Nonpro t
BY DACIA GARCIA
Sammy’s House lls gap for specialized child care in Central Texas Transforming from a household child care organization to a fully operational nonpro t, Sammy’s House has created an inclusive child care resource for the Central Texas community. Behind the name Founder Isabel Huerta founded the organiza- tion after looking for specialty care for her third child, Sammy. When she discovered the lack of inclusive childcare options, Huerta was inspired to take action into her own hands. “When I started looking for specialized care, there was none in Central Texas’” Huerta said. “I found this one center in New York that provided inclusive care and I thought, ‘Well how hard would it be to create something like that here?’” Sammy passed away in September 1999 and Huerta, struggling with grief, forgot to cancel the nonpro t license. The rst child in the organiza- tion arrived a month later. The organization started with four children in Huerta’s house and now serves about 150 children a year, Huerta said. What they offer Sammy’s House promotes inclusivity through specialized care for medically fragile and developmentally delayed children in addition to o ering childcare for typically developing children. The organization recently started its young adult work readiness program and its adult summer program. Children at the organization are taught a variety of skills including a STEM curriculum, learning how to read with sign language and more with sensory input in mind so all children can be integrated with neurotypical children. Huerta said the childcare nonpro t’s main goal is to provide a safe, inclusive space for children to be happy. “Any of us can leave the world anyday, right,” Huerta said. “So be happy, be joyful, be at peace. I hope that’s what the children are experiencing because that’s what we’re trying to give them.” The nonpro t focuses on providing care for as many low-income families as possible. “It’s hard because the children need more than just care,” Huerta said. “We have to do a lot of fundraising to make sure that we can stay open to serve these high-risk children.”
Sammy’s House was founded in 1999 by Isabel Huerta and celebrated its 25th anniversary Oct. 15.
PHOTOS COURTESY SAMMY’S HOUSE
Children at the nonpro t are taught a variety of skills, including STEM curriculum.
Founder Isabel Huerta started the organization in 1999.
Get involved Volunteers play a large role in keeping the nonpro t alive, Huerta said. For Christmas, the nonpro t invites individuals to sponsor Sammy’s House families which includes buying presents for children and parents. In addition to sponsors, Huerta said the orga- nization is in need of volunteers for its annual Christmas party where children can take photos with Santa Claus and open their gifts.
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2415 Twin Oaks Drive, Austin www.sammyshouse.org
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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
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