Meet Darlene Hollingsworth of The Clubhouse for Special Needs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Hollingsworth.

Darlene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The following is my story which was written for a CVS/pharmacy contest — All the ways you care. This story gave me the opportunity as one of 10 finalists. My son and I for flown to New York and housed at their cost for the weekend. We were on Good Morning America and labeled “of the top ten caregivers in America” and awarded $10,000 each.

“The Clubhouse for Special Needs” November 9, 2008:
I am a single mom of a 16 yr boy with Down syndrome. For fourteen years I was self-employed so I could be home for my son to help him to reach and even exceed his potential. My business provided just enough to make it through each month. After 9/11/2001 I lost two major contracts and thus my business was fading. That summer I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the chemo didn’t help in motivating me to rebuild the business – thus, the business ended. I found a job that allowed me to be home for my son after-school but that only lasted nine months. They wanted 40 hours a week instead of 30 but I could not do that. I needed to be home for my son after school. I was terminated.

Now what, Lord? I asked myself, what do other working people do with their special teen? I discovered that there was nothing in all of Northeast Tarrant County (Dallas/Texas area) for teens and young adults for after-school. In Oct. 2005 I got a Doing Business As, named The Clubhouse, and started the process to do something. By January 2006 I incorporated – The Clubhouse for Special Needs, Inc. Our Mission Statement: provide a safe and fun place for teens and young adults with mild/moderate, intellectual/physical challenges — an opportunity for education, socialization, and independence in a recreational atmosphere. In summer 2006 we opened my two bedroom apt. for four young people and that August occupied 1,737 sq ft commercial facility.

Before The Clubhouse, my son would say in his limited speech, “Mom, I want friends.” I couldn’t let him play with the kids at our complex because he needed to be supervised. After The Clubhouse opened – three weeks later — my son said – actually verbalized, “Mom, I have friends.” Summer 2007 we had 8-10 and summer 2008 we had 22 throughout the various programs. We have outgrown this facility. We’re open during the school year after school as well as Friday/Saturday nights. We are also open on no school days, and in the summer [all day long] drop off service. One-third of the budget is provided by the parents or a service provider.

The remaining 2/3s comes from donations. Since summer 2006 we typically start the month off with under $20 in the bank and by the end of the month, our bills for the month are paid. Each month I have no idea where the money is going to come from, but it does. The past three years have been a monthly challenge. We have outgrown our 1,737 sq ft. and we need a larger facility. But – moving to a larger facility also means a larger budget….. end of the story for CVS/pharmacy.

Our young people continued to age and opened all-day and not just after-school. In 2014 we bought a building [miracle] which was 7,151 sq. ft. We grew to 41 young people in less than 3 months. 2018 – our young people to age and now we have 13-43-year-olds. We need to expand again. This time, the board of directors voted to expand to our dream — a 14,000 sq.f.t with a full gymnasium and all the amenities we currently have. We are in the process of finding and purchasing land with the City of Bedford.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No such thing as a “smooth road” for any non-profit. I believe the two main struggles would be in the area of money and staffing. We believe our verse from the Bible “…exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think…” Eph 3:20a

Life is all about challenges. My mom always said, “if there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The Clubhouse for Special Needs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mission Statement: provide a safe and fun place for teens and young adults with intellectual/physical challenges — an opportunity for education, socialization and independence in a recreational atmosphere.

We “specialize” in providing a non-institutional setting. We “specialize” in freedom to be yourself. (The typical day program is structured. We are non-structured but still provide education, socialization and independence.

We are known for “being out of the box.” Meaning – we are NOT a typical day program. Our people are PEOPLE and should be recognized as people. Our facility is not drab but pops with color and murals. The young people have the freedom to be themselves and are trusted. This we are proud of and sets apart from others. In fact, other organizations that work with special needs are adopting some of our philosophies and décor.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Proudest moment is recognized on Good Morning America, as “one of the top ten caregivers in America.” We were also awarded “Non-profit of the Year” from Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce.

Most proudest is be a part of seeing lives changed, skills increased and our young people feeling a sense of “I am a person” – I have worth and self-esteem.

One more thought: proud to be a part of a viable, success and credible organization that is now 12 years old.

Pricing:

• Monthly fee is $400/month, or $120/week or $12.00/hour.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1308 Harwood Rd., Bedford, Texas 76021.
• Email: director@theclubhouse.org
• Website: theclubhouse.org
• Phone: 817-285-0885

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.