A HEART FOR CARE: This is where our journey begins at Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Daycare Center, Inc. Get to know us as we give dedication to expanding opportunities, care, and support for individuals and families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities in DeSoto, Texas. We're glad you're here!

Hi! Welcome to Gussie Mae, Come on in!!!

We pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to excellence in every aspect of our services, dedicated to providing exceptional care, tools, and ministries for those with "special needs" and "disabilities". Explore what we have to offer and how we can contribute to the well-being of your loved ones.

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Gussie Mae's Autism & Health Ministry Team

Gussie Mae is a daycare facility for adults with special needs and disabilities, Licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for Day Activities and Health Services. The Autism & Health Ministry Team is made up of educated Registered Nurses, Registered Medical Assistants, and Aide Assistants w/Home Health & Rehabilitation experience, and Autism & Health Ministry Directors. Periodically, there is a Ministry Team leader with a doctorate's degree in Philosophy in Health Service Administration, who does checkpoints with the Gussie Mae Center.

With our Medical Based and First Responding Background, the Gussie Mae Team makes every effort to provide our families with quality care services, that supports special need adults however possible in a safe environment. Each special need adult will have the opportunity to continue to grow, mature physically, and intellectually, in a way that they can better relate to other special need adults and society. Here at the Gussie Mae Center, along with consistent guidance, we will ensure that your loved one, work towards a better independence.

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Cornerstone Community Church of DeSoto

Pastor B.D. Gerald, Sr., Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church of DeSoto and a Lieutenant with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department, plays a significant and inspiring role in the Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Ministry. His dual service in both faith and law enforcement provides a unique bridge of support and advocacy for individuals with special needs and their families.

Through Pastor Gerald's leadership and commitment, our ministry is empowered to foster stronger connections with our weekly faith-based programs and to promote vital community initiatives, such as our Autism Safety-Community Awareness & Law Enforcement Participation Day.

We are a dedicated team driven by compassion and excellence. Our mission is to design meaningful experiences and provide reliable, innovative support-always guided by a deep respect for quality and an unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations for the Autism community.

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OUR MISSION:

Our mission is to connect with families impacted by "special needs" individuals, to aid them in living active lives, while serving, providing possibilities, and charitable assistance, that will help improve the quality of their lives, in an environment that cares and helping them to achieve greater independency, that will bring satisfaction to each individual and their families.

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A HEART FOR CARE: This is where our journey begins at Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Daycare Center, Inc. Get to know us, as we give dedication to expanding opportunities, care, and support for individuals and their families impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities in DeSoto, Texas. We're glad you're here!

Gussie Mae,

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HISTORY

Gussie Mae Griffin-Johnson, was born in Ashdown, Arkansas on August 5, 1933. As a young child, she and her family moved to Oklahoma, Texas then on to Texarkana, Texas. Gussie Mae was raised by her grandfather along with her step-parents, although her mother was in her life. Her grandfather, who was a former member of the military, taught her about the Lord and his Word. Gussie Mae had two siblings, a brother & sister, uncles, and aunts. By the age of 31, Gussie Mae had 12 children, 10 girls and 2 boys. Gussie Mae Griffin-Johnson lived to be 76 years of age. One of her daughters, Dorothy Thompson, was born autistic with developmental disabilities, she wasn't diagnosed until the age of 5 years old. Dorothy was later placed in a Autism & Rehabilitation Residential Facility where she could be better cared for; her family was still able to visit. Dorothy Thompson lived in an environment where she gained additional family and friends that loved and cared for her. Dorothy Thompson lived to be in her forties.

This touched the heart of one of her granddaughters, Mrs. Jonika Gerald, to become Founder & Owner of a Day Activity facility, in her grandmother's name, for individuals and families impacted by Autism and developmental disabilities.

Embracing the unique journey is filled with both challenges and profound rewards for individuals, parents, and guardians impacted by Autism and developmental disabilities but despite the emotional challenges, the days families might feel like giving up, or overwhelmed, Gussie Mae is here to help!

If you need a moment.........

A HEART FOR CARE

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In Memory of: Dorothy Thompson

Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Dorothy Thompson was born with autistic and developmental disabilities and was later officially diagnosed around the age of five. She was placed in an Autism and Rehabilitation Residential Facility, where she could receive the specialized care and support she needed. Her family visited often, ensuring she always felt their love and presence.

At the facility, Dorothy gained an extended family of caregivers and friends who loved and cherished her just as deeply. She lived a beautiful and full life into her forties.

In this photo, Dorothy is pictured with her loving mother, Gussie Mae, and one of her devoted caregivers from the residential home.

– Autism & Developmental Disabilities –

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Services

Self-Help Skills, Adaptive Skills, Socialization Skills, & Implementation Plan Skill Development

Gussie Mae offers a range of specialized services tailored to meet their individual needs for independent growth expressed by their primary care physicians and families such as: Demonstration of Personal Hygiene, Eating, Meal Preparation, Cleaning, Ambulation & Mobility, Reinforce Therapies, Communication, Socialization Skills Development, Community Activities, Group Activities, Transportation, Enhance Social Skills, and Exercise Routines.

