cost prescriptions
– Society of St. Vincent de Paul North Texas
Low-cost eye clinic/lost-cost glasses
–Center for Vision Health | 214.828.9900 and 214.828.4600
Medical Supplies Agencies
– Shield HealthCare | 1.800.765.8775
Hearing aids & cochlear implants purchasing support
– Aid The Silent | 210.868.6616
– Be an Angel – Help a Child | 281.219.3313
– Ear Care & Hearing Aid Financing – CareCredit
– AG Bell | 202.337.5220 (implants)
– Dallas Hearing Foundation | 972.424.7711 (implants)
- – Center for Social Success | 972.404.3001
– Behavioral Innovation | 855.782.7822
– ABC Pediatrics | 214.351.3490
– Child & Family Guidance Center | 214.351.3490
– MetroCare Services | 214.333.7076 and 972.337.6363
– Elemy | Pediatric Behavioral Health & Autism Care for All
– The Center | The Center Counseling
– Martin Luther King Jr. Family Clinic | Healthcare for your Dallas & Balch Springs Family | 214.377.0773
- – At Home Health | 877.959.9093
– Kids Care Home Health | 214.575.2999 or 866.919.3240
- – North Dallas Shared Ministries Richardson | 214.358.8700
– Los Barrios Unidos Clinic | 214.540.0300
– Martin Luther King Jr. Family Clinic | Healthcare for your Dallas & Balch Springs Family | 214.377.0773
– US Dental Service | Mission East Dallas Dental Clinic | 972.682.8917
– US Dental Service | Community Dental Center of Carrollton Farmers Branch | 972.241.2259
– US Dental Service | Community Dental Care at Vickery Meadow | 214.333.7076 and 972.337.6363
– Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
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- Pediatric Pro Children’s | Garland | 214.380.5054
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- Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas | North Dallas | 214.378.8868
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Family Resources
- – Growing As a Parent – Family Compass | 214.370.9810
– Dallas Association for Parents Education | 972.699.0420
– Avance Dallas | 214.887.9907
– Parents As Teachers | 972.298.3366
– Lumin Education | 214.824.8950
– Anthem | 214.426.0900
– Growing As a Parent – Family Compass| 370.9810
– Dallas Association for Parents Education | 972.699.0420
– Avance Dallas | 214.887.9907
– Parents As Teachers | 972.298.3366
– Lumin Education | 214.824.8950
– Anthem | 214.426.0900
– Family Care Connection | 972.298.3366
– Family Connects | 844.689.5437
– Center for Children and Families – Grow With Me – The University of Texas at Dallas | 972.883.3876
– Early Childhood – Calvary Lutheran Church + School | Mornings with Mommy program | 214.348.5567
- – Northwest Community Center | 214.826.6501
- – Family Tree Program | 1.888.837.0666 ext 1
– Presbyterian Children Home and Services | 800.888.1904
– Counseling Institute of Texas | 972.271.4300
– Christian Works | 972.960.9981
– Bienstar Bilingual Counseling Services | 214.887.9907
Postpartum Depression
– Parkland Health’s Postpartum Depression Program | 214.590.8000
- – Special Needs Parents of North Texas | A discussion-based Facebook group for parents of children with special needs to seek advice, referrals and support.
– Autism Mamas DFW | Private Facebook discussion and support group for moms of kids with autism; based in Frisco.
– Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas | Holds new parent and expectant parent meetings for families with kids age 0–4 years to share resources and meet new friends going through the same experience.
– Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas | Hosts Parent’s Night Out (combining the Mom’s Night Out and DADS programs) to give parents an opportunity to enjoy appetizers on DSPNT. Some of the events are scheduled to coincide with Teen Scene events.
– Prestonwood Baptist | In Plano, hosts a special needs network group called Onward and Upward.
– Stonebriar Community Church | In Frisco, hosts a fellowship class for parents and caregivers of kids with special needs.
