About: History

1984               

February, Unicorn Centers Inc. is established by Founder/Executive Director Mrs. Edith Garwood. Provides recreational activities for individuals with mental retardation and multi-handicaps, location on Vance Jackson is moved to Christ Episcopal Church in Monte Vista.

1985               

The Unicorn Centers, Inc. obtained Tax Exempt Status from I.R.S. as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

1986               

Location moved to Acme Road, Vocational Services began at Unicorn.

1987               

United Way begins to fund Unicorn. Department of Labor license is obtained for “sheltered workshop” activities.

1989               

Location moved to 1300 West Avenue.

1990               

Unicorn serves its 100th client on site. Unicorn assumes operations of entire building at 1300 West Avenue. Supported Employment begins at Unicorn Centers Inc.

1991               

Texas Rehabilitation Commission begins funding the Supported Employment services at Unicorn.

1992 

Licensed teachers join staff to begin Social and Life Skills Classes.

1997               

The First Client Employee Luncheon held at St. Anthony.

1999               

The second Unicorn job coach is hired.

2001               

July, The Unicorn Centers, Inc. and Mission Road Ministries merge. The Unicorn Centers, Inc. becomes part of the Mission Road Ministries family of agencies.  The third job coach is hired. In May, John Schwab is selected as Executive Director.  July, Mrs. Edith Garwood retires as Executive Director of Unicorn Centers Inc. The Northside Independent School District begins a partnership with Unicorn to pay a licensed teacher for the employment skills classes.

2002               

The fourth job coach is hired; Unicorn expands the Supported Employment Program to include funding from local MHMR State funds.

2004 

Unicorn Centers begins the Site-Based Habilitation Program. Mission Road Ministries purchases a new home for Unicorn Centers at 4630 Hamilton Wolfe Road.

2005               

Unicorn Centers begins the Community Support Services Program.

2006

March 20th, Unicorn officially moves to the new location at Hamilton Wolfe Road. Unicorn expands administrative services to include a new position of Director of Operations. A $780,000 reconstruction capital campaign is completed. Unicorn begins reconstruction of Hamilton Wolfe Section.