BiG Heroes

Fall 2025 Newsletter

Where Faith Meets Ability

Our BiG Plan

Expanding our Commitment Strategic Plan

2026-2029

At BiG Heroes, we know that BiG dreams deserve a bold plan. That’s why we partnered with De Sela Consulting to create our first-ever strategic plan - a clear roadmap to guide our growth and keep us grounded in our mission to empower young adults with special abilities. This plan reflects months of thoughtful conversations, BiG ideas, and the voices of those who believe in the power of our members. It helps us focus our energy, set meaningful goals, and measure our progress so that every step brings us closer to a stronger, more inclusive community. Most importantly, it ensures that our vision for the future is not only ambitious, but achievable.

Strategic Priority 1 GROWTH

GOAL - Expand BiG Heroes’ reach and enrichment capacity.

Over the next three years, we will expand our reach by welcoming more members, deepening their enrichment experiences, and enhancing our physical space to match their boundless potential.

Strategic Priority 2 EMPLOYABILITY

GOAL – Build pathways to purpose through work and life skills.

We will focus on expanding pathways to employment by fostering entrepreneurship, teaching practical financial literacy, and nurturing independent living skills.

Strategic Priority 3 PARTNERSHIPS

GOAL- Strengthen a 360-degree network of support.

Over the next three years, we will prioritize intentional collaboration- deepening trust, enhancing communication, and ensuring that every stakeholder feels valued and aligned with our shared mission.

Strategic Priority 4 INVESTMENT

GOAL – Secure financial stability and resource alignment.

We will enhance our fundraising capability to ensure long-term stability, recruit and retain dedicated staff and volunteers, and provide professional development opportunities alongside high-quality programming that adapts to the needs of our Heroes.

BiG Hearts BiG Hero

Masquerade Ball

Our first Annual BiG Hearts BiG Heroes Masquerade Ball presented by the Brownsville Police Department was a wonderful success thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and the overwhelming support of our community. A very special BiG thank you goes out to the Brownsville Police Department, for their support in this event. We are deeply grateful to each of our sponsors, volunteers, board, and staff members who made this evening possible. We hope everyone enjoyed this unforgettable night, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you again at next year’s Masquerade Ball!

Employer Highlight

ORC Industries - Where Work Meets Purpose

Shining at Work
Many individuals with special abilities are often underestimated, but when given the opportunity, they truly shine! Several of our BiG Hero Members are proudly employed at ORC, where they have proven themselves to be confident, eager, and dedicated team members who take great pride in their work.

At ORC, our Members are valued as part of the team and encouraged to showcase their unique abilities. One Member has even been described as a born leader, while another is recognized for her willingness to take on any challenge, and succeed.

This is the impact of employing individuals with disabilities: bringing talent, determination, and leadership to the workforce.

To find out more about ORC, click here https://www.orcind.com/

Department Highlights

Health Department

Staying Healthy and Independent

Over the past two months, our Members have been focusing on skills that promote independence and self-care. They’ve been practicing how to take their blood pressure, learning the basics of first aid, and reviewing proper handwashing techniques. These valuable lessons empower our Members to take charge of their health, whether they’re at BiG Heroes, at work, or at home.

Garden Department

Fall Planting Season at BiG Heroes

It’s fall planting season, and our Members are gaining hands-on experience in the garden! They’re learning which vegetables grow best in cooler weather and practicing the proper way to plant, water, and care for them. Soon, our Heroes will be able to harvest their crops and bring their fresh veggies into the kitchen to enjoy and learn new recipes! Our Members are excited to use some of the crops to make and can our signature Hero Salsa, which will be available for the community to enjoy.

July- September Highlights

Tip A Cop

The Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run brings police officers and communities together to raise support for Special Olympics Texas, a year-round movement that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This cause is especially close to our hearts, as many of our BiG Heroes proudly participate in Special Olympics.

Alongside our officers, our Heroes loved being part of something bigger than themselves. Events like this remind us of the power of inclusion, teamwork, and community spirit.

BiG Anniversary

8 years of impact, and just getting started!

In August, we joyfully celebrated 8 Great Years of BiG Heroes! We are deeply grateful to our community for believing in our mission and vision over the years. Your support has made everything possible, and we truly couldn’t do it without you.

