We empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build meaningful, purpose-filled lives through community, connection, and continued growth.
Our Mission
Meet the Founder
Candace Cowdery Danielson M.Ed.
Purpose & Potential was created from both professional experience and a deeply personal connection to the disability community.
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For more than ten years, I have worked in special education supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they transition into adulthood. I hold a master’s degree in transition services and spent eight years teaching young adults in public schools—helping them develop employment skills, independent living skills, social skills, and confidence as they prepared for life beyond the classroom.
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I later served as the Adult Program Director at GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, where I developed and led programs focused on building independence, strengthening social connections, and supporting meaningful community involvement. In 2025, I was honored to receive the Outstanding Educator Award from The Arc of Fort Bend County in recognition of this work.
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This work is deeply personal to me. My brother has autism, and I serve as his legal guardian. Through this role, I have experienced firsthand the joys, challenges, and long-term planning that families navigate as their loved ones move into adulthood. Because of this, I understand how important it is for families to find opportunities that provide meaningful engagement, genuine social connection, and continued growth beyond school-based services.
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This perspective allows me to create a program that is not only structured and intentional, but also deeply understanding of what families truly need.
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Purpose & Potential was created to give individuals the opportunity to continue discovering their strengths, building friendships, and growing in confidence through meaningful, real-world experiences. My goal is that every participant leaves each experience feeling proud, connected, and excited to continue exploring their community.
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My goal is that every participant leaves each experience feeling proud, connected, and more confident in their ability to navigate the world around them.
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Our story
Through years of experience in both my professional work and personal life, I began to see a clear gap—one that ultimately led to the creation of Purpose & Potential.
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Many individuals were working, volunteering, or attending programs—but still had unfilled time in their week and limited opportunities for meaningful social connection and continued personal growth.
Even with strong supports in place, there often wasn’t a space focused on building relationships, exploring interests, and creating a true sense of purpose in everyday life.
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Over the years, I’ve seen a wide range of programs, and those experiences made it clear that not all environments are created with the same level of intention, personalization, and care. Purpose & Potential was built to be different—thoughtful, structured, and centered around what truly supports growth and connection.
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I wanted to create a program where families feel confident and at ease—knowing their loved one is safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. A place where they can trust that every experience is intentional, and that their loved one’s best interests are always at the center of what we do.
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That level of trust is not something I take lightly—it’s something I work to earn every day.
Purpose & Potential was created to fill that gap by offering thoughtfully planned, community-based experiences where individuals can continue building independence, strengthening connections, and growing in confidence.
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The program is designed to complement other meaningful activities—such as employment, volunteering, or day programs—while helping individuals live more connected, engaged, and purpose-filled lives.
"Candace brings out the best in Grace by focusing on her strengths, talents, and abilities. She has a gift for creating opportunities that are often overlooked in our community. Her ability to encourage, challenge, and support growth is truly impressive. Through adaptable and encouraging environments, she helps build confidence, independence, and real-world skills. We could all learn from her approach to inclusion.”
— Bridget, mom to Grace (25), whose family has
known and worked with Candace since 2017.
Our Values
Connection
We believe meaningful relationships are at the heart of a fulfilling life. Through shared experiences and small-group settings, we create opportunities for genuine friendships and belonging.
Independence
We support individuals in building confidence and developing real-world skills that promote greater independence and personal growth.
Purpose
We believe everyone deserves to live a life filled with meaning. We create opportunities for individuals to explore their strengths, interests, and passions.
Community
We believe everyone deserves to feel included and valued. Through community-based experiences, individuals actively participate in and contribute to the world around them.
"Candace created a visual work schedule and assignment checklist for our daughter that helped her thrive while learning new life skills in real-world settings. Her creativity and outside-the-box thinking help young adults with different abilities build confidence and develop a positive mindset"