Recreational Activities

Recreation plays and important part in all our lives. Through recreation, one learn social skills, communication skills, language skills, cognitive skills, the ability to make choices, good health practices, balance, coordination, stress reduction, building self-esteem, making friends, and having fun.

"Non- Certified" Medical & Emergency Skill Training

"Non- Certified" CPR Training & First Aid

It is important for individuals to learn how to assist themselves and families in case of an emergency. Here at Gussie Mae, we are proud to have Certified Staff that can ensure proper "non-certified" medical and safety skill training according to their level of retaining information such as: CPR & First Aid, wound care, proper hand washing & glove wear, digital temperatures, basic medical terminology, stranger danger rehearsals, 911 call training, and knowing/visualizing community officer responders (police, fireman, & medical personnel).

Transportation

Gussie Mae knows that having transport services available to meet the specific need of making it to the center and back home can be vital for individuals and their families therefore we have generated dedicated and trained drivers to be available. (TBD)

About Us

It all began with a simple idea fueled by a deep passion for enhancing the lives of adults with special needs. As a small business in DeSoto, Texas, Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Daycare Center, Inc. prides itself on personal attention and dedication to every detail. Our approach is rooted in quality and integrity, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to excellence.

Let's get started

INSPIRING STORIES & REVIEWS

Read about the experiences of families and individuals who have benefited from our dedicated care and support services at Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Daycare Center, Inc. in DeSoto, Texas.

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3 votes

This Special Needs ministry is a place where your loved one can grow and learn life skills and become independent to the best of their ability. They have patience, organization, and the ability to offer structure and help them meet their personal goals. This Special Needs ministry works on daily living skills and social skills. They also assist in personal care and maintaining activity schedules. This Special Needs ministry has the patience, empathy, and passion for the people with special needs. I highly recommend this Special Needs Adult Ministry. I allowed my son to attend.

Regina Wright

Feb. 19, 2024

I allowed my sister Beatrice to attend this ministry here at CTC Gussie Mae "Special Needs" she is very excited about the opportunity and all the activities that is provided. Not only the activities but it allows her to learn new techniques and also be given the knowledge and opportunity of praising God, all at the same time, a place to come to worship the Lord. This is well deserved. Thank you CTC for that opportunity in our community!

Ruth Woolen; Feb. 19, 2024

Give God the glory for Jonika's vision from God, to have opened an adult daycare ministry for artistic people and other adults with special needs. I am grateful to have been apart of the vision and allowing her to help me with my struggles in life. Jonika has truly been a blessing to me, helping me, and extending the ministry to other artistic and special need individuals. She is patient and caring. She is dedicated to the ministry that God has allowed her to have. My mother's name is Gussie Mae, she helped others as well when she was alive. Thank you again Jonika and I definitely recommend this ministry to others.

Shirley Hampton

May 20, 2024

I highly recommend this ministry to families in the immediate vicinity! I have watched this ministry flourish in their loving care towards others. Lady Jonika is very compassionate in her daily dealings with her patrons and their loved ones! That speaks volume!! In choosing this ministry, your loved one will be in safe hands. Hands that will attentively and intentionally take care of your loved one because it is a ministry where everyone is FAMILY!!

B.D. Gerald, Sr.

Sep. 19, 2024

CTC Gussie Mae Special Needs Adult Ministry is number one, in my book, in the DeSoto Tx area. This is a very caring community when it comes to their clients and customers. Jonika Gerald has done an excellent job creating a foundation for our adults with special needs. I Highly Recommend!!!!

Jay Eubanks

Mar. 31, 2025

Very loving and caring environment for your loved ones who need special care. ❤️

Eboni Griffin; Mar. 31, 2025

On my visits to Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Ministry to do administrative business I found the place pleasant and a caring faculty. The clients were very well taken care of , a lot of activities galore you can't miss a beat with this facility. Its a home away from home.

Margie Ross

Apr. 2, 2025

CTC - Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Ministry is a place where your loved ones will be genuinely cared for and treated like family. The staff is full of kind, patient, and loving individuals who go above and beyond every day. What really sets this place apart is the owner's hands-on involvement personally connecting with each person and making sure they feel seen and supported. This ministry fills a real need in the community, and it's clear that God's hand is in the work being done here.

KaDe'sha Jones

Apr. 9, 2025

This adult daycare provides exceptional care and support for individuals with special needs. The staff are highly compassionate, attentive, and dedicated to ensuring each client feels comfortable, engaged, and valued. The facility is always clean, organized, and welcoming, offering a variety of structured activities that promote social interaction and personal growth. Families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe, nurturing environment where their well-being truly comes first. I highly recommend this center to anyone seeking quality, reliable care for their loved one.

Jaylen Lanelle

November 1, 2025

Contact Us

Location

Gussie Mae "Special Needs" Adult Daycare Center, Inc.

1010 W Pleasant Run Rd.
75115 Desoto, Texas 75115

United States

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Closed: Weekends & Holidays