– Denton Bible Church | Hosts the Parent Survival Partners group to connect and share with other parents of children with special needs; call 940.297.6781 or email Amanda at avaughn@dentonbible.org.
– Bent Tree Bible | In Carrollton, hosts a twice-monthly Bible study for parents of children with special needs. Contact the group here.
– Jewish Family Service of Great Dallas | Special Needs Partnership provides support, resources and education through programs and services, with groups teaching social skills for teen boys and teen girls with special needs.
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For children with Medicaid/CHIP (These are not nursing/medical services)
– Health and Human Services | 1.888.276.0702
- The family should call their Medicaid/CHIP provider and request the direct line to their service coordinator. – Call
- Request a child evaluation for personal care services.
- After approval, choose an agency that you like, that provides the service.
- – Angels of Care – (ask for personal assistance services) | 855.452.6435
- – LaLa Healthcare Solutions | 214.310.0610
- – Agape Home Health | 972.681.2247
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) provides a developmentally appropriate preschool experience for students 3-5 years old with developmental disabilities with a low student to teacher ratio. The program is located at selected elementary campuses throughout the different school districts.
Instruction incorporates the utilization of learning centers, and an experiential approach emphasizing communication, readiness, vocational, personal management, socialization, and motor skills. Parent involvement is an essential part of the program and is enhanced through conferences and school/home communication.
To request the evaluation of a child who may have a disability under §300.8 (IDEA), and may require special education, please choose the school district depending on your area of residence.
– Mesquite | 972.882.7700
– Garland | 972.494.8201
– Dallas | 972.581.4210
– Highland Park | 214.780.3090
– Coppell | 214.496.6934
– Carrollton & Farmers Branch | 972.968.5800
– Irving | 972.600.4600
– Plano | 469.752.4299
– Grand Prairie | 972.522.3152
If your school district is not listed here, please call our office and we will be happy to assist you. - – Health and Human Services Autism Program
The treatment through the HHS Children’s Autism Program is limited to 180 hours within a 12-month period. The length of treatments received is limited to a maximum of 720 hours during the child’s lifetime. Please visit the next website to reach a provider under your zip code location.
Inclusive Preschool Programs for Children with Autism
– Foundation School of Autism | 972.382.7001
– Center for Autism and Behavioral Disorders – CABD (Dallas-Fort Worth) | 972.586.1580
– Autism Treatment Center of Texas | 469.872.7720
ABA Private Services
– Center for Autism | 469.809.7407
– Behavioral Innovations | 855.782.7822
– Behavior Exchange | 972.312.8733
– Help Hope Solutions | 972.403.0100
– Concept Connections | 214.618.7985
– Butterfly Effects | 888.880.9270
– ABA Therapy Center | Life Skills Autism Academy | 888.975.4557
– Positive Behavior Supports Corporation | 1.855.832.6727
ABA Medicaid Services
– Elemy | Pediatric Behavioral Health & Autism Care for All
– Positive Behavior Supports Corporation | 1.855.832.6727
Funding grants and support to families affected by autism
http://www.anchorofhopefoundation.org/
http://autismcaresfoundation.org/
http://www.autismhelpnetwork.com/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/financial-assistance
https://www.bloomingwithautism.org/
http://www.friendsofman.org/index.php
https://www.itaalk.org/https://www.thehuckleberryfoundation.com/
- – The Warren Center Recess Program | 972.490.9055
– Dallas Rays of Light | 214.706.9535
– Night Owls – Dallas | 214.823.9929
– Arise Special Needs Ministry (Irving) | 9725604600
– Friday Nite Friends – Special Needs Ministry (Custer Rd.) | 9726183450
– Children Loving Handy Ministry | 972.462.0471
– Prestonwood Special Needs Ministry | 972.820.5468
- Family Place Libraries
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Music Therapy
– Southwestern Music Therapy | 214.227.1006
Aquatic Therapy
– Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy | 469.675.3153
– Presbyterian Hospital (Plano) | 972.981.8185
– Presbyterian Hospital (Dallas) | 214.345.7680
Therapeutic Riding
– Equest | 972.412.1099
– Divine Equine Therapeutic Riding Center | 903.421.4616
Play Therapy
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Childcare for Special Needs
– Early Head Start | 972.283.6400
– Sunshine Pediatric Daycare Center | 972.882.9498
– Directory from Parent Connect
Subsidized Child Care
– Childcare Group | Early Childhood Programs | 214.630.5949
– Childcare Group | Child Care Assistance | 214.630.5949
– Head Start of Greater Dallas | 972.283.6400
Regular Daycares/Mother’s Day Out
– Winnie | Please choose the area where you live or where you need the child care to be located, and what kind of program you are reaching for.
