Our History
For over 75 years, Pursuit Center has been a trailblazer in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
For over 75 years, Pursuit Center has been a trailblazer in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Founded in 1950 by a group of visionary parents who sought alternatives to institutionalization, Pursuit Center has grown into a cornerstone of innovation, inclusion, and care.
Today, we honor that legacy by continuing to lead with compassion, delivering transformative programs, and building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our journey reflects not just the evolution of services for individuals with disabilities, but also the profound impact that occurs when a community believes in the potential of every person.
In an era when people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were routinely segregated from society in institutions, Pursuit Center emerged in 1950 as a beacon of hope. A group of determined parents of children with Down syndrome came together with a revolutionary vision, to create opportunities for their children to learn, grow, and participate in community life. On April 27, 1950, they incorporated what was then called the Houston Council for Mentally Retarded Children.
The organization established the First Opportunity Center in 1952, operating from a farmhouse on Bissonnet Street. Two years later, they formalized their leadership structure with Leopold L. Meyer as chairman and Harris Masterson, III, Rev. Arthur S. Knapp, and Ralph McCullough assembling a diverse team of community leaders, parents, and dedicated advocates. Growing rapidly, Pursuit Center relocated to Fondren Mansion in 1955 to accommodate expanding programs. The following year Dr. Frank Borreca, PhD joined as the first Executive Director, implementing pioneering educational programs and vital services like psychological testing, speech therapy, and social support, revolutionary offerings for that era that allowed children as young as three to access care.
In 1960, the organization was renamed the Houston Council for Retarded Children, Inc., reflecting the terminology of that era. The following year, 1961, marked a significant milestone when the Council secured a 99-year lease on five acres of West Dallas Street land from the City of Houston, establishing a permanent home for their growing services. By 1962, Pursuit Center had expanded its reach to Pasadena, where new classes were established. In 1965, recognizing their broader service area, the name changed again to the Harris County Center for the Retarded, Inc.
A visionary campus complex was constructed in 1966, featuring six buildings, each named after major benefactors: the Meyer-Masterson Building for administration, the Susan Vaughan Clayton Building housing a gym, pool, and auditorium, three classroom facilities (the Herman Brown Building, Fondren Building, and Garland Building), and the Linda Winston Memorial Building, which housed a sheltered workshop. Further expansion continued in 1968 with the opening of the Morrison Day Care Center on Heights Boulevard, extending the organization's services to even more families throughout the Houston area.
Throughout the 1970s, Pursuit Center experienced significant growth in both their facilities and programming. In 1971, they expanded the Linda Winston Memorial building by 5,000 square feet to accommodate more workshop activities. The following year, 1972, marked a pivotal moment when they signed a lease to build their first residential facility. This vision became reality in 1974 with the completion of Cullen Residential Hall, an impressive six-story building containing 212 units that provided supported housing options. That same year, the Morrison Day Care Center was renamed the Heights Day Care Center.
After the 1975 federal education mandate requiring public schools to educate all children regardless of disability, the organization strategically shifted its focus toward comprehensive adult services. This evolution was reflected in 1977 when they simplified their name to Center for the Retarded, Inc. The following year, 1978, they opened a new cafeteria in Cullen Residential Hall to support their residents and expanding programs. By 1979, Pursuit Center had launched the Work Activity Center, which gained national recognition from the Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, along with their Cullen Caners program. That same year, they further extended their reach by opening the Northwest Harris County Workshop, bringing vocational opportunities to more adults throughout the region.
In the 1980s, Pursuit Center continued to innovate and expand its services across multiple fronts. In 1981, they created the pioneering LifeCare program, helping parents develop comprehensive plans for their children's futures to address the critical question of "what happens after we're gone?" that concerned many families. Four years later, in 1985, they dedicated the Chi Omega Alumnae Solar Greenhouse, introducing horticultural therapy and sustainable agriculture programs.
The following year, 1986, marked a significant expansion when they acquired 310 acres in San Felipe for what would become Willow River Farms, envisioning a rural residential community where adults could live and work with appropriate supports. In 1987, Pursuit Center established the Chi Omega Health Services Building, centralizing and enhancing their medical and wellness programs.
