The Arc of Katy Honored with Houston Texans Inspire Change Grant at NRG Stadium
On Sunday, as fans packed into NRG Stadium to watch the Houston Texans take on the Arizona Cardinals, one Katy-based nonprofit was celebrating more than just football. The Arc of Katy was recognized on the field as a recipient of the 2025 Inspire Change Grant—an initiative powered by the Houston Texans Foundation, ConocoPhillips, and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages.
The presentation on December 14 marked a powerful moment for the organization, which has been at the heart of the Katy area’s support network for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for more than three decades. The Arc of Katy was awarded a $12,000 grant as part of the Texans’ annual effort to champion social justice, racial equity, and expanded access to opportunities across Greater Houston.
The recognition comes after the organization was surprised with the news at a Houston Texans Foundation Giving Tuesday event on December 2. The Inspire Change Grant program is distributing $469,000 across 13 local nonprofits this year.
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Fred Shafer, President of The Arc of Katy Board, expressed gratitude for the grant’s impact. “We are honored to receive this grant from the Houston Texans and their community partners to fund need-based scholarships for The Arc of Katy Day Programs,” Shafer said. “This grant will enable us to provide access to high-quality programs that help end isolation and promote community engagement for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
For many local families, programs like those offered by The Arc of Katy are essential—but not always financially accessible. Executive Director Sandy August shared that although tuition is kept modest at $40 per day (less than half the actual cost), it can still be out of reach for some. “We never want to turn away a qualified participant, and the Inspire Change Grant will provide access for those who could not afford to attend otherwise,” August explained.
Founded in 1990 with guidance from The Arc of Texas, The Arc of Katy grew from a grassroots effort led by Katy-area parents and educators concerned about the limited opportunities available to young adults with IDD after high school. From early meetings in homes and churches to the launch of adult day and summer programs in 2005, the organization steadily expanded with community support and creativity.
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Over the years, The Arc of Katy has flourished—now serving more than 135 participants annually across Fort Bend, Waller, and Harris Counties. With over 1,700 hours of programming each year, the nonprofit delivers engaging, skill-building experiences that include fitness, recreation, arts, and community outings. These experiences foster inclusion and empower individuals with IDD to live full, connected lives.
Milestones in the organization’s journey include everything from the publication of a cookbook by a participant and his mother (used to raise funds for transportation) to the 2021 opening of The Arc of Katy’s first permanent home—thanks to a transformative gift from a local family.
Sunday’s recognition at NRG Stadium places a spotlight on that legacy of impact, offering a reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to uplift those who are too often left out of the conversation. The $12,000 Inspire Change Grant will directly expand access to The Arc of Katy’s life-enriching programs, ensuring more individuals with IDD have the chance to thrive and belong.
To learn more about The Arc of Katy, its programs, or how to get involved, visit thearcofkaty.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
