We serve individuals with disabilities ages 14 and up. Some programs have specific age requirements, such as our Transition Center, which currently serves young adults ages 18-30.

We welcome individuals with a wide range of disabilities and support needs. Our participants have included individuals with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Intellectual disabilities

• Down syndrome

• Learning disabilities

• ADHD

• Physical disabilities

• Other developmental and neurological disabilities

Every individual is unique. Rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, we consider each person's strengths, goals, interests, and support needs to determine whether a program is the right fit.

If you're unsure which program would best meet your loved one's needs, we'd be happy to talk with you and help guide you through the options.

This is one of the questions we get asked most often!

While nonprofits play an incredibly important role in our communities, we intentionally chose to build Directing My Life as a for-profit organization.

Being a for-profit allows us to respond quickly to the needs of the individuals and families we serve. Instead of waiting for board approvals or grant funding, we can develop new programs, expand services, and make decisions based on what our community needs most.

It also allows us to build a sustainable organization that can continue serving individuals with disabilities for many years to come. Our goal has never been to maximize profits—our goal is to maximize impact while creating a strong, stable organization that can grow, innovate, and serve more families.

Like any business, revenue from our services allows us to compensate our dedicated staff, maintain and expand our programs, invest in new opportunities, and continue creating meaningful services for individuals with disabilities and their families. As we grow, we also welcome community partnerships and sponsorships that help us expand our impact even further.

Our Transition Center is located in Lake Dallas, Texas. We will host some of our other programs from there as well.

Some of our other programs are offered throughout Denton County and surrounding communities, including Carrollton, Coppell, Denton, and other nearby areas.

The Directing My Life Transition Center is a daytime program designed to help young adults build the skills they need for greater independence.

Participants work on:

• Job readiness

• Independent living skills

• Social skills

• Communication

• Executive functioning

• Community participation

• Health and wellness

• Financial literacy

• Career exploration

Our goal is to provide practical, real-world learning that prepares participants for adult life.

Our first cohort will run MWF from 9:00am to 3:00pm. We begin Monday, August 31st and end Friday, December 18th.

Additional cohorts will be added in January. More information will be posted later.

The monthly tuition for the MWF group is $1,500 and is due on the 25th of the prior month.

No. While some of our activities may look similar, our focus is on intentional teaching, individualized growth, community involvement, and preparing participants for greater independence rather than simply providing daytime supervision.

Transition Center participants attend anywhere from 6 months to 4 years.

At this time, Directing My Life does not provide transportation to events in general. There are case by case exceptions, like when we travel to Waxahachie for the Scarborough Renaissance Fair in the spring. And we have provided transportation to a few events for certain clients in specific circumstances.

We are currently on obtaining funds for a vehicle so we can provide transportation for our transition center participants and eventually other DML clients to various social events and classes.

Absolutely!

Many participants attend multiple Directing My Life programs such as Community Connect Days, Job Skills Training, Friendship Dinner Club, Physical Fitness, or social events in addition to the Transition Center.

Yes.

We offer individualized services such as:

• Job coaching

• Job placement

• Independent living skills instruction

• College support

• Transition consulting

• Dating with a Disability series and relationship coaching

• Social skills instruction

• And more!

Services are customized to each person's goals.

Yes!

Building friendships and meaningful relationships is one of our biggest priorities.

Throughout the year we offer a variety of opportunities including:

• Community Connect Days

• Friendship Dinner Club

• Friday Night Hangouts

• Physical Fitness Group

• Seasonal events

• Dating With a Disability classes

• Date Nights

• Special community outings

Getting started is simple!

Our enrollment process is designed to help us get to know your loved one and recommend the services that will best support their goals.

Our Start Here Roadmap:

1. Contact Us
Reach out by phone, email, or through our website to let us know you're interested.

Sarah Rodriguez

903.456.0849 or srodriguez@directingmylife.com

2. Schedule a Roadmap Meeting
We'll meet with you to learn about your loved one's strengths, goals, interests, support needs, and future plans. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our programs.

3. Receive Your Personalized Plan
Based on your Roadmap Meeting, we'll recommend the services and programs that best fit your loved one's needs. Whether that's our Transition Center, job coaching, social programs, independent living instruction, or another service, we'll help you create a meaningful path forward.

4. Begin Your Journey
Once enrollment paperwork is complete, you're ready to begin building new skills, greater independence, and meaningful connections through Directing My Life.

We believe every person's journey is unique, and we're honored to walk alongside families as they navigate the transition to adulthood.

Currently, we do not accept Medicaid waiver funding.

Services are private pay.

However, some families have been able to use ABLE accounts for services related to services that increase their loved ones health, independence, or quality of life. Because every family's situation is unique, we encourage you to consult your ABLE plan administrator or financial advisor regarding eligible expenses.

We are actively working to establish scholarship opportunities through community sponsorships and donations.

In some situations, we may also be able to offer reduced program rates for families experiencing financial hardship. Because available funding and discounts are limited, assistance is considered on a case-by-case basis.

If cost is a concern, we encourage you to reach out. We'd be happy to discuss your family's situation and explore available options.

Yes. We strive to hire individuals who have experience working with people with disabilities and who share our passion for helping others grow in independence and confidence.

All staff receive training specific to their roles and are expected to provide a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment where participants feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their goals.

Yes.

Directing My Life carries liability insurance for our programs.

We believe every individual deserves opportunities to learn, build friendships, and be part of their community—including those who have behavioral challenges.

Because every person's needs are different, some of our programs are designed for individuals with lower support needs, while others are being developed specifically for those who require additional support. We carefully consider each participant's needs to help ensure a positive and successful experience for everyone involved.

If your loved one experiences behavioral challenges, we encourage you to contact us so we can discuss their needs and determine which programs may be the best fit.

We also understand that supporting someone with significant behaviors can be overwhelming for families. That's why we offer a parent support group specifically for parents and caregivers of individuals who display destructive, aggressive, or violent behaviors—a place to connect with others who understand, share resources, and find encouragement. Contact Sarah for more information. 903.456.0849 or srodriguez@directingmylife.com

We love partnering with local businesses!

Businesses can support our mission by:

• Hosting unpaid work experiences

• Providing guest speakers

• Sponsoring programs

• Sponsoring our Transition Center

• Sponsoring a participant scholarship

• Donating supplies

• Partnering for fundraising events

Visit our Community Partners page to learn more.

Yes!

Many businesses choose to sponsor community programs that align with their values, regardless of whether the organization is nonprofit or for-profit. Sponsorships help expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities while providing businesses with meaningful community recognition.

Visit our Community Partners page to learn about available sponsorship opportunities.

We'd love to hear from you!

Whether you're exploring services, looking for community partnerships, or simply want to learn more, we're happy to answer your questions.

Contact Sarah at:
903-456-0849
srodriguez@directingmylife.com