Development continued at a rapid pace, with groundbreaking for Willow River Farms in 1988. In the same year, Wichita Cottages opened at the Pasadena Center, providing additional residential options in a smaller, more homelike setting that anticipated the growing preference for community-based living.
Pursuit Center's vision for an integrated rural community became reality in 1990 with the opening of Willow River Farms, an innovative residential and vocational setting offering agricultural work, crafts, and employment opportunities for up to 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The following year, 1991, they renovated the Heights Day Care Center to better serve their clients. By 1994, responding to growing demand, they significantly expanded their day programs to provide more comprehensive services and activities.
During this time, a sweet new chapter took shape through the vision of Alicia Lee, mother of resident Jeffrey and wife of long-time board member B.Z. Lee. Drawing from her experience as social secretary to Barbara Bush in Washington, D.C., Alicia initially planned to sell fruitcakes to support Pursuit Center. The story goes that when Mrs. Bush heard this plan, she offered some candid advice: "Why do you want to sell fruitcakes? Nobody likes fruitcakes," and suggested gingersnap cookies instead. Alicia took this suggestion to heart, spending three years perfecting the recipe that would become the foundation of Gingersnap etc.
In 2001, reflecting evolving perspectives on disability language, the organization underwent another name change, becoming "The Center Serving Persons with Mental Retardation." The following year, 2002, brought significant challenges when questions arose regarding Pursuit Center's West Dallas campus lease that had been established decades earlier. This launched a period of intense negotiations with the City of Houston concerning the organization's long-term home.
These discussions culminated successfully in 2006 when the organization purchased the campus outright, securing a ten-year repayment plan that ensured stability for their programs and services. This resolution represented a pivotal moment in Pursuit Center's history, preserving their ability to serve their community at their established location while providing long-term security for their mission.
In 2015, facing financial challenges, the organization launched the 'Pursuit for those with disABILITIES' capital campaign. Led by board member David Baldwin's impressive 3,500-mile cross-country bike ride, the campaign raised $13.2 million, enabling them to repay the City of Houston, complete the West Dallas campus purchase, clear all debt, and establish an endowment.
Just two years later, in 2017, Pursuit Center faced an unprecedented challenge when Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston. Five of their six campus program buildings flooded, with some areas submerged under more than 12 feet of water. Power was lost throughout the entire campus, with the exception of Cullen Residence Hall, which became a critical refuge during the crisis. Through emergency grants, community fundraising efforts, and the generosity of long-time supporters, Pursuit Center was able to repair portions of the campus and restore essential services, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of disaster.
By 2018, they adopted a new name, The Center for Pursuit, and launched both Supported Independent Living and Employment Pilot Programs. They also partnered with Bloom Fitness to integrate fitness classes into Pursuit Center's day programs. That same year, they sold the West Dallas campus and planned a new facility on Harrisburg Boulevard in Houston's East End, with board member Shon Link leading collaborative design sessions that gathered input from participants, families, donors, and community stakeholders.
In 2020, Pursuit Center marked a historic moment with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new campus at 4400 Harrisburg Boulevard, pushing forward despite the emerging pandemic. The following year, 2021, saw the completion of the first building, signaling the beginning of a transformative chapter for the organization. That same year, they formed a significant partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, establishing the Baylor Transition Medicine Clinic's second location on campus to enhance healthcare services for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In 2023, the campus officially opened to the Houston community, offering comprehensive day programs, health and wellness, and employment services in purpose-built spaces. That same year, Pursuit Center further expanded healthcare access by partnering with Believe Dental, offering specialized dental services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2024, the campus welcomed two new partners, the Down Syndrome Association of Houston and The Harris Center, bringing their specialized programs and creating a collaborative ecosystem of services.
Today, in 2025, to celebrate the organization's 75th anniversary, they adopted their current name, Pursuit Center, simplifying their identity while maintaining connection to their heritage. The Pursuit Center continues its founding mission to support the intellectual and developmental disability community throughout greater Houston with innovative programs that promote choice, growth, and independence.