If you missed the celebration but would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, we’d love to welcome you for a tour, just reach out and set up a time to visit!

Alhambra Bowling

Our Members were excited to be invited to the 8th Annual Alhambra Bowling Tournament! This special event gave them the chance to meet community leaders, build connections, and most importantly, share in the fun with others. It was a wonderful day of inclusion, laughter, and community spirit.

Thank you community!

This year we had an amazing turnout for Beach Waterpark tickets!

We are truly humbled by the incredible support from our community. Thanks to your purchases, a portion of the sales went directly to support our BiG Heroes and the work we do together.

We hope you had a fantastic time at the park, and we can’t wait to see you again in the spring for more ticket sales!

BiG Presenters

AdvoFinance

Natasha and Anyelka from AdvoFinance joined us to provide a hands-on session with our Members all about self-advocacy. During this interactive workshop, our Members learned about their personal rights and explored ways they can speak up for themselves, make informed choices, and build the confidence needed to become more self-sufficient and independent. We are so grateful for this empowering opportunity!

South Texas Behavior Center

Moriah from South Texas Behavior Center led an engaging refresher course on personal hygiene for our Members. During the session, Members learned valuable tips on how to look and feel their best, that are especially important when applying for jobs and attending interviews. This practical training helps our Heroes build confidence and make a great impression in the workplace.

Getting Ready with Debra

Our Members enjoyed a hands-on workshop with Debra, learning firsthand how to present themselves professionally. She shared practical tips and tricks to help our Heroes feel confident and ready for job interviews, ensuring they can make a great impression in any professional setting.

Fragile Planet Wildlife Park

Daryela and Anna from Fragile Planet Wildlife Park brought an exciting, up-close wildlife encounter to our Members! They shared the importance of conservation and animal welfare, inspiring our Heroes to learn how they, too, can play a role in protecting animals and their habitats.

Calling All Presenters!

At BiG Heroes, we are always seeking passionate community members who would like to share their knowledge and skills with our Members. Topics can include:

- Job skills & job training

- Kitchen & cooking

- Independent living

- Community resources

- Art & creativity

- Health & wellness

If you would like to provide a workshop that inspires and equips our Members, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at [email-masked]

Thank you donors!

Thank you South Texas Electric!

Thank you HEB!

Our Heroes of the Month

Each month an exceptional Member is chosen as Hero of the month.  This exceptional Member takes initiative and demonstrates their employability skills.

Gabby is an incredible example of hard work and positivity. She knows what’s expected of her, adapts quickly to change, and is always ready to lend a helping hand to her co-workers, always with a smile!

From day one, Gabby’s leadership skills have shined, and she continues to brighten our community each and every day.

Bryan demonstrates incredible initiative in problem-solving and teamwork. His positive attitude shines through in everything he does - and always with a smile! Since joining BiG Heroes, Bryan has made tremendous progress and continues to strive for growth each day.

He’s passionate about completing any task, quick to volunteer, and always ready to lend a hand. Truly, Bryan is ready, willing, and able at a moment’s notice.

New Staff and Changes

Welcome Alba Sandoval

Education Specialist Health Department

Welcome Celeste Barnard

Community Outreach Specialist

Staff Change

Martha Gonzalez

Founder and Deputy Director

Staff Change

Christie Gonzalez Valdez

Executive Director

Upcoming Events

Our BiG Planner

To be a sponsor in our BiG Planner click on the QR code or visit our website www.bigherotx.org/planner

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Adults with intellectual disabilities can only do “simple” tasks.
Fact: They bring a wide range of skills—from customer service to production, data entry to creative arts, and excel when matched with the right role.

At BiG Heroes, we see every day how our Members shine in the workplace and prove this myth wrong.

Our BiG Mission

Walking alongside young adults with special abilities, guiding them toward meaningful lives through faith, empowerment, and opportunity.

Our BiG Vision

Empowering individuals with special abilities to live with faith and purpose.

Follow us on social media

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BiG Heroes
5552 Dockberry Road

Brownsville, TX 78521
www.bigherotx.org

956-242-7779

Office Hours Mon-Fri

8:30 AM-5:00 PM

Program Hours

Tues, Wed, Thurs

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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