1947
Clifford and Adele Bledsoe open the doors of Mission Road Foundation and School in September, which began by serving the Bledsoe’s son and two other children with three staff members.
1954
On May 23, Mission Road Foundation was chartered by the State of Texas as a non-profit rehabilitation center for exceptional children (with intellectual and other developmental disabilities). It was licensed by the State Department of Public Welfare.
1962
The 15th Anniversary of Mission Road Foundation, which had grown to serve 68 children with a staff of 33. The original two-acre tract had grown to 22 acres with ten buildings, in addition to the original Votaw-James homestead.
1970
Enrollment was listed at 110, with 24 acres. Brochures stated Mission Road was a United Fund Agency.
1973
The Bledsoes retired from active management of the center, which was then managed by an Executive Director, Wallace D. Nielson, and professional staff under the direction of a 20-member Board of Directors. At this time, the Bledsoes deeded their interest in the grounds, buildings, and equipment to the Foundation, thus assuring the continued operation of the center. The Bledsoes continued to live in their home on the campus. It was reported that the campus had grown to 24 acres with 18 structures; in addition to the original homestead, swimming pool, eight dormitories, classrooms, a gymnasium, chapel, and workshop. The stated mission was “to furnish proper and adequate custodial care for the intellectually disabled, who cannot be otherwise provided for, and to offer education and training for those who may have capabilities for return to the community.”
As an organization sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, and following the examples of Christian love and concern which was expressed in the lives of our founders, Clifford and Adele Bledsoe, we believe in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and therefore, we affirm:
- That all persons are created in the image and likeness of God and thereby have inherent dignity and worth.
- That Jesus Christ reconciles persons to God and one another.
- That love and service to God is manifested in love and service to others.
In response to these beliefs, we are committed to:
- Identifying and responding to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities who are often forgotten or rejected because they are identifiably different and have special needs.
- Affirming the dignity, value, and contribution, which all persons have and can make as children of God.
- Promoting an environment of Christian community modeled on the Gospel imperative to love God with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is lived out in servant leadership, compassionate honesty, and affirmation of the whole person, responsible stewardship, and self-giving care for one another.
Mission Statement: Mission Road Ministries, a family of agencies, is a community-based, church sponsored organization with a Call from God to minister to persons with intellectual developmental disabilities by challenging them to achieve their full potential for independence, productivity and inclusion in the community.
As an organization sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio and following the example of Christian love and concern which was expressed in the lives of our founders, Clifford and Adele Bledsoe, we believe in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and therefore, we affirm:
- That all persons are created in the image and likeness of God and thereby have inherent dignity and worth.
- That Jesus Christ reconciles persons to God and to one another.
- That love and service of God are manifested in love and service to others.
In response to these beliefs, Mission Road is committed to:
Promoting an environment of Christian community modeled on the Gospel imperative to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is lived out in servant leadership, compassionate honesty, affirmation of the whole person, responsible stewardship, and self-giving care for one another.
Identifying and responding to the needs of the developmentally disabled who are often forgotten or rejected because they are identifiably different and have special needs.
Affirming the dignity, value, and contribution that all persons have and can make as children of God.
Persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities can and should have the opportunity to be recognized for their potential, not their limitations while leading fulfilling lives within their own community. Mission Road’s purpose is to provide quality care to ensure that our clients reach their maximum potential for independence, productivity, and inclusion in the community.
