Associate Day Program
After high school, many young adults with intellectual disabilities sit at home with little to do. This is in part because Texas ranks 49th in the nation in funding programs for adults with disabilities. This lack of programs and services is especially true in southern Dallas and northern Ellis counties. Because of this need, a unique thrift shop opened in DeSoto in January of 2005. The thrift shop is run by the Soaring Eagle Center, a nonprofit tax-deductible organization whose mission is to “enable young people with special needs to soar like eagles”.
The Soaring Eagle Center Thrift Shop not only provides funds for the Center's program but more importantly provides a place where young adults with intellectual disabilities can gain valuable job skills, continue to grow in learning, and make life long friends. . The young adult associates work half a day in the thrift shop and attend classes in Spanish, writing, reading, math, and crafts half a day. In the thrift shop, the Associates help at the cash register, test electronics, tag and put out merchandise, sort through donations, greet customers, and help with keeping the store neat and clean. Each associate also participates in a regular exercise program at the Center. The Associate Day Program currently meets four days a week, Tuesday through Friday. from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.