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Jesse Esparza

Hope For Three is honored to introduce our April Autism Superhero, Jesse Esparza!

If you ask his loved ones to describe him in just one word, they’ll likely say: Fearless.  

Not because he has all the answers, but because he faces the unknown with courage and an open heart. Navigating the autism journey can be challenging—filled with questions, emotions, and learning curves—but he chooses to step forward with strength, even when the path is unclear. “There are many things I don’t yet know how to navigate,” he says, “but I do so unafraid. While our futures seem uncertain, I will face them without fear.”

A proud father of four, his heart beats loudest for his family. His youngest child, Mateo, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. At first, accepting the diagnosis was difficult. Like many caregivers, it took time to process and understand what it truly meant. But once he did, everything shifted. What began as uncertainty turned into growth, connection, and deepened love. Mateo’s journey became a journey for the whole family—a beautiful unfolding of learning together and loving each other more deeply every day.

Beyond being a superhero dad, he’s someone who enjoys the simple joys of life. He loves to read, write, visit museums, volunteer, and connect with others over good food and good music. And if you really want to brighten his day? Bring sweets. Cakes and pies are his favorite—especially if there’s a fresh cup of coffee to go with them.

He may not wear a cape, but his quiet strength, his love for his family, and his willingness to keep showing up—day after day, no matter how tough—make him a true superhero in every sense of the word. His story reminds us that being brave doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means choosing love, repeatedly, even when things are hard.

Congratulations, Jesse! Thank you for showing us what fearless love looks like. Your warmth, your heart, and your dedication inspire us all.

 

View All Super Heroes
CONTACT US
281.245.0640

Mailing address:
4771 Sweetwater Blvd., #358
Sugar Land, TX 77479

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Every time you shop at Randalls, you can help fund vital therapies and support for children with autism.

  1. Obtain a Remarkable/Reward Card at the customer service desk of any Randall’s store. If you already have one, use your current card.
  2. Register your Randalls Remarkable/Reward Card online at www.randalls.com, then click Your Store, clicking on the Good Neighbor Program link. ENROLL NOW, or sign in if you have an account.
  3. Under MY ACCOUNT, click on COMMUNITY REWARDS and add Hope For Three – NPO #14161

Since 1901, Walgreens has been committed to giving back to its communities, working with several national charity partners to support local needs. Using your myWalgreens account, you can get a personalized experience where you can save money, save time, stay healthy, and help the community you love.

Click HERE to enroll in myWalgreens for FREE in seconds! 

Your preferred store location determines the choice of local nonprofits!

Nonprofits will display based on members’ preferred store location or myWalgreens account zip code. To manually change your location, enter a City, State, or Zip Code within the donation experience page.

Did you know you can support autistic children and loved ones whenever you shop at Kroger?

It’s easy as  1-2-3:

  1. You can obtain a Kroger Plus Card at the customer service desk of any Kroger store. If you already have one, you can use your current card.
  2. Register your Kroger Plus Card online at Kroger.com/communityrewards by clicking on ENROLL NOW or sign in if you already have an account.
  3. Under MY ACCOUNT, click on COMMUNITY REWARDS and add Hope For Three – NPO # 36836

That’s it! Every time you shop at Kroger, you are helping the families and children living with autism in your community.

GRANTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
LAW – GUARDIANSHIP AND FINANCIAL PLANNING
 
SPORTS AND RECREATION
 
WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

What does your family and child with a disability need in an emergency?

Every situation is different, and each child has individual needs. To get started, here are questions to think about:

    • Depending on the disaster and personal needs, will you:
      • Stay and shelter-in-place;
      • Go to a public shelter; or
      • Somewhere else?
  • Plan for all possibilities.
  •  
  • How will family members communicate if separated and local phone service is unavailable?
  • Have you discussed emergency planning with your child’s health care providers?
  • Did you pre-register with 2-1-1 if you need help to evacuate?
  • Are there supplies that need refrigeration?
  • Is there equipment that requires electricity? 
    • Have you notified the utility company?
  • What service animals or pet supplies do you need? 
    • By Texas law, public shelters must allow service animals. 
      • Confirm with your state if public shelters allow service animals. 

Download a Disaster Supply Checklist for a full list of items you might need in a disaster. 

  • Hurricane Preparation Tips 
    • https://nationalautismassociation.org/hurricane-preparation-tips/
  • Family Communication Plan 
    • https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/family_communications_plan_parents.pdf
  • Emergency Financial First Aid Kit 
    • https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/emergency-financial-first-aid-kit?language=en_US

Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs. 

