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Serving the DFW Metroplex Since 2005

Come One,Come All.

Helping Everyone Reach Outstanding Educational Success

We believe every person — regardless of ability, age, or challenge — deserves a life full of growth, community, and purpose. H.E.R.O.E.S. makes that possible for 500–600 DFW families every year.

21st Annual Gala
A Night at the Oscars
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Tickets & Sponsorships Now Available — Click to Register
Reserve Your Seat →
Explore Our ProgramsOur Story
600+
Families Served
20+
Years of Impact
6
Core Programs
0
Turned Away
Our Story

Where Every Person Is a Hero

In the summer of 2005, a determined group of special education teachers and parents saw a lack of opportunity for those with special needs. Starting with just five students at First United Methodist Church Richardson, H.E.R.O.E.S. has grown into a vital lifeline for hundreds of DFW families.

“Adequate is not okay; excellence is.”

— Josh Schilling, Founder & Executive Director

We never turn anyone away based on medical or behavioral challenges, financial status, or age. Our staff includes certified educators, instructional assistants, licensed therapists, and trained volunteers — all united by one belief: everyone belongs.

Certified Educators

Specially trained teachers & coordinators leading every program

No One Turned Away

Regardless of ability, age, or financial status — ever

Community Based

Real-world learning environments across the DFW metroplex

Lifelong Learning

Programs from age 3 through adulthood — always growing

What We Offer

Programs Built Around Every Person

From our flagship day programs to the HEROES Academy, every H.E.R.O.E.S. program is designed to meet individuals exactly where they are.

Flagship Program

Day Programs

Therapies, social skills, team building & vocational activities for all ages.

Certified educators lead structured day programs combining therapy, vocational training, and real-world social skills. A joyful environment where every student grows every day.

RegisterLearn MoreVolunteer
Families

Parent & Family Support

Life Planning, Family Connections & Sibshops for the whole family.

Programs that strengthen every member of the family unit from life planning to peer support groups and dedicated Sibshop programs.

Learn More
Ages 18+

Weekend Retreats

Safe, exciting settings to practice independent living and build confidence.

A real-life setting where young adults expand their comfort zone, build lasting friendships, and grow in independence. Monthly sessions throughout the year.

Learn More
Home Based

In-Home & Community Training

Independence training where it matters most at home and in the community.

Our trained staff works in your home and community to build routines and life skills that transfer to real everyday situations.

RegisterLearn More

H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy

Full-time year-round program for young adults transitioning to adulthood.

Vocational training, life skills, job placements, daily transportation, and a community that believes in limitless potential.

RegisterLearn MoreCall Us
Year-Round · Full-Time

The H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy

Designed for young adults who have completed secondary education or aged out of the school system. A transformative program where every graduate emerges more confident, more capable, and ready for life.

Vocational Training

Job-readiness skills, work placements, and employer partnerships across DFW.

Life Skills

Cooking, budgeting, self-care, and community navigation for real independence.

Transportation

We transport students to and from jobs and post-secondary school every day.

Community Integration

Truly community-based programming that puts students in real-world settings.

Apply to the Academy Volunteer With Us Call Us(469) 750-0022
Activities & Events

Upcoming Events

Register early — spots fill fast.

October2026
17
Sat
Charity Event

Charity Racquet Mixer

6:00 – 9:00 PM · $60/person · An evening of tennis, pickleball, and community benefiting H.E.R.O.E.S. DFW.

Info & Register →
November2026
08
Sun
Charity Event

Charity Golf Tournament

12:30 PM Shotgun Start · $100/member · $175/non-member · Benefiting H.E.R.O.E.S. DFW. Come out for a great round and a great cause.

Info & Register →
The People Behind the Mission

Meet Our Team

Certified educators, dedicated coordinators, and passionate leaders united by one belief: every individual deserves excellence.

Josh Schilling, M.Ed.

Josh Schilling, M.Ed.

Executive Director / Founder

Kim Reed, M.Ed.

Kim Reed, M.Ed.

Director & Director of Development

Emily Wileman

Emily Wileman

Program Coordinator

Allison Ausema

Allison Ausema

Program Coordinator

Jessica Wade

Jessica Wade

Program Coordinator

Peggy Hendrix

Peggy Hendrix

Curriculum Coordinator

Liz Angstadt

Liz Angstadt

Administrative Assistant

Josh Schilling, M.Ed.

Josh Schilling, M.Ed.

Vice Chair & Executive Director

Kim Reed, M.Ed.

Kim Reed, M.Ed.

Treasurer & Director

Nick Brignola

Nick Brignola

Board President

Marc Stern

Marc Stern

Board Member

Tom Fleming

Tom Fleming

Board Secretary

Ben Jarrell

Ben Jarrell

Board Member

Madison Baker

Madison Baker

Board Member

Leslie

Leslie

Teacher

Laura

Laura

Teacher

Kay

Kay

Teacher

Emily

Emily

Academy Staff

Natalia

Natalia

Instructional Assistant

Ashley

Ashley

Instructional Assistant

John

John

Instructional Assistant

Tres

Tres

Instructional Assistant

Karen

Karen

Instructional Assistant

Keith

Keith

Instructional Assistant

Saundra

Saundra

Instructional Assistant

Kaye

Kaye

Instructional Assistant

AL

Adam

Academy Staff

EB

Erika

Academy Staff

ST

Sergio

Academy Staff

Voices From Our Community

Lives Changed

“

My son has grown more confident and independent since joining the Academy. The staff truly cares about every student — they feel like family.

