About DSSLC
Thank you for your interest in learning more about Denton State Supported Living Center. It is the largest of the 12 state living centers in Texas and home to more than 580 individuals with severe and profound mental retardation. Located on 200 wooded acres south of Denton, it serves 18 counties in the North Texas area. It is under the auspices of the Dept. of Aging and Disability Services.
The center was built in the late 50's, with the help of the citizens of Denton, who recognized the advantages of having the center built here. The Denton Chamber of Commerce coordinated efforts to raise the money with the help of the community and purchased the land. The land was donated to the State of Texas with the stipulation that the center be built there.
Denton SSLC's doors opened in July, 1960, and within 1 year had approximately 1,700 residents. The majority of the residents were children and young adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. The school was designed to be a community within it's self. It had its own infirmary, beauty shop, education buildings, therapy departments, and four dormitories. The dormitories have since been converted to 40 apartments.
Today, the Denton SSLC is a bustling place full of activity. Many of the residents that are able to live in a less restrictive environment have moved into group homes in the community. Many of the residents now have complicated medical needs and Denton SSLC provides a safe and well-equipped environment to care for them. The residents work, attend vocational training, go shopping, dining, to church and to recreational activities in Denton and all over the Metroplex. More than 1/2 of the school's residents are in wheelchairs.
The school employs over 1,600 employees and is one of the top 5 employers in Denton. Staff include: administrative, medical and dental, therapists, accounting, maintenance, mechanics, housekeeping, vocational, psychologists, security, and the programming staff who develop and carry out individualized training programs for each resident. The school is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is an active parent's association and a separate 501 (c) organization, the Volunteer Services Council for Denton State Supported Living Center, which raises money and accepts donations on behalf of the school.
Further questions regarding the school may be sent to us through the Contact Us Page.
Volunteer at Denton State Supported Living Center!!!
There are many ways you can help Denton SSLC, and volunteering is one of the most important. If you would like to apply to become a volunteer at Denton SSLC, please go to: www.dads.state.tx.us and go to the box on the right with Quick Links. Click on Volunteer with DADS and then click on State Living Center Volunteers. There is information regarding state centers and an application to volunteer on that web page.