TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A new facility for special needs adults held an open house for parents as Rehoboth Acres moved into a larger building designed specifically for the population it serves.
Rehoboth Acres, originally opened off Tryon Road, relocated to a new facility intended to give special needs adults a place to grow, receive care, and develop alongside peers.
‘A place where she belongs’
Executive Director Nicole Huggins said the organization’s mission centers on relationship and purpose.
“We believe every person is built on purpose, for a purpose, by God and so we love just building those relationships,” Huggins said. “Assign dignity and value to them.”
Parent Mark Morton said the new setting has made a difference for his family member.
“She has a place where she belongs and people care for her and they don’t see her as being different,” Morton said.
Limited options after aging out of school
When special needs children age out of school, options for continued care and development are limited. The new Rehoboth Acres facility was designed to address that gap.
Parent Ryan Riley said the move to a new building has had an impact.
“We’re just so happy that they were able to find a new building for these kids to come over and these citizens, it does something to our heart,” Riley said. “We really want to focus on their strengths — what they can do, not what they can’t do.”
Ginger Riley, whose son Mason attends the facility, described what she observes.
“I love watching what they do every day and seeing them worship together,” she said. “He comes home and talks about all his friends.”
Another parent said the program provides her family member a chance to thrive.
“There’s just not as many opportunities and Rehoboth really gives Reagan an opportunity to shine,” the parent said.
A separate parent described the change she has seen.
“She’s happy when I pick her up,” the parent said. “She’s come alive.”
Many of the staff at Rehoboth Acres are also parents of a special needs adult.
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