Lakes Regional Community Center

04/10/2026

We currently have openings in our ICF group homes in Greenville, TX. Please see the flyer below or share it with families who may be interested.

04/08/2026

💙 Autism Awareness Month: Honoring Individuals with Profound Autism 💙

As part of Autism Awareness Month, we continue the conversation highlighted on Profound Autism Awareness Day (March 17)—a day recognized across Texas to bring attention to individuals with profound autism and the families who support them.

🧩 What is profound autism?
People with profound autism often experience significant intellectual disabilities, limited communication, and require lifelong support. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 4 individuals on the autism spectrum meets the criteria for profound autism.

🌟 Why awareness matters
Profound Autism Awareness Day was designated by the Texas Legislature to shine a light on a historically underserved population and to emphasize the importance of accessible services and long‑term support.

📌 Available Supports Through HHSC
• Children’s Autism Program (ABA services for ages 3–15)
• Early Childhood Intervention (birth–age 3, including therapy services)
• Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services for long‑term support
• Medicaid services for eligible children
Early diagnosis and intervention can make a meaningful difference in helping children reach important developmental milestones.

💙 This Autism Awareness Month, we recognize, support, and stand with individuals with profound autism and the families and caregivers who walk alongside them every day.

04/06/2026

April is Alcohol Awareness Month 💙

This month is a time to reflect on how alcohol can impact our health, relationships, and overall well-being. Alcohol misuse doesn’t just affect one person—it can impact families and entire communities. Awareness is where change begins.
Whether it’s recognizing the signs, learning about the risks, or checking in on someone you care about, these conversations matter.
Lakes Regional Community Center provides substance use services with Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors (LCDC) for adults, with teen services available in Rockwall and Greenville. We offer substance use evaluations, as well as individual and group counseling through our Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Supportive Outpatient (SOP) treatment programs.

📍 Services are available in Bonham, Greenville, Mount Pleasant, Paris, Rockwall, Sherman, Sulphur Springs, and Terrell, with flexible day and evening group options to fit real-life schedules.
Our mission is to provide accessible, supportive care that enhances the lives of individuals and families.

💲 Affordable treatment options are available, including Medicaid, most major insurance plans, private pay, and income-based services for those who qualify.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Getting help is a strong first step.
☎️ Confidential support is available 24/7 through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) or samhsa.gov/find-help.

Let’s use this month to start conversations, reduce stigma, and support recovery—together.

04/02/2026

💙 World Autism Awareness Day | April 2

Today, we recognize World Autism Awareness Day, a time to increase understanding and show informed support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

One of the simplest ways to be an ally is to learn more about autism by reading credible resources, listening to autistic voices, and engaging with content shared by people with lived experience. Education helps move us beyond awareness toward meaningful acceptance.

Traditionally, blue has been associated with World Autism Awareness Day. However, many members of the neurodiverse community are encouraging a shift, inviting allies to wear red as a symbol of autism acceptance and advocacy, not just awareness.

World Autism Awareness Day reminds us that increased understanding helps us better support our friends, families, and community members with autism. It’s also an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, recognize strengths, and celebrate the many contributions autistic individuals bring to our communities.

Being an ally means continuing to learn, listen, and support autistic people as they are not just today, but all year long.

To learn more, consider exploring resources from autistic‑led organizations such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and other neurodiversity‑affirming programs.

Together, we can build communities rooted in kindness, inclusion, and respect.

04/01/2026

🌈 Autism Acceptance Month begins today 💙

April is a time to learn, listen, and build understanding around autism and neurodiversity. Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing information, resources, and messages that promote inclusion, acceptance, and meaningful community support.

Autism is part of the diversity of the human experience, and every autistic person has their own strengths, needs, and voice.

Join us this month as we highlight ways we can all learn more and show informed support.

📅 Tomorrow, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day. We’ll be sharing more ways to learn and stand alongside the neurodiverse community.

03/31/2026

💙 As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month comes to a close, our commitment continues.
Throughout March, we’ve taken time to recognize the contributions of people with developmental disabilities, share information, and reflect on the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and community connection.

At Lakes Regional Community Center, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families is not limited to one month—it’s part of our ongoing mission. We are proud to provide services and supports that help people of all ages live meaningful, connected lives in their communities.
If you or someone you know is looking for support or would like more information:
📞 Call Lakes Regional Community Center at 903‑243‑9088 ext. 2310
Please leave a message, and your call will be returned promptly.

