Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Tag: The Warren Center

  • The Warren Center announces new scholarship fund

    The Warren Center announces new scholarship fund

    The Warren Center, a nonprofit agency providing professional evaluations, therapy services and support to children with developmental delays and disabilities, is proud to announce the introduction of “Andrew’s Scholarship Fund”. Created by DeEtta Prince, a devoted grandmother, who is taking a heartwarming initiative to express her gratitude and support for The Warren Center, an organization that played a pivotal role in the life of her grandson, Andrew, who has Down syndrome. After benefiting immensely from years of therapy services provided by The Warren Center, Prince is excited to announce the launch of “Andrew’s Scholarship Fund,” aimed at furthering the center’s mission of helping children with developmental differences thrive.

    A genetic screening revealed that Andrew would be born with Down syndrome. The anticipation of grandchild number three, Prince and her family brought a mixture of emotions. Despite the initial challenges and uncertainties, they quickly gathered strength and began preparing for Andrew’s arrival. The family’s main concern was Andrew’s heart condition, which eventually required surgery when he was 7 months old.

    The turning point in Andrew’s journey began with his first therapy session at The Warren Center, led by therapist Bernardine. Initially conducted through tele-visits due to the ongoing pandemic, the sessions soon transitioned to in-person interactions that took place at the family’s home. Bernardine’s unwavering commitment and expertise played a significant role in Andrew’s progress, as he learned to sit up, crawl, walk, and even feed himself. The collaborative efforts between Bernardine and the family created a supportive environment that allowed Andrew to flourish.

    “The Warren Center’s approach, which involves both at-home and in-office therapy, as well as speech therapy, has been instrumental in Andrew’s growth,” says DeEtta Prince. “We received support for Andrew’s developmental milestones, which also extended to his transition to school, ensuring that he continues to receive the care and assistance he needs. The Warren Center has been center stage for our family. We are beyond grateful that the nonprofit empowers every child, regardless of the severity of their challenges, to achieve their smallest accomplishments. They are committed to not turning away any child based on financial limitations or developmental differences stands as a testament to their dedication.”

    To ensure that The Warren Center’s transformative work continues, Prince has initiated “Andrew’s Scholarship Fund” on Eclipse Innovative website. Prince is the president of Eclipse Innovative and wants to share this scholarship fund with her clients. This fund aims to provide financial support to The Warren Center, ensuring that therapists can remain accessible to families and children both at home and in their clinic. Prince invites the community to contribute generously to Andrew’s Scholarship Fund, emphasizing that even a modest donation can contribute significantly to maintaining The Warren Center’s invaluable services. The fund has a goal of $100,000.

    Additionally, Prince and Eclipse Innovative is partnering with the Allen Americans professional ice hockey team to support The Warren Center as the Allen Americans face the Kansas City Mavericks on November 12 at 2 p.m. A percentage of every ticket sold for that night’s game will go to The Warren Center. The Warren Center will have a table at the game and representatives from The Warren Center will drop the puck to start the game. The Warren Center will also receive a portion of proceeds from the Allen Americans’ 50/50 raffle at the game. Fans and supporters can watch the game on CW33.

    Biscuit, the mascot of the Allen Americans, will be at all three The Warren Center offices (central, west, and east) for The Warren Center’s Fall Family Fun Day on October 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. so that children and families can meet him.

    Prince concludes, “Together, we can make the wonder of the world closer for each child and family The Warren Center serves.”

    source: press release

  • The Warren Center appoints Chief Advancement Officer

    The Warren Center, a nonprofit agency providing professional evaluations, therapy services, and support to children with developmental delays and disabilities, has selected a new Chief Advancement Officer.

    Asriel Eford was promoted to the executive position, where she will lead the coordinated efforts of the organization’s Development, Marketing and Communications teams. She will provide a strategic vision for programs that drive advancement and communications to sustain and grow revenues from all constituents, including individual donors, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events.

    Founded in 1968, the Warren Center serves over 1,000 children each week as well as their families. Services include speech, occupational and physical therapy, developmental services, and nutrition as well as family education and support. The Warren Center’s Early Childhood Intervention Program serves the northern half of Dallas County in 48 ZIP codes.

    Eford has more than 20 years of experience in developing innovative strategies and community support for the organizations she has served. Most recently, she held the role of Chief Marketing Officer at The Warren Center. She led a multi-year campaign to generate interest in and support for The Warren Center’s early-childhood intervention-oriented mission, resulting in a 33% increase in children enrolled.  

    Prior to her work at The Warren Center, Eford held communications roles at Interstate Batteries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Troy University and a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University.  

    “Asriel is demonstrably the best of the best,” says Amy Spawn, Chief Executive Officer of The Warren Center. “She is uniquely suited to continue the transformative coalition of local and regional support and messaging for The Warren Center. She is passionate about the mission and communities we serve and already has had a profound impact on our organization which benefits thousands of children every year.”

