Who we are

Mary Lee Foundation

Our Mission:

"To serve children and adults with special needs so that they may develop a sense of dignity, a feeling of self-worth, and the skills necessary to socially integrate with and contribute to the community in which they live."

How we began:

Mary Lee School opened its doors in 1963 in a modest 2-bedrom home in South Austin. The beginning was indeed humble: 4 girls, one full-time house parent/teacher, and Charlene Crump. But, the chemistry was there for success: needs for services, good fortune, genuine care and concern for the residents, and undeniable determination.

Success has been evident on two levels; facility growth and client growth. The facilities and services have expanded and multiplied over four decades. The real success, however, is found in the thousands of stories of people who have grown toward maximizing their independence, productivity, and sense of self worth through their experiences with Mary Lee Foundation.

Mary Lee Foundation Programs & Services

Brain Injury Services - The Brain Injury Services of the Mary Lee Foundation consist of two programs: The Rehabilitation Center and the Extended Care Program. Both facilities are centrally located on Lamar Square Dr. in Austin Texas.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF MR) - The ICF-MR program is long term care for adults with developmental disabilities.

Children's Center - Sinclair Children's Center is licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and has a total capacity of thirty children, including both boys and girls.

Transitional Living - The Mary Lee Foundation was the innovator of the community based extended living program for adults, demonstrating that there is an alternative to institutionalization.

Daybreak Activity - The Daybreak Activity Center provides therapeutic activities for people with developmental and mental health disabilities and survivors of brain injury.

Mary Lee Foundation Food Pantry - Mary Lee Foundation operates and stocks a food pantry that is open to all residents in the Square. Open every Tuesday of the month, the food pantry provides nourishing foods and a little bit extra into the kitchens of the MLF community.

Don Lilljedahl, Director 1969-present Charlene Crump, Founder 1963-present

The Mary Lee Foundation complies with the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. People who are eligible to participate in the programs at the Mary Lee Foundation are not discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or political belief.