Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Elizondo.
Elizondo founded Emma’s House after struggling for years with after-school care for her daughter Emma. She found herself worrying where Emma, who has an intellectual disability, would go after school when she aged out of daycare at 13.
Debbie, a special education teacher, was fortunate and arranged for Emma to be brought to the school where she taught, but her concern grew for families without this option.
When another family that had a child with special needs approached her with the same fears and concerns, she knew she had to do something.
After considerable research, countless prayers and support from family, Debbie decided to open Emma’s House in 2012.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In the beginning the biggest obstacle was getting our 501(c)3 status. It took over 18 months and that’s a very long time for a non-profit not to be receiving financial donations. My degree is in business, but you don’t realize all the things from taxes to insurance, to inspections that are required to run a business. Financial challenges have been huge obstacle in our 5 years of existence.
We have also struggled getting out name out there, along with gaining new members in our after-school program. Our Spring Break and Summer Camps are always full with young people from around the Metroplex.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Emma’s House story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in providing after school, no school and summer camps for teens and young adults with special needs such as Autism, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities Emma’s House also offers opportunities for teens, youth groups, colleges and business to volunteer at our facility.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The best luck I’ve ever had was having Emma. She changed my life and was the inspiration for Emma’s House.
Pricing:
- $400 month (private pay)
- $35 daily drop-in (private pay)
Contact Info:
- Address: 920 Bluebonnet Drive #101
Irving, TX 75060 - Website: www.emmashouse.net
- Phone: 9728391502
- Email: debbie.elizondo@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmashouse
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