Get Ready Now. Disaster Facts, Resource Library, Activities, Visuals, Build-a-Kit

Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response

Personal Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities: 

Sheltering in Place and Evacuation

https://aspr.hhs.gov/at-risk/Pages/shelter_in_place.aspx

FEMA: Page 13: Disaster Awareness for People with Disabilities

https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_r2-region-2-preparedness-and-resilience-webinars-all-2023.pdf

Recording: https://fema.cosocloud.com/phtm0p7yn5x9/

 

Emergency Preparedness for Families with Children with Special Health Care Needs (Example in Texas, research your state)

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/maternal-child-health/programs-activities-maternal-child-health/cshcn-systems-development-group/emergency-preparedness-families-children

Prepare Power Dependent Equipment

https://tcdd.texas.gov/5-tips-to-prepare-for-the-2024-hurricane-season/

Disaster Assessment and Recovery (Example in Texas, research your state)

https://texashelp.tamu.edu/after-a-disaster-guidebook/

 
SUMMER CAMPS and PROGRAMS 2025
ADULT DIAGNOSIS
SOCIAL GROUPS AND COMMUNITY

MENTAL HEALTH

RESIDENTIAL AND DAYHABS

VOCATIONAL
EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL NEED FAMILIES
  • El Paso Community College, El Paso, Texas: Project HIGHER https://www.epcc.edu/Services/csd/project-higher
    • Project HIGHER is an innovative program that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 18-25) in El Paso County to complete a level-one certificate at EPCC and find employment in their area of study.
  • Lone Star College-Montgomery, Conroe, Texas- LifePATH http://www.lonestar.edu/lifePATH.htm
    • Lone Star College LifePATH is a four-year comprehensive model of post-secondary educational opportunities for students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning. LifePATH focuses on academic readiness, social expectations, and career exploration.
  • Lone Star College- Tomball, Tomball, Texas- LifePATHhttp://www.lonestar.edu/lifePATH.htm
    • Lone Star College LifePATH is a four-year comprehensive model of post-secondary educational opportunities for students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning. LifePATH focuses on academic readiness, social expectations, and career exploration.
  • University of North Texas, Denton, Texas- UNTWise Applied Learning Lab Transition Services and Summer Camps: https://wise.unt.edu/
  • University of North Texas, Denton Texas- UNT ELEVAR https://elevar.unt.edu
    • UNT Elevar (Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance, Rise) is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). For those who wish to continue postsecondary education (PSE) to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment. Most importantly, the UNT ELEVAR program welcomes young adults with I/DD to be part of the Mean Green family experience. UNT ELEVAR will seek the Comprehensive Transition Program accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education.
  • University of North Texas, Denton, Texas- UNT ENGAGE https://neurodiversity.unt.edu/unt-engage
    • ENGAGE serves neurodivergent students enrolled at UNT with reaching their academic and vocational goals through person-centered planning and individualized services. Students participate in assessment and planning meetings to identify personal, academic, and vocational goals.
  • UT Austin, Austin, Texas- E4 Texas, Texas Center for Disability Services. https://disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/e4texas
    • E4Texas is for people who are 18 years and older and have graduated from high school, or have a GED, and want to be a Personal Care Attendant. This program has training for food handler’s certificates.
  • UT Austin, Austin, Texas- UT Informal Classes https://informal.utexas.edu/adults-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities
    • UT Informal Classes offers continuing education classes that are designed for students with intellectual disabilities. Time in each class includes meeting with other UT students! Students may also be supported to participate in over 100 additional continuing education courses.
  • Palo Alto College, San Antonio, Texas- Project Access http://www.alamo.edu/pac/dss
    • Project Access is a unique program offered to individuals with documented intellectual disabilities. It is designed to support students to access postsecondary education in order to develop skills for gainful employment.
EDUCATION ASSESSMENT THROUGH CHILD FIND

Under federal law, public schools must look for, find, and evaluate kids who need special education.

This is called Child Find, and it covers kids from birth through age 21.

It applies to all kids, including those who are homeschooled or in private schools, plus kids who are migrants or without homes.

  • Resource Guide on Higher Education for People with Disabilities | Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
PRIVATE LEARNING CENTERS
DIGITAL LITERACY RESOURCES
SAFE ONLINE EDUCATIONAL PLATFORMS
    • The Achievery 
    • KHAN Academy
    • IXL.com
    • Netsmartzkids
    • Zearn (Math)
    • Istation (reading, math, Spanish)
    • ReadingRockets.org
    • BookNook                                             
    • Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)           
    • MobyMax
    • NightZooKeeper.com                          
    • Readabilitytutor.com                          
    • Epic
    • Lexia Learning (Reading/English)      
    • Microsoft Digital Learning                 
    • Commonlilt
    • Wisconsin Literacy.org                       
    • Splashlearn.com                                   
    • Readingeggs.com
PROVIDERS
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, COUNSELING, AND PSYCHIATRY
DENTIST
EVALUATIONS  AND THERAPY – Speech, Occupational, ABA, Social Skills, PT

UNDERSTANDING THE DIAGNOSIS: Videos

SUPPORT GROUPS and RESOURCE: Receiving an Autism diagnosis is often difficult and overwhelming, so its important to give yourself time to process the diagnosis that you or your loved one just received. When you are ready, connect with a community who understands your feelings to obtain information, resources, and most importantly support.

