Temple Memorial Shares Blessings

Steven Baker & Joelyn Grygar play cards with Temple Memorial Staff. (Photo by Erin Rogers | TXK Today)
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Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center in Texarkana, is a 501-(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities in the Texarkana area. Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center was founded in 1952 and specializes in pediatric therapy, providing speech, occupational, and physical therapy in children under the age of 21.

In 2015, the Temple Center was chosen by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to begin providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The program is funded by a grant from DARS, which requires a lengthy application process-with specifications on space, equipment, and their certified therapists.  These services are a necessary resource for many on the Autism Spectrum in the Texarkana region.

Wyatt Wilcox plays in the waiting room.
(Photo by Erin Rogers | TXK Today)

“We have learned that nothing is impossible,” said Executive Director, Sandy Varner.  She continued, “my staff and I get the privilege of coming to work every day and watching our kids accomplish goals, either big or small, that might have once seemed impossible.”

The Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center’s staff are kind of angels in disguise, exercising patience, love, persistence and humility in order to help these children accomplish the next goal.  They work day in and day out to be a support system for their clients, treating them more like family than patients.  It’s the exact kind of comfort these families need during their care.

Elizabeth Compton sits on the floor playing tea.
(Photo by Erin Rogers | TXK Today)

Kara Compton, mother of Elizabeth Compton, explained what a blessing this center is for her daughter and her family.  By chance, Compton discovered what resources Temple Memorial had to offer.

 

“God led us to Temple through a member of our church family who mentioned Temple Rehabilitation and the excellent care her son received there. In three days, we went from not knowing how our daughter was going to get therapy, to being completely set and ready to go for physical and occupational therapy. This was a huge weight lifted off our shoulders and we are so grateful that God led us to Temple Rehabilitation.”

The Therapists at Temple Memorial exhibit a special balance of strength and tenderness, pushing children like Elizabeth beyond their own perceived limitations.

“Elizabeth works very hard in therapy and she will do things for her therapists that she will not do for anyone else. She understands what is expected for her and pushes as hard as her therapists push her. Elizabeth and her team of therapists have worked so hard and pushed her to success. We are so grateful for everyone at Temple and all of the work that happens to allow these children improve.”

The staff at Temple Memorial are always eager to provide additional experiences for the members of their center, especially during the holiday season when children should be enjoying themselves and building memories to last a lifetime.

Rashaad Starks plays with Susan Stanley and Sandy Varner.
(Photo by Erin Rogers | TXK Today)

“It’s a tradition at Christmas for Santa to arrive on a firetruck in front of Temple for our Christmas Party. The children always stand out front waiting to hear the sirens knowing Santa is on his way,” Varner explained.

The staff provides cookies and punch at the Christmas Party, and children get a chance to sit in Santa’s lap and have their picture taken.

From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense of joy and comfort.  Whether is the decorations, the vibrantly colored walls, the friendly staff, or the abundance of toys, it feels more like a place for adventure than a center for disabilities.  They’re providing memorable experiences that their clients will treasure forever.

 

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