History
In 1999, Brenda Ornelas walked into Lake Worth High School with a calling — to teach life skills to students who too often were underestimated. For 16 years, she poured her heart into that classroom, guiding students not just through academics, but through the everyday skills that build independence, confidence, and belonging. What she couldn’t have known then was that one student would help shape the rest of her life’s work.
Her name was Heather.
2013
Brenda purchased a modest 1,400-square-foot building in Lake Worth with plans to open a day center for adults with disabilities. At the time, she had no idea she was also becoming the steward of a remarkable piece of Texas history. The building turned out to be the oldest standing structure in Lake Worth — the original transmitter station for WBAP radio. The land itself had been donated in the 1930s by Amon Carter as part of his ranch so the station could broadcast across North Texas.
2015
Two years of renovations, permits, and persistence followed. In 2015, Old Skool Village officially opened its doors with just three students. What started small was built on something powerful — dignity, purpose, and community.
Today, Heather is not only a student at her namesake school, but Brenda’s assistant, an honorary student teacher who, at 35 years old, proudly “rules the roost.” Her presence is a daily reminder of why the village exists.
Now
Heather’s Old Skool Village serves adults ranging in age from 18 to over 70. The doors are open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with parents or agencies dropping students off for part or all of the day. Mornings begin with a group meeting to review the week’s activities, followed by lessons drawn from a thoughtfully developed curriculum created by special education professionals. Reading, math, current events, and geography are woven into the day, alongside games, social time, and shared meals.
Interested? Come, contact us and let us serve you!
We are committed to providing the highest level of care and support for your child. Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children with special needs can thrive. WE love to serve you. Click below and let us show you around!