The Soaring Eagle Center (SEC) was born from the love and determination of a mother who wanted more for her daughter with intellectual disabilities. As graduation approached, she faced a reality shared by many families: in her community, there were no meaningful programs to support her daughter’s continued growth, independence, or social connections. She knew her daughter deserved more than staying at home with limited opportunities—and she refused to accept anything less.

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Other parents, connected through Special Olympics and bonded by similar hopes for their adult children, joined together to turn that concern into action. Guided by a dedicated special education teacher and a committed grant writer, they transformed a heartfelt dream into a living, breathing community. In 2003, the Soaring Eagle Center was officially founded.

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Since then, SEC has grown into a vibrant and supportive community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in southern Dallas and northern Ellis counties. What began as a small circle of families has now expanded to serve more than fifty adults, offering athletic opportunities, social events, community outings, and lasting friendships. Participants have thrived through Special Olympics, group activities, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of something bigger than themselves.

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In 2005, SEC expanded its mission by launching a Day Habilitation Program. What started with just three adults has grown into a dynamic program serving thirty individuals each weekday. In 2020, SEC refined and strengthened its focus—emphasizing academic enrichment, life-skills development, community field trips, creative expression, and shared joy. Today, SEC continues to enhance independence and dignity through hands-on learning and meaningful daily engagement.

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The Day Habilitation Program operates five days a week from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Soaring Eagle Center in DeSoto. A program fee helps support the quality of services provided. Our goal is not only to build skills, but to foster friendships that last far beyond program hours. Families often say that SEC feels less like a service and more like a second home.

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At its core, the Soaring Eagle Center is more than a program.

It is a community!

A place where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, included, supported, and encouraged to soar—together.