Social Motion celebrates leadership transition and growth
HOUSTON, TX – The Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion in Hermann Park provided a beautiful setting for the Spectrum of Tastes: Amplify Our Voices event introducing new leadership for Social Motion, a program of The Center for Pursuit. Cynthia Florez is the new director of Social Motion dedicated to supporting individuals ages four and above with autism and special needs. She succeeds Wendy Dawson, Social Motion founder and the inspiration and driving force behind its incredible growth over the last thirteen years.
“For children with autism, the challenges associated with the diagnosis can impact their ability to thrive in society,” said Dawson. “I am grateful for the children and families I have met over the years and proud of Social Motion’s role in changing the narrative around autism. I know Cynthia and her team at The Center for Pursuit are going to continue the momentum. I look forward to watching them build upon the success of the past.”
Florez brings over nineteen years of education and experience to her new role. Her background in special education, program management, and staff development uniquely equips her for the leadership needs of the Social Motion program.
“I am honored to lead Social Motion as we continue to grow the program that Wendy and her family founded in 2010,” said Florez. “I know I have big shoes to fill, but I welcome the challenge and am anxious to get to work expanding our services to families in neighborhoods throughout Houston. With increased access, we can help more children on the spectrum develop and practice personal development, judgment, and decision-making skills in a safe environment with peers.”
Social Motion merged with The Center for Pursuit as a program in the spring of 2022. As a program of The Center for Pursuit, they are now offering classes in Houston’s East End, Katy, Missouri City, Sharpstown, and Spring Branch with plans to open new sites in The Woodlands and in greater Houston.
The Social Motion program serves over 200 individuals every week. There is a sliding price scale for classes to ensure accessibility for families facing financial hardship.
The event, Spectrum of Tastes: Amplify Our Voices at Hermann Park, was an opportunity for supporters to contribute to the Social Motion program. Whitestone REIT, the headline sponsor, employs an advocate and former student of the Social Motion program. Whitestone REIT has supported the program since it began in 2010. Additional event underwriters include Maire and David Baldwin, Tracey and John Buckley, Wendy and Alister Dawson, Marcia and George Gsell, Michelle and Mike Heinz, Jane and Doug Bland, Sarah and Kevin Davidson, and Brenda and Joe Cialone.
To learn more about the Social Motion program, visit our website here.
About The Center for Pursuit
For more than seven decades, The Center for Pursuit (The Center) has empowered individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism and similar conditions to live meaningful, dignified lives filled with opportunity. Through innovative programs and services in areas like job skills training, supported employment, health and wellness, community living, and day services, The Center helps clients develop the skills and tools necessary to grow as individuals and participate fully in their community. Now with expanded offerings for a younger demographic, the organization serves a total client base of approximately 200 children, adolescents, and young adults and more than 450 adults in the Houston area.
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Contact: Janice Evans, jevansdavis@att.net, 832.499.8687