  • The Warren Center welcomes new board members

    The Warren Center, a nonprofit providing professional evaluations, therapy services and support to children and families impacted by developmental delays and disabilities, has announced its 2022 slate of board members.

    The board members include:

    • Michael Andereck, investor and entrepreneur
    • Joseph Hoffman, partner at Katten Muchin Roseman, LLP
    • Becky Horne, President at RBH Enterprises, LLC
    • Clete Madden, President at Health Systems and OIS Business Development
    • Paulina Romon, Vice President of Operational Excellence and Human Resources at Creative Realities, Inc.
    • Lee Summers, president of Media and AdTech at Creative Realities, Inc.   

    The CDC estimates one in six children have intellectual or physical disabilities or delays. In Dallas County alone, over 102,000 children have a developmental disability. The period between birth to five years is a time of rapid development. The earliest possible intervention is critical due to the accelerated brain development during these first years of life.

    Early childhood intervention programs have been shown to yield benefits in academic achievement, behavior, educational progression and attainment, and labor market success. The Warren Center provides physical therapy, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and social support needed to help children with disabilities reach their full potential.

    “We are beyond grateful to welcome our 2022 slate of board members,” said Amy Spawn, president and CEO of The Warren Center. “Each new member will provide our organization with a unique background and perspective, and we look forward to their expertise and guidance.”

  • The Warren Center expands autism services

    The Warren Center, a Richardson-based nonprofit that helps children with developmental delays and disabilities, has launched new Autism Assessment Services to meet growing demand.

    Autism is the fastest-growing disability in Texas. As the disability grows, so does the need for assessments. The Warren Center announced its service expansion in conjunction with the Month of the Young Child during a cocktail reception on April 28 at Park City Club. Dr. Mary Ann Morris, a neurologist at Children’s Medical Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities spoke at the event, which was underwritten by Bank of Texas.

    The comprehensive autism assessments offered by The Warren Center are conducted by professionals with expertise across a number of fields. The evaluations include observations, direct interaction, a parent interview, an in-depth look at the child’s developmental history and an evaluation of the following areas: social, communication, sensory, emotional, cognitive and adaptive behavior.

    The team will personally meet with parents to discuss their findings, give specific and meaningful recommendations, answer any questions, provide a detailed written report and work with parents on a plan of action going forward.

    “The earlier that services are delivered, the more likely children are to develop effective communication, language, visual, social and motor skills,” said Amy Spawn, CEO of The Warren Center. “Early intervention services are critical because young children grow and develop so quickly. If they do not receive services before they are five years old, it can have lasting effects.”

  • The Warren Center Celebrates Successful Fantasy Football Event

    Photo: Darren Woodson, Marc Fein, Sharon and Kevin Morrison

    The Warren Center, located in Richardson, recently hosted their 26th annual Fantasy Football Draft Night event to raise funds support children with developmental delays and disabilities.

    This year’s event was hosted by Darren Woodson, a three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection, he played his entire career for the Dallas Cowboys from 1992-2003. At the football-themed event, guests drafted their own Fantasy Football team to compete in a league of friends and colleagues throughout the NFL season. At the end of the season, the champion of Fantasy Football will win two season tickets for the Dallas Cowboys 2020-2021 season. Winners of each league will receive a football autographed by a celebrity NFL player.

  • The Warren Center Welcomes Leslie Clay as Vice President of Development

    The Warren Center, located in Richardson, has announced the appointment of Leslie Clay as vice president of development. In her new role, Ms. Clay will lead all aspects of fundraising operations.

    “We are thrilled to have Leslie Clay lead our development team,” says Amy Spawn, CEO of The Warren Center. “For more than 50 years, the Warren Center has made a concerted effort to advocate, serve and empower children and families impacted by developmental delays and disabilities. We are confident that Leslie’s vast experience will empower us to serve more families.”

    Ms. Clay previously served as chief development officer for Hope Cottage, where she managed fundraising, grant writing, marketing, public relations, communications, event planning and donor relations for the organization. Prior to her position at Hope Cottage, she served as the director of community development for Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT). Ms. Clay received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stephens College and earned a Masters in liberal arts from Southern Methodist University.

  • The Warren Center Hosts Sensory-Friendly Event

    The Warren Center, located in Richardson, recently hosted a Spring in the Park event for children and their families to celebrate spring in a sensory-friendly environment. Activities included a bubble bus and meals from Austin’s UnderDawg’s Food Truck. As another connection to their mission, Austin’s UnderDawg’s is owned and operated by Austin Underwood, a man with Down syndrome.

    Children with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism are served by The Warren Center.

    “For more than 15 years, the Warren Center has made a concerted effort to host events like Spring in the Park, to provide the children we serve with sensory-friendly fun for their entire family,” says Amy Spawn, Executive Director of The Warren Center. “It is our vision that each child is able to reach their full potential. To that end, we have created environments where they can feel free to be themselves.”