Play Groups
- – ASI Gymnastics | Gymmie Kids Program | 1.888.563.3408
– Angel League Baseball Program (ages 4-15) | 972.722.6001
– Aqua-Tots Swim Schools | 214.396.6610
– Dallas Children’s Theatre | 214.947.0110 ext. 138
– Accessible KidMania Playground
– Sensory Friendly Films (AMCTheaters.com)
– 20 all-abilities parks, playgrounds, and indoor play areas
– Adaptive and special needs programs at YMCA Metropolitan Dallas
– Sensory Processing & Special Needs Education, Gym, Therapy | Dallas TX (itsasensoryworld.org)
Recreation Centers
– Recreation Facilities | Dallas Parks, TX – Official Website
– Parks and Recreation | Irving, TX – Official Website (cityofirving.org)
– Programs & Events | City of Carrollton, TX
– Community Recreation Center | Farmers Branch, TX – Official Website (farmersbranchtx.gov)
– Recreation Centers | Richardson, TX (cor.net)
– Recreation Centers | Garland, TX (garlandtx.gov)
– Parks and Recreation | Rowlett, TX – Official Website
Summer Camps
– Guide to Summer Camps in the Dallas, TX area | Kids Out and About Dallas
Recreation Center/Summer camps for special needs
– Adapted Recreation | Plano, TX – Official Website
– Facilities • Dallas Parks, TX • CivicEngage
– 2023 Kid Classes (civicplus.com)
– Camp Summit | Barrier-Free Camps in Texas (campsummittx.org)
– Dallas Parks Therapeutic Recreation
– Summer Camps – Callier Center for Communication Disorders (utdallas.edu)
Parks/Play centers
– 11 Playgrounds We Love for Babies and Toddlers – DFWChild
– 20 All-Abilities Parks, Playgrounds & Indoor Play Areas – DFWChild
– Indoor Play Centers in and around Dallas | Kids Out and About Dallas
- – Legal Aid/Dallas Office | 214.748.1234
– Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program | 214.243.2236
– Catholic Charities (Dallas) Immigration Services | 214.634.7182
– Texas Department Of Family And Protective Services | 214.243.2236
– Texas ABLE (Savings plan for Texans with disabilities)
– Life Care Planning | 832.319.1555
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Texas Medicaid Waivers
Texas Medicaid waivers are a gateway to getting services for your child. We don’t want to tell you what to do, but we strongly suggest that you consider adding your child to the waiver interest list(s), which many parents call “waiting lists”, if you haven’t already done so.
Even if you hope your child will never need those services, it is important that they be added to the interest list for any program(s) that might meet their needs. Your child might have to wait a long ame to get services through the waiver. You can always decline the services once your child moves to the top of the list.
How to Add Your Child to Interest Lists
You do not have to prove your child is eligible before adding them to the waiver interest lists. Your child will go through this process once they move to the top of the list. Only then is the eligibility information reviewed and used to decide if your child can enroll.
– Call 877.438.5658 for information about putting your child on an interest list for longterm services. This is for the CLASS, DBMD, and MDCP waivers. See the section below for details about each of these waiver programs.
– Call your Local Mental Health Authority about the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) waiver program. Go to the DSHS website to find the Local Mental Health Authority in your area.