SCHEDULE MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Contact your insurance provider and request to be assigned a Case Manager or an Autism Care Specialist to guide you through the Autism Insurance Journey.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Hope For Three’s Autism Risk and Safety Management Booklet – Downloadable Live Live link with up to date safety resources and checklists.
  • Elopement Risk with Autism – Living Safely on the Spectrum: An Introduction to Wandering and Prevention Strategies
  • The Big Red Safety Box– NAA’s Be REDy Booklet is a free, downloadable toolkit containing extensive resources to help caregivers prevent and respond to wandering incidents. Printed copies of this booklet are included in NAA’s Big Red Safety Boxes
  • Take Me Home -A law enforcement initiative designed to assist in locating individuals who may have difficulty communicating or remembering information,such as those with Autism, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or Down Syndrome.
  • Project Life Saver  – Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office program, in collaboration with Project Lifesaver International, is equipped with the necessary technology and training to respond to an elopement and effectively manage the safe return of an individual.
  • Medical Alert Bracelet -Medical IDs for autism play an especially important role in providing extra safety for those living with autism.
  • Autism Society Caregiver Water Safety Check list – English Spanish
  • Houston Swim Club  Goldfish Swim School Swim Lab Adaptive Aquatics  Texas Swim Academy Swim Safety Lessons
  • DigitalLearn: Students and families need connectivity to participate safely and responsibly in today’s online world.
  • DigitalLearn training: Students and families need connectivity to participate safely and responsibly in today’s online world

TEXAS WAITLIST TO GET ON ASAP https://texasmedicaidwaivers.com/medicaid-waivers/interest-lists/

The importance of Waivers and why you should sign up right away.(Video) 

Texas Medicaid waivers are a gateway to getting services for your child. Even if you hope your child will never need those services, it is important that they be added to the interest list for any program(s) that might meet their needs. Your child might have to wait a long time to get services through the waiver. You can always decline the services once your child moves to the top of the list.

Many parents say they wish they had signed up for the waiver interest lists when their child was born or first diagnosed. Some of the interest lists have more than a 15-year wait time.

  • TEXAS AUTISM PROGRAMfor ages 3-15 years
    • Harris & Galveston Counties 713-970-7993 [ABA*SkIP Program]
    • Harris County 818-345-2345 x4476 or HHSCadmissions@centerforautism.com 
    • Montgomery, Walker, and Liberty Counties 936-521-6291 
    • Matagorda, Wharton, Austin, Colorado, Waller & Fort Bend Counties 291-239-1497 
  • TEXAS MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM “INTEREST LISTS” [waiting lists] for state services- ARE 10-15+ YEARS LONG:
    • Home and Community Support (HCS) & Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waivers-  Matagorda, Wharton, Austin, Colorado, Waller & Fort Bend Counties —Texana 281-239-1300
    • Community Living Assistance Program (CLASS), Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Medically Dependent Children’s Program (MDCP), & Community-Based Alternatives (CBA)  877-438-5658 for all counties
    • Star Plus (HCBS) Waiver –  800-964-2777 and ask for the MDCP Waiver Program

Learn How Texas Benefits Can Help You

Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities (LIDDA)

TESTING FOR AUTISM:  Developmental screening can be done by a number of professionals in health care, community, and school settings. It’s important to know the difference of what each type of evaluation will provide you.

A EDUCATIONAL ASSESMENT  will determine eligibility of resources that your child qualifies for and can start receiving services as early as 3 years old through the school district. A medical diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) does not automatically entitle a student to special education services.

A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS is based on the patient’s history and behaviors. Various experts can make this diagnosis, including some psychologists, pediatricians and neurologists.  While a medical diagnosis can provide some insight and determine medical necessity, schools need to conduct their own evaluations to determine educational eligibility and whether there is a need for special education and related services.

Primary care providers have regular contact with children before they reach school age and are able to provide family-centered, comprehensive, coordinated care, including a more complete medical assessment when a screening indicates a child is at risk for a developmental problem.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIAGNOSIS. WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between individuals with autism.

