Posted on Sept. 21, 2026

ALVARADO, Texas — Colleen Love was not trying to start a nonprofit. She was trying to find her son somewhere to belong.  

“When we started Special O.P.S., we simply wanted to create a safe, welcoming environment where our son could be himself and enjoy time with peers who understood him,” said Love, president of the organization. “Little did we know we were creating more than a place for my son — we were creating a place for an entire community searching for the same sense of belonging.”  

A year later, that search has an address. On the third Saturday afternoon each month, the hall at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9299 in Alvarado fills with music, food, games, and karaoke as Special O.P.S. — Overcoming, Persevering, and Shining — brings together adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with the families and caregivers who come with them.  

This September, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrates its first full year.  

“Today, Special O.P.S. brings adults with special needs that are 17 or older together to build friendships, have fun, and feel accepted without judgment,” Love said. “What began as a family’s love for their son has grown into a community of love, acceptance, and connection for so many families.”  

A Year of Showing Up  

Attendance at a Special O.P.S. gathering can range from roughly 20 participants and caregivers to more than 80 — the group’s high-water mark set in October 2025.  

The organization built its first year on a simple discipline: never miss a month, and give every gathering a reason to look forward to. The calendar has featured St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Easter karaoke, a Summer Bash, a Kona Ice truck visit in July, and an August Fiesta.

For Joshua Layne, a participant, the appeal is simple: “It helps a lot, and people like us need it,” Layne said. “My favorite thing is making new friends and beating everyone at Uno.”

The monthly rhythm is deliberate. A predictable schedule lowers anxiety, builds trust, and creates confidence that carries into home, work, and community life. 

Admission is a $5 donation, and events are open to adults 17 and older with conditions including Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual developmental disabilities. No membership or advance registration is required.

Partners and Caregivers

No partner has carried more of the load than host VFW Post #9299 and its Auxiliary, which provide the Bingo Hall at no cost every month, contribute funds, and supply volunteers who set up tables, serve meals, and run the afternoon.

“Without the Post and the Auxiliary, there is no Special O.P.S.,” Love said. “They handed us a hall, opened their wallets, and then showed up and worked.”

Beyond Alvarado, Pecan Valley Centers brings groups of participants when its schedule allows. The organization also supports caregivers through resources on self-advocacy, supported decision-making, caregiver burnout, and three online community spaces.

“Volunteering with Special O.P.S. means sharing joy, creating smiles, and making memories,” said volunteer Lisa Carroll. “It is a reminder to slow down, smile, and enjoy the moment.”

Raising Awareness Across North Texas

Leaders say the organization’s biggest obstacle heading into its second year is awareness. Special O.P.S. is inviting participants and caregivers from Alvarado, Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Keene, Grandview, Venus, Mansfield, and the wider North Texas area to attend.

The group is currently recruiting volunteers for event operations, corporate and individual sponsors, and partner agencies such as day programs, group homes, and school transition coordinators.

Anniversary Celebration & Charity Car Show

Special O.P.S. will mark its first anniversary at its September gathering on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Post #9299 (6732 E. Highway 67, Alvarado). RSVPs are available via their website.

The following weekend, the organization hosts a Charity Car, Truck, and Bike Show at the same location on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration at 9 a.m.). Proceeds support monthly programming.

Website: specialopsadultsgroup.org

Email: [email protected] Phone/Text: 717-487-6720

 or 682-300-0442 

About the Author: Mike Love and his wife, Colleen, are the founders of Special O.P.S. (Overcoming, Persevering and Shining), a Johnson County 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing social events, community, and support for adults 17 and older with special needs and their families. To learn more or get involved, visit 

specialopsadultsgroup.org.

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