Transforming Lives - The Newsletter of The Harris Center Issue 1 - Summer 2016 | Page 4

The Coffeehouse - Brewing a fresh new you
For many of us, the chance to sit down
and visit with family and friends over
a cup of coffee is a cherished tradition.
Whether the conversation is about work,
hobbies or the latest reality television
show, it is a way to form and maintain
connections with others.
For individuals living with certain
developmental disorders, these kinds of
everyday connections and interactions can
be a challenge. The ability to make and
keep friends may not come as naturally as
it does to others, and the chance to learn
and practice social skills in a supported
environment may be limited. That is
where The Harris Center’s Coffeehouse
steps in to help.
“The Coffeehouse is special to us because
first and foremost it’s there for us. I
wouldn’t change anything about the
Coffeehouse,” says Amy Yother, the mother
of one of the program’s participants. “My
son is functioning better as a young adult
in all areas, because of Coffeehouse.”
The Coffeehouse is a drop-in program
for individuals diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder or a similar
condition. Delivered in a safe and
comfortable environment, the services
provided assist individuals in developing
a better understanding of their
disorders, developing skills to improve
communication and social interaction
with their peers, building self-esteem,
forming and maintaining relationships
of their choosing, being better able to
express preferences, making choices,
fulfilling goals, and successfully living and
working with dignity and respect in their
communities. Service plans are tailored to
each individual’s needs and circumstances

by a licensed psychologist, and trained
facilitators implement these in group
and individual formats for as long as the
individual wishes to participate.
The unique nature of the program even
convinced Lou Ann and Dave Dunnaway
to relocate from New Mexico to Houston
so that their son, Kel, could participate.
“We moved here to Houston because we
heard of the Coffeehouse program. Our
daughter told us about the program and
we came down to Houston to visit her
and to see the Coffeehouse for ourselves.
After we talked to the staff about the
program we knew we had to move. At
the Coffeehouse program Kel found
acceptance for the first time in his life
with peers that did not judge, label and
dismiss him for who he is. For the first
time in his life he felt a part of a group,”
says Dave.
According to Lou Ann, “I have seen many
positive changes in my son. His social
interaction skills have improved, his

confidence level has increased, he feels
very successful and he has better dreams
as well as self-esteem.”
It is no surprise that families get so much
from the Coffeehouse given the dedication
of the program’s staff members.
According to program director Margo
Childs and her team, the staff strives to
create a warm and friendly atmosphere
that welcomes people. “Our individuals
and staff are approachable, knowledgeable
and patient. The staff always emphasizes
the fact that this is the individuals’
program and they work for them. We
also allow the individuals to move at their
own pace and we make learning fun and
interesting.”
The Coffeehouse is open Monday-Friday
and is available to individuals 18 years
of age and older who have a diagnosis of
Autism Spectrum Disorder or a similar
condition. Anyone interested in this
program may call The Harris Center at
713-970-7000 for more information on
eligibility and enrollment.

Letter from Tom Hamilton, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
After celebrating The Harris Center’s 50th
anniversary last year, our Agency entered
a new and exciting era that included a
name change, an address change, and
a renewed commitment to continue
building and strengthening our array of
services through innovative, coordinated,
and cost-effective programs. As
Chairman of The Harris Center’s Board
of Trustees, I want to extend a heartfelt
thank you to all of you for your on-going
collaboration and support in our efforts
to continue Transforming Lives.
My interest in serving on The Harris
Center Board stems from a deep and
personal commitment to improving the
lives of those affected by mental illness
and/or intellectual and developmental

disabilities. As my tenure on the board
comes to a close this September, I find
myself reflecting on the many wonderful
moments and accomplishments I have
had the privilege of being a part of in
these last 16 years. While they are
too many to note here, I do want to
acknowledge the tremendous progress
The Harris Center has made during this
time both in becoming more financially
secure while dramatically expanding
programs and services. There are many
who contributed to this progress, but I
want to give special thanks to The Harris
Center Board and the wonderful staff of
The Harris Center. The expanded and
improved programs are a tremendous
contribution to the community.

Through its focus on recovery and the
possibilities that brings as well as its
commitment to helping individuals reach
new heights, The Harris Center is an
integral part of the well-being of Harris
County’s residents. I am extremely
proud of the work done so far by this
Agency, and I am excited to see what the
future holds.
It has been an honor to serve on The
Harris Center Board of Trustees, and I
thank all of you for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Tom Hamilton, Ph.D.
Chairman, Board of Trustees