– Call your Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) to get your name on the interest list for the HCS and Texas Home Living Waiver programs. You can search for your LIDDA’s telephone number.
– Navigate Life Texas (English) Texas Medicaid Waiver| 877.787.8999
– Navigate Life Texas (Español) Texas Medicaid Waiver| 877.787.8999
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI or disability benefits come through a federal Social Security Administration program. SSI offers monthly cash assistance to help pay for your child’s personal and medical needs. It is for things like food and shelter, medical and dental care that isn’t covered under health insurance and personal needs, such as clothing. You must apply and be approved for SSI based on your family or your child’s income.
Before applying please read all the information to know more about the requirements to qualify visiting:
– Navigate Life Texas | SSI Benefits for Children with DisabilitiesCall at 800.772.1213 or 800.325.0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing, and make an appointment for an interview in your local office or complete the online application here
Family Advocacy
– Partners Resource Network | English 469.388.8662 | Español 469.401.2738
– Navigate Life Texas (English) | 877.787.8999
– Navigate Life Texas (Español) | 877.787.8999
– The Arc of Texas | Promoting the human rights and Self-Determination of Texans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | 512.454.6694
- – Action for Autism | Helps families obtain the resources and funds they need to raise their child.
– The Arya Foundation | Provides financial assistance and medical equipment for families raising children with special needs.
– Bryan’s Hope | Provides financial assistance for children with brain cancer.
– The Chronic Disease Fund | Helps families obtain expensive prescription medications needed for children with chronic diseases.
– The Different Needz Foundation | Offers grants to families with children who have developmental issues to purchase medical equipment and services.
– First Hand Foundation | Offers grants and scholarships to families of children with special needs who have exhausted health insurance.
– The Hike Fund | Provides hearing devices to children from birth to age 20 whose families cannot afford them.
– The Humanitarian Foundation | Helps families cover the cost of dental treatment for children with special needs.
– My Life Without Limits | Provides educational and financial resources to families of children with special needs.
– National Organization for Rare Disease (NORD) | Offers financial assistance to families of children with rare diseases so they can afford life-sustaining medications.
– The Parker Lee Project | Offers medical supplies and equipment for families with children with disabilities.
– Seedling Braille Books for Children | Gives children three free braille books a year to improve literacy for visually impaired children.
– Small Steps in Speech | Offers grants to children in need of speech therapy.
– Variety: The Children’s Charity | Provides grants to children with mobile disabilities.
– Wheelchair 4 Kids | Gives children access to wheelchairs and equipment to improve mobility.
– United Healthcare Children’s Foundation | Gain access to the care they need through medical grants.
- – Car Seat Assistance Program | 1.800.252.8255
– Stacy Sensory Solutions (Sensory Toys/Tools) | 972.599.1220
– Aretas Assistance Dogs | 817.330.9495
– The Arc of Texas | Promoting the human rights and Self-Determination of Texans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | 512.454.6694
– Ark House Dallas |Low cost temporary housing options for people who are in the area receiving medical treatment for an extended period.
Child Abuse/Domestic Violence
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CALL 911– Child Protective Services | 800.252.5400
– Domestic Violence | 24 Hour Hotline 972.276.0057
– Shelters
Disclaimer: The Warren Center maintains this limited Community Resources as a service to families as a reference tool. Every effort is made to ensure listings are up-to-date. The Warren Center does not endorse or claim to have personal knowledge of the abilities of those listed. The resources listed on this page are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. Users are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource found on this page.
TWC Video Tutorials
The Warren Center is passionate about providing resource information to families to help them thrive in everyday life. Below you will find a link to our video tutorials. So, whether you’re struggling with day-to-day tasks or you’re looking for storytime videos, we have you covered.
Information By Topic
The Warren Center is passionate about providing resource information to families to help them thrive in everyday life. Below you will find a link to information regarding different developmental delays and disabilities. View our informative library for help navigating the process of providing skills to trouble facing developmental disorders or diagnoses.
