A North Texas organization that serves people with special needs said, like many other non-profits, they've seen a drop in donations in recent years. It's why they're hosting a Pickleball tournament fundraiser on Sat. Aug 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Granger Recreation Center in Garland.
Despite the financial challenges, staff say their passion for what they do keeps them motivated. The Achievement Center of Texas (ACT) serves people from age 13 to adulthood with physical and intellectual disabilities. The day program, which currently supports 34 individuals, always has a waitlist.
“Our primary focus is life skills training, teaching them skills that they would use either in a home or out in the community,” said Andrew Mlack, executive director of ACT.
The nonprofit, which began in 1977, experienced significant financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to sell its previous building. In 2023, ACT relocated and reopened at a new property—but the money problems haven’t gone away.
“Every nonprofit sees the same story: There's not enough money. There's never enough help,” Mlack said. “People aren't donating like they used to, you know, and it's like that for every organization. Organizations are down across the board on donors."
ACT’s annual budget is $673,000, which covers salaries for 12 staff members, rent, utilities, and five buses that transport students to activities around the community.
Source: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-nonprofit-fights-funding-drop-pickleball-fundraiser/3895949/