💬 Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support.

Thank you for being part of the conversation and for helping build more inclusive communities—today and all year long.

03/30/2026

💙🧦 Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with
Lakes Regional Community Center IDD Department recently celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by wearing to show our support, raise awareness, and spark conversations about inclusion.
Why socks?
🧬 Chromosomes are shaped like socks, and individuals with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome — three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. Wearing bright, colorful, or mismatched socks represents this extra chromosome and serves as a visible symbol of diversity and inclusion.

World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 (3/21) — a date chosen to reflect the three copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome.
This day is dedicated to celebrating the lives, abilities, and contributions of people with Down syndrome, while advocating for the same freedoms, opportunities, and inclusion as everyone else.

At Lakes Regional Community Center, we are proud to stand with individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and our community — not just on World Down Syndrome Day, but every day.

03/27/2026

💙 Breaking down barriers builds stronger communities.
People with developmental disabilities continue to face barriers that can limit full participation in their communities.
According to the CDC, these barriers may include:
🚧 Attitudinal barriers such as stereotypes and stigma
🚧 Communication barriers like a lack of accessible information
🚧 Physical barriers including inaccessible buildings or transportation
🚧 Policy barriers that limit opportunities for participation

This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Lakes Regional Community Center reaffirms our commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful community connections — not just in March, but throughout the year.
At Lakes Regional Community Center, we work to help individuals and families navigate systems, access supports, and advocate for communities where everyone is valued and included.
What can you do?
Start by listening, learning, and standing alongside people with developmental disabilities as advocates for inclusion.
🔗 For tips on how to advocate in Texas, explore resources from The Arc of Texas:
https://www.thearcoftexas.org/policy-advocacy/

Explore The Arc of Texas public policy pillars and get tools to advocate for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

03/26/2026

💙 Early identification can make a real difference.
Recognizing developmental concerns early can lead to early intervention — and that early support can improve outcomes for children and families.

The CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program helps parents and caregivers understand developmental milestones and recognize when there may be a concern. These free resources encourage early conversations and timely action.
🔗 Learn more through the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/resources/index.html

At Lakes Regional Community Center, we support children and families through a range of services, including our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program, which provides services for eligible children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities. Additional supports may include:
📞 Crisis support
🧠 Therapy and counseling
🤝 Care coordination
👨‍👩‍👧 Family education
📞 For more information, contact Lakes Regional Community Center at 903‑454‑0300.

Free child development resources

03/20/2026

💙 Lakes Regional Community Center is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
According to Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), a developmental disability is a severe, chronic condition — including intellectual disabilities — that begins before age 22, is likely to continue indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in major life activities. These conditions may affect physical, emotional, or intellectual development and often require specialized, lifelong services and supports.

Key aspects of the HHSC definition include:
• Onset before age 22
• A mental or physical impairment (or combination) that is not primarily a mental illness
• Significant limitations in areas such as self‑care, learning, language, mobility, self‑direction, independent living, or economic self‑sufficiency
• Conditions closely related to intellectual disability that require similar supports
Examples of developmental disabilities may include:
✔️ Autism spectrum disorders
✔️ Cerebral palsy
✔️ Epilepsy and other neurological conditions
✔️ Intellectual disability
✔️ Down syndrome
HHSC offers a variety of programs and services for eligible individuals, including Home and Community‑based Services (HCS), the Texas Home Living Program (TxHmL), and ICF/IID facilities.
🔗 Learn more at: https://www.hhs.texas.gov

At Lakes Regional Community Center, we provide inclusive, individualized, and person‑centered supports to help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families live meaningful, connected lives in their communities.

The .gov means it’s official.State and federal government websites often end in .gov. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on an official government site.

03/18/2026

💙 March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The 2026 theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” highlights the enduring presence, leadership, and community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

March is a time to uplift awareness and reaffirm the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
About 1 in 6 children in the U.S. has a developmental disability, and individuals with developmental disabilities work, attend school, volunteer, and contribute to their communities just like everyone else.

At Lakes Regional Community Center, we are committed to providing inclusive, individualized, and person‑centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, helping them thrive and reach their full potential.
🔗 Learn more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the 2026 theme here:
https://nacdd.org/2026-dd-awareness-month-were-here-then-now-always/

This March, NACCD is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign. The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.