— DFW Parent
“

HEROES doesn't just help students — they support the whole family. The Parent Connection programs changed how we navigate daily challenges together.

— Academy Family
Make A Difference

Donate to H.E.R.O.E.S.

Our endeavor to help everyone reach outstanding educational success comes at a cost. We are immensely grateful for financial contributions of any size.

Choose Your Impact

Covers a full week of Summer Camp for one participant.

Every Gift, Broken Down

Academy supplies
$200

pays for a week’s worth of supplies for the H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy

Weekend retreat
$400

covers weekend retreat tuition for one participant

Day program
$450

funds one month of Day Program participation for a student

Summer camp
$600

covers a full week of Summer Camp for one participant

H.E.R.O.E.S. community
Stock & Equity
donate@heroesdfw.org
Call Us
(469) 750-0022
Volunteer
Sign Up Here
Transparency & Accountability

Our Financials

H.E.R.O.E.S. is committed to full financial transparency. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we publish our IRS Form 990s and share how every dollar furthers our mission.

501(c)(3)
Tax-Exempt Status
EIN on file with IRS
$1.5M+
Raised for Our Mission
Through events & donations
20+
Years of Stewardship
Serving DFW families since 2005

How We Use Our Funds

Every dollar donated goes directly toward empowering individuals with disabilities across DFW.

Program Services78%
Management & General12%
Fundraising10%
H.E.R.O.E.S. is a registered 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-deductible. Questions? donate@heroesdfw.org

IRS Form 990s

Our annual 990 filings are posted below. Replace the # links with your actual PDF URLs.

📄
Form 990 — Tax Year 2023
Filed with the IRS
Filed Download
📄
Form 990 — Tax Year 2022
Filed with the IRS
Filed Download
📄
Form 990 — Tax Year 2021
Filed with the IRS
Filed Download
📄
Form 990 — Tax Year 2024
Filing in progress
Pending
Also available on GuideStar / Candid
HEROES

HERO

Your H.E.R.O.E.S. AI Guide

Hi! I'm HERO, your H.E.R.O.E.S. guide. I can help with programs, registration, events, and getting involved. What can I help you with today?
Programs Registration Academy Get Involved
Day Programs
All Ages · Year-Round

Day Programs

Our Day Programs run for five weeks during the summer, four to five days during the winter, and three days during Spring Break. Students experience various therapies, social skills training, team building activities, vocational training and facilitation of their independence — all while building friendships.

We serve individuals of all abilities from ages three to adulthood. All rooms are staffed with certified educators, instructional assistants, and trained college staff and volunteers. Parents can rest assured that we care for their kids the way they would.

Register Now Volunteer
Families · All Year

Parent & Family Support

We seek to fulfill the needs of the whole family through programs like Life Planning, Parent and Family Connections and Sibshops. Our family support programs recognize that when a family member has a disability, the entire family is affected.

  • Life Planning — Comprehensive planning for the future
  • Parent & Family Connections — Community and peer support groups
  • Sibshops — Dedicated programs for siblings
Get Involved
Weekend Retreat - Community Outing
Ages 13+ · Monthly

Weekend Retreats

Our weekend retreats are a fun way to practice independent living skills in a real-life setting. We provide a safe environment for young adults to expand their comfort zone and increase their confidence as independent individuals.

Participants build friendships, try new activities, and grow in confidence across unforgettable weekends. Spots fill fast — register early!

Register Now ☎Call Us(469) 750-0022
Home Based · Ongoing

In-Home & Community Training

Our in-home and community training aims to increase the participant's level of independence by teaching independent living skills at home. We serve individuals in their natural environment, supporting the family in structure, routine and expectations.

Our trained staff works directly in your home to build routines and skills that transfer to real everyday life — right where it matters most.

(469) 750-0022
HEROES Academy
Full-Time · Year-Round

H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy

The H.E.R.O.E.S. Academy is designed for those who have completed secondary education or aged out of the school system. It's a full-time program devoted to helping young adults realize their potential and gain confidence in their independence.

Vocational Training

Job skills, work placements & employer partnerships

Life Skills

Cooking, budgeting, self-care & independence

Transportation

We transport students to jobs & school daily

Community

Real-world community-based programming

Apply to the Academy Call Us(469) 750-0022
Josh Schilling

Josh Schilling, M.Ed.

Founder & Executive Director

The Person Behind the Mission

How H.E.R.O.E.S. Was Born

Josh Schilling began his career as an adolescent substance abuse counselor. Two years in, he made a defining decision: to redirect his life toward special education. That choice — and a conviction that every individual deserves excellence — set everything in motion.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies and a Master's in Special Education, Josh spent 22+ years as both a classroom teacher and administrator — working full time while simultaneously building H.E.R.O.E.S. from the ground up.

What started with five students at First United Methodist Church Richardson has grown into one of DFW's most vital resources — now serving 500–600 families across the metroplex.

“No matter what abilities, all students can be successful, contributing members of society.”

— Josh Schilling

Josh remains passionate about hands-on work with students every day and serves as Vice Chairman on the H.E.R.O.E.S. Board of Directors. His most important role outside of HEROES is husband to Jackie and father to Nick, Kiersten, and Ethan.

Meet the Full TeamSupport the Mission

Canyon Creek Charity Events

Scan to register for the Racquet Mixer (Oct) or Golf (Nov)

Canyon Creek QR Code

Benefiting H.E.R.O.E.S. DFW & other charities

Volunteer with H.E.R.O.E.S.

Join our team and make a real difference in the DFW community