
Our History
Twenty years of opportunity, growth, and belonging
From four kids in an after-school program to a community that shows up for over 60 teens and young adults.
About Us
Socialization and Education for Extraordinary Lives
The Clubhouse for Special Needs is about socialization and education. Every individual deserves a safe, joyful environment where they can build meaningful friendships, discover new talents, and feel truly valued. For teens and young adults with physical and intellectual challenges, those opportunities can be incredibly rare. The Clubhouse provides that vital, recreational atmosphere where our “Clubbers” can grow, connect, and thrive.

OUR MISSION
The Clubhouse provides a safe and fun environment dedicated to socialization, education, and independence for teens and young adults with physical and intellectual challenges. We strive to maintain academic acuity and develop life skills through community involvement, helping our Clubbers become confident and self-sufficient.
The CLUBHOUSE is a “Fun, safe place where we help Cheerful, Learning, Unique, Beautiful Beings Enthusiastically Rise to become their best selves.”
What we do is simple yet profound: we create a secure space where every single moment is a teaching moment. We encourage our special needs young adults to exceed the low expectations often placed upon them, helping them maintain their academic acuity while developing deep socialization skills through lifelong friendships. We provide the precise support they need to become confident, self-sufficient, and actively involved in their local community.

LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED?
If you’re passionate about making a difference, there are opportunities to volunteer your time or make a donation to support The Clubhouse. Your support will truly impact the lives of teens and young adults with intellectual or physical challenges, providing them with a nurturing environment where they can learn, socialize, and grow.
Our Dedicated Team
Meet our Board of Directors
The board of directors is composed of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to guide and support the organization’s mission and vision. They are passionate individuals who are committed to ensuring that our programs and services meet the unique needs of this important community. Their guidance and support are invaluable in helping us bridge the gap in special needs care and support.
Barbara Gant-Freeborn
Barbara took over as President in 2022. At that point the Clubhouse served three clients after the pandemic. It now serves 44 active Clubbers. She built partnerships with local universities, OT programs, and volunteer groups, and launched the “Come Read with Me” program. She continues Darlene’s vision of letting each member choose their own path.
Kent Hopkins
Kent co-founded the Clubhouse with Darlene Hollingsworth in 2006 and handles financial planning and oversight. He has over 50 years in accounting and business management, including time at Sherwin Williams, General Electric, a CPA practice in Minnesota, and 38 years running his own firm in Euless, Texas. He served in the U.S. Navy in the early 1960s.
Jim Kane
Jim is a single dad of an autistic son who attended the Clubhouse during summers and school holidays. Born in Philadelphia, raised in Omaha, and a high school graduate of Arlington, Texas, Jim earned a Business/Marketing degree from UTA and built his career in computer networking and telecom sales.
John Pluhowski
John spent over 40 years in corporate communications. He was Chief Communications Officer for TD Bank, where he tripled the size of the communications function and supported a decade of donations to Special Olympics of New Jersey. He has also held senior roles at eBay, American General, and AIG Retirement Services, and serves on the board of Disability:IN.
Elizabeth Phillips
Elizabeth leads and teaches in Kids Ministry at Cross City Church and volunteers with 6 Stones and Mid-Cities Women’s Clinic. She has coordinated large community events and managed volunteers for nonprofit leadership. She received the Catalyst of Hope Award and is a 6 Stones Community Champion. She is a wife, mother, co-owner of Paint By Designs, and serves on the HEB Chamber of Commerce.
Kate Barlow
Kate is a Talent Development consultant with APTD certification and runs Intentional Leadership LLC, working with small and medium businesses on leadership and team development. Her career includes American Airlines and the City of Southlake’s first economic development role. She holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Illinois and earned her DTM from Toastmasters in 2019.
Our Dedicated Staff
Team Members
Sabina Hoff
Sabina Hoff’s journey with The Clubhouse began about four years ago when she started volunteering as part of an occupational therapy class assignment. From the moment she walked through the doors, she fell in love with the people, the mission, and the many opportunities to help others grow. One of Sabina’s favorite things about her role is that no two days are the same. Every day brings… Read more
Sabina Hoff’s journey with The Clubhouse began about four years ago when she started volunteering as part of an occupational therapy class assignment. From the moment she walked through the doors, she fell in love with the people, the mission, and the many opportunities to help others grow.
