Harris County Precinct 4 is working on a new program to expand meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. On March 19, the Harris County Commissioners Court formalized a working partnership with Summerhouse Houston to grow the Precinct 4 All Abilities Program. The partnership will work to ensure more adults with IDD secure careers across Precinct 4.

Data provided by the precinct underscores the need for the program:

· Approximately 44% of working-age adults (21–64) with ID are in the labor force, versus 83% for adults without disabilities

· Individuals with IDDs are nearly 3× more likely to live below the poverty line (28% vs. 10.6%) when unemployed; employment reduces that risk

· Economic independence through employment correlates with higher material well-being, productivity, and safety, compared to work center settings or unemployment.

· Increased autonomy and dignified skilled work directly impacts, feelings of autonomy, self-worth, and belonging according to an analysis of twelve studies between 1990 to 2018.


Precinct 4 Communications Strategist Cora Lindsay provided the Katy Times with more details about the All Abilities program.

What is the Precinct 4 All Abilities Program?

The P4 All Abilities Equal Employment Opportunity Program collaborates with organizations such as Summerhouse Houston to identify individuals with intellectual disabilities who aspire to achieve greater economic independence and social connect. The partnership connects individuals with career opportunities within P4 that match their skills, and goals, while also providing on-the-job training.

What is the program objective?

Together, Precinct 4 and Summerhouse Houston will set a benchmark for inclusive public employment and expand opportunities throughout P4 community centers. By implementing workforce programs that support, employ, and mentor adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community centers, the partnership aims to boost participants' confidence, independence, and job readiness while fostering social connections and enhancing socio-emotional well-being. This initiative strives to cultivate a more inclusive culture within Harris County's workforce, elevate staff morale, and streamline daily operations by ensuring dependable support for essential tasks. Additionally, this collaboration will open pathways to broader employment opportunities and decrease dependence on long-term support services. Together, Precinct 4 and Summerhouse Houston will set a benchmark for inclusive public employment and expand opportunities throughout P4 community centers.

How/why did it come about?

Precinct 4's All Abilities Program was established in 2024 in partnership with former Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. Constable Heap's son, Andrew, worked at Peckham Aquatic and Fitness Center for many years, where he played a significant role in daily operations. His responsibilities included greeting visitors, cleaning and sanitizing the facility, and maintaining inventory. Andrew was a valued team member and was part of a network of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who were leading productive and meaningful careers. To honor his impact, Precinct 4 collaborated with Constable Heap to create similar positions within community centers that reflected Andrew's role and contributions. This is how the Harris County Precinct 4 All Abilities program came to be, which later led to this relationship with Summerhouse Houston.

What is the source of funding for the program?

There is no exchange of funds for this Summerhouse Houston partnership. P4 All Abilities Staff are employed by the county.

Who is leading the effort?

Commissioner Lesley Briones and Precinct 4 staff are leading the charge beside Summerhouse Houston program is lead Melissa Walsh. Walsh is he Employment Program Director for Summerhouse and has been with Summerhouse Houston since January 2021. She brings experience in workforce training, project management, and human resources, including roles in recruiting, training, and HR operations.

Who will the program serve/how many participants anticipated?

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can expect to garner career opportunities, based on their personal interests and skills that focus on building confidence, independence, and job readiness while also expanding social connections.

How do participants qualify for the program?

Job descriptions for All Abilities positions detail essential tasks that support the daily operations of a community center. Generally, eligibility includes individuals who have completed post-secondary school, are largely independent in self-care, and do not exhibit aggressive behaviors. Summerhouse Houston helps identify candidates interested in these roles and provides support throughout the application and interview process. Employment services are designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism who wish to work in the community.

What will the program consist of?

Precinct 4

• Identifies appropriate part-time job opportunities within the community centers.

• Ensures a safe and inclusive work environment.

• Designates the center manager as the main liaison for scheduling, supervision, and feedback.

• Collaborates with Summerhouse Houston job coaches during onboarding and integration.

• Communicates incidents, absences, or performance concerns promptly.


Summerhouse Houston

• Identifies and prepares candidates with IDD for part-time roles in Precinct 4.

• Matches participants to jobs based on skills and interests.

• Provides onsite coaching and ongoing employment support.

• Maintains regular communication with Precinct 4 managers regarding progress, accommodations and performance.

• Tracks and reports participant outcomes and any challenges.


Where will the program be housed?

Currently the community centers are the only locations where employment opportunities exist, but that could change and grow as the partnership progresses. At present, the Precinct 4 All Abilities program employs three members across three locations: Tracy Gee Community Center at 3599 Westcenter Drive in Houston, Glazier Senior Education Center at 16600 Pine Forest Lane in Houston near Highway 6, and M.J. Peckham Aquatic Fitness Center at 5597 Gardenia Lane in Katy.

When will the All Abilities program launch officially?

The P4 All Abilities Program has been operational since March of 2024 through a few referral opportunities, but the program growth and partnership with Summerhouse Houston was heard and confirmed at Commissioner's Court on March 19.

Will the Precinct be partnering with any other entities such as school districts like Katy ISD, which offer some programs for IDD adults or with nonprofits like Special Strong or others? Our partnership with Summerhouse Houston is the first of what we hope to be many partnerships that extend job opportunities, internships, and volunteering opportunities to individuals with IDD.

How is the Precinct "getting the word out" about this program?

Since Precinct 4’s All Abilities program is still in its early stages, we are collaborating with Summerhouse Houston to support the current roles within the community centers. As the program grows and we identify additional employment and volunteering opportunities in Precinct 4, we will broaden our outreach to other community organizations that can offer candidates and additional support.

Success stories

In outlining what else the readers of the Katy Times should know about the All Abilities program, Lindsay shared two success stories in the greater Katy area.

Jordan Wyrick found work at Precinct 4's Senior Education Center, Glazier before moving to assist the team at Mary J. Peckham Aquatic Fitness Community Center and Park in March of 2024. “Talking to employees, and constituents with more confidence and organizing my work schedule have been my most successful areas of development since starting with the Precinct 4 team,” Jordyn said. "I want to stay working with Precinct 4 because I love my coworkers and meeting new people every day and having lunches with employees is what I enjoy most about working here."

Eugenio Garcia P4 All Abilities employee since September 2025, shares that he has "learned a lot of things, like teamwork, communication, and it reminds me that I am not alone." Eugenio hopes to continue working with this team at Glazier Senior Education Center "and continue to help," said Garcia. "I really enjoy working with my coworkers, we feel like a family . . . I love how generous our people are, they even share food with all of us."

“This program is exemplary of Commissioner Briones’ efforts in economic opportunity, and equality,” Lindsay said in conclusion.