Kay Hopper Announces Retirement from The Warren Center

DALLAS, Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kay Hopper, Chief Executive Officer for The Warren Center (formerly known as Richardson Development Center), a Dallas-based non-profit organization for children with developmental differences and disabilities, has announced her retirement, effective January 31, 2013, after 29 years of dedicated service.

During her tenure at The Warren Center, Hopper was instrumental in the growth and success of the organization, increasing Early Childhood Intervention enrollment from 100 children in 1995 when she took the reigns as Executive Director, to the current number of 500 children. Hopper also managed a successful capital campaign to finance The Warren Center's move into an expansive 10,000 square foot therapy center in 2007 that currently services over 1,400 individuals annually. As Executive Director, Hopper led the agency through two successful acquisitions in 2009 and 2011, allowing the Center to serve children and families in the northeast quadrant of Dallas County, including Garland, the Park Cities, north and east Dallas, and Rowlett, almost tripling the ECI service area and doubling the staff size.  Each year Hopper spearheaded The Warren Center's annual fundraising event, Fantasy Football Draft Night, an event held at Dallas Cowboys stadium that last year alone earned over $325,000 for the Center.  In addition to leading these growth initiatives, Hopper also expanded the depth of services offered by the Center, adding a Family Outreach and Support program as a resource for parents and families of disabled children that includes training and support groups. 

Beverly Warren recalls the impact Hopper has had on both the Center and her family. "If Kay had not stepped in as the Executive Director in 1995, I am not sure that we would still be open and helping families. She was instrumental in galvanizing the staff and helping us all focus on the mission of supporting and strengthening families. Kay has successfully taught parents, including my husband and me, to be advocates for their child(ren). Her passion inspires our family and countless friends to support the work of the Center year after year. Kay's vision will always be the heart of The Warren Center."

The Senior Leadership Team at the agency will continue the outstanding work for which the organization stands while the Board begins a search for the next long-term Executive Director to lead the agency.

About The Warren Center

As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, The Warren Center is committed to developing a child's potential and building a stronger family.  Each year, The Warren Center enables 1,400 children to improve motor, speech, feeding, cognition, social skills, and sensory difficulties.  The Warren Center believes that every child deserves wings.  Children born with disabilities or developmental differences need special care to spread their wings and reach their potential.  Success is found when a child receives early treatment and a family is able to provide a loving and supportive environment for their child to grow, be accepted, and become a valued member of the community.  Currently, The Warren Center offers two programs focused on the special needs of children.  The Warren Center ECI serves children birth to three years of age in the northeast quadrant of Dallas County, including all of Garland ISD, Highland Park ISD, Richardson ISD and parts of Dallas ISD, by providing in-home therapy services for children with developmental delays and disabilities.  Family Outreach and Support offers professionally-led parent support groups, training sessions for parents, and most importantly, a listening ear to help families filter information, find and access resources, and become advocates for their child(ren) with special needs. 

For more information on The Warren Center, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.thewarrencenter.org.

SOURCE The Warren Center