One of Sabina’s favorite things about her role is that no two days are the same. Every day brings a new teaching moment and an opportunity for growth, not only for the Clubbers, but for Sabina as well. She is especially proud of the close relationships she has built with Clubbers, their families, and her fellow team members as they work together toward shared goals.
Known for her patience, positive attitude, and caring nature, Sabina is a team player who is also confident stepping into leadership when needed. She believes the strength of The Clubhouse team comes from everyone bringing different personalities, strengths, and experiences while working toward the same mission. She supports her coworkers while encouraging Clubbers to become more independent and successful.
Outside of The Clubhouse, Sabina enjoys walking her dog, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.
Sabina is committed to helping wherever she can and looks forward to continuing to support Clubbers, encourage their growth, and make a positive difference in their lives.
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Apple Price
April Rice has a gift for capturing the moments that make The Clubhouse so special. After experiencing a life-changing injury more than 20 years ago, photography became an important part of her journey—and today, she uses that passion to celebrate others.
What April enjoys most is capturing genuine moments in people’s lives and helping them hold onto those memories through photos. She… Read more
April Rice has a gift for capturing the moments that make The Clubhouse so special. After experiencing a life-changing injury more than 20 years ago, photography became an important part of her journey—and today, she uses that passion to celebrate others.
What April enjoys most is capturing genuine moments in people’s lives and helping them hold onto those memories through photos. She is especially proud of creating company tees and developing her photography skills, while continuing to grow creatively and inspire those around her.
Known for being sweet, loving, creative, and authentic, April brings an open heart to everything she does. She loves helping others, bringing happiness to those around her, and being part of a community where people can feel valued and fulfilled.
For April, it all comes back to one simple idea: having an open heart and an empowering soul gives us something to be grateful for—and that gratitude is meant to be shared with others.
Read lessJonathan Alligood
Jonathan Alligood first came to The Clubhouse through the Texas Workforce Commission, which suggested he volunteer to gain work experience and build his job skills. It didn’t take long for Jonathan to realize he had found somewhere he wanted to stay. After exceeding expectations during his work experience, he was offered a position with The Clubhouse before the program had even… Read more
Jonathan Alligood first came to The Clubhouse through the Texas Workforce Commission, which suggested he volunteer to gain work experience and build his job skills. It didn’t take long for Jonathan to realize he had found somewhere he wanted to stay. After exceeding expectations during his work experience, he was offered a position with The Clubhouse before the program had even concluded.
Jonathan especially appreciates the welcoming environment at The Clubhouse. He describes the staff as friendly, patient, and supportive, not only with Clubbers, but with one another as well. A quick learner with strong computer skills, Jonathan strives to treat everyone around him with the utmost respect.
His personal values fit naturally with The Clubhouse mission. Jonathan believes that everyone, regardless of their differences, deserves the opportunity to learn, play, grow, and thrive.
Outside of work, Jonathan has a lifelong fascination with computers. He says he has been using them since he was just two years old!
Jonathan is proud to be part of The Clubhouse and to help Clubbers, their families, and the greater community reach their full potential.
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Riley Elaine Wall
Riley Elaine Wall joined The Clubhouse as a volunteer in May 2026, initially looking to complete volunteer hours for graduation. What began as a requirement quickly became an experience she truly enjoyed, and she has now contributed more than 350 volunteer hours! For Riley, the best part of being at The Clubhouse is spending time with the Clubbers. She loves hanging out with them, seeing… Read more
Riley Elaine Wall joined The Clubhouse as a volunteer in May 2026, initially looking to complete volunteer hours for graduation. What began as a requirement quickly became an experience she truly enjoyed, and she has now contributed more than 350 volunteer hours!
For Riley, the best part of being at The Clubhouse is spending time with the Clubbers. She loves hanging out with them, seeing the drawings they create for her, and, most importantly, building the kind of trust that allows them to open up and be themselves. One of her proudest accomplishments has been becoming someone the Clubbers feel comfortable talking to.
Riley brings creativity and compassion to the team. She enjoys art, photography, and crocheting and describes herself as kind and caring. Having special needs herself and being close in age to many of the Clubbers also gives Riley a personal connection and helps her relate to their experiences.
Outside of The Clubhouse, Riley has six siblings, was adopted, loves math, and enjoys plenty of creative hobbies.
Riley hopes to continue being someone Clubbers can trust, talk to, and feel comfortable around, while always learning how to be more patient, understanding, and supportive.
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