From left are Tameka Y. Cass, Metrocare chief engagement officer; Eliza Solender, Solender/Hall president; Tate Ringer, Metrocare interim CEO; Allison Shelton, Bryan’s House board chair; Steven Upchurch, Bryan’s House board member; and C.J. Stevenson, Rees-Jones Foundation program officer. Photo courtesy of Eli Vanzuela/Metrocare.
Longtime Dallas nonprofit Bryan’s House has gifted its former property to ensure the mission of supporting children with medical and developmental needs continues following the organization’s closure.
Metrocare, the largest provider of mental health, developmental disability, and permanent supported housing services in Dallas County, will receive the 3610 Pipestone Road property. The organization’s new Hillside campus at 1353 N. Westmoreland Road is about a mile from the three-acre property.
“Bryan’s House has been a place of care, compassion and inclusion for thousands of families in Dallas,” said Allison Shelton, board chair of Bryan’s House, in a press release. “While this chapter is ending, we are deeply grateful that the facility will continue to serve children through Metrocare’s programs. In many ways, Bryan’s House lives on through this next chapter.”
The transition will begin with the site initially providing services to serve children with disabilities, with plans to offer an inclusive childcare facility for employees and possibly area partner employees.
The expanded support services will be available to children of all abilities. According to a press release, the expanded disability services beginning this summer and fall include early childhood intervention services, autism therapy programming, and summer camp for children with disabilities and their siblings.
The property will retain the organization’s former identity as part of the agreement and be known as Bryan’s House powered by Metrocare, with the playground near the Hillside campus to be named The Bryan’s House All Ability Playground.
“Metrocare is honored to carry forward the legacy of Bryan’s House,” said Tate Ringer, interim chief executive officer of Metrocare, in a press release. “Their work has been a vital part of Dallas’ support system for children with complex needs. This partnership ensures that the spirit of Bryan’s House — inclusive care for children and families — will continue to shape the services offered at this location for years to come.”