EDUCATION ASSESSMENT THROUGH CHILD FIND
DIAGNOSTIC & NEURODEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENTS

*Go to Healthcare Accordion for additional providers

Family Assistance Application

  • FARS funds applicants up to $5,000 for one year for services, including therapy, medical, SWIM safety (Not recreational swimming.)
  • (Max amount of $5000 includes all applications applied for in the same year. Applicants may apply for a one-time award for three months of safety swim courses up to $500.)
  • Mandatory attendance of at least two of the three options within  60 days of receiving an award: Caregiver Empowerment Session   H.O.P.E Session  FARS Awardee Volunteer Opportunities
*****Re-applications can be submitted within the same year if the maximum award amount has not been met. However, applicants who have been previously denied must wait three months before reapplying. 

Quick Assist Application

 

APPLY HERE

*Hope For Three will only pay a portion toward future session(s) for any applicant applying for continuing sessions. An applicant must re-apply for funding for each new session using the Swim Safety Courses Application (Not recreational swimming) or through a monthly Family Assistance application (awarded monthly). Parents/caregivers are responsible for any balance due to the Swim School. ($750 max first year, $250 max following re-applies with noted progress in swim safety skills*

JotForm is a HIPAA Complian-t PC and mobile phone compatible platform.

PDF Version is available upon request!

⦁ Incomplete applications are not funded. Please complete all required information and provide supporting documentation for each application.

⦁ The submission date is determined once the application is completed and all required documents are submitted and approved.

⦁ Hope For Three will not pay for services or previous invoices before an award for financial assistance is issued.

⦁ An applicant receiving financial assistance agrees to repay monies if Hope For Three services are paid or reimbursed by another funding source, such as an insurance company or another non-profit.

⦁ Applicants receiving assistance must attend two Parent Empowerment sessions (of your choice) in a 60-day period to receive, or continue to receive, financial awards from Hope For Three Family Assistance and Resource Support programs. Sessions are required for each award received as well as Quick Assist awards.

Re-applications can be submitted within the same year if the maximum award amount has not been met. However, applicants who have been previously denied must wait three months before reapplying. 

To protect your individual’s identifiable health information, please submit all electronic applications via the Jotform application. However, electronic submissions can also be emailed to familyassistance@hopeforthree.org

You will receive a confirmation email upon receipt of your application.

If you have not received a reply/confirmation within three (3) business days, please follow up by phone at 281.245.0640 or email familyassistance@hopeforthree.org

In-person visits require an appointment. Please email familyassistance@hopeforthree.org to schedule.

 

Please do not drop off paperwork at our physical address.

Hope For Three continues to work remotely and is not present to accept your confidential paperwork. Call 281.245.0640 for more information.

Application Schedule:

 

SUBMIT APPLICATION OR INVOICE HERE

Please note: The application submission date starts as soon as the application is complete. If your application is approved, the individual will receive a financial award. This award may or may not be the requested monetary amount. Family funding is determined by the provider’s quote and anonymous Board Member votes. Recipients are notified via email or telephone by a Hope For Three Family Assistance department member.

Family Assistance Requirements:

⦁ Completed Family Assistance Application

⦁ Copy of Previous Year’s Tax Return

⦁ Proof of Applicant Diagnosis

⦁ Proof of Fort Bend County Residency (Photo ID Not Accepted: Must be in the form of a utility bill, mortgage, IEP document, etc.)

⦁ A quote on letterhead from a service or provider for the applicant requesting funding and EOB when asking for assistance with Co-Pay and Out of Pocket

⦁ Evaluation and goals of requested services from the service provider on letterhead.

⦁ Mandatory attendance of at  least two of the three options within  60 days of receiving an award:  Caregiver Empowerment Session   H.O.P.E Session  FARS Awardee Volunteer Opportunities

*Funding is only paid to an approved service provider, treatment facility, assessor, or supplier. Hope For Three’s Family Assistance Committee will have final authority on each financial award.

 

Examples of FARS Approved Autism Related Services include: Day Habilitation Programs,  Swim Safety Lessons, Legal Guardianship Fees, Licensed Respite Providers,  and other autism related therapies recommended by a physician or licensed professional. Inquire within for more information.

If you need assistance with personal finances and/or for daily living expenses in emergencies, please visit www.modestneeds.org, or contact  Fort Bend County Health & Human Services.

Hope For Three reserves the right to change, edit, or update information and policies without notice.
*Should this obligation not be met within 60 days of receiving a financial award, Hope For Three may deny future funding.*

The Family Assistance and Resource Support (FARS) programs was established to:

  • Bridge the gap between high-quality providers and affordable care for family members at the earliest stage of life possible.
  • FARS aims to improve the life outcomes of individuals with autism and their families.
  • Resources and referrals are provided to any inquiring parties regardless of location.
  • Inquiring individuals may be redirected if services for requested funding are identified as free of charge through alternate community partners.

Hope For Three prioritizes families with multiple children on the spectrum when funding is considered. Payments are paid directly to approved professionals, including service providers, treatment facilities, diagnosticians, or vendors, and never to a parent or caregiver.

In need of resources or referrals? Click HERE for valuable information.