Our Mission

"To Promote Independence and Enrich the Lives We Serve."

Sam Provence

The late Sam Provence, who played an instrumental part in the formation of the organization, had a reputation for being a fiery crusader, who never stopped until he had accomplished whatever goal that he was attempting to aaccomplish at the time. He developed polio as a child at the time when polio had almost completely been eradicated in the area. As a result of the polio, Sam spent a great deal of time in the hospital and had a great deal of time to think about what he could do for himself as well as other people with disabilities. He had a determined spirit and an extremely sharp mind, which he utilized to improve the condition of fellow people with disabilities.

John Dycus

John Dycus is one of the founders of HRA and has previously served as a board president for the organization. He graduated 1970 from the University of Texas at Arlington, which was then know as Arlington State College, with a BBA in Accounting. John has played a very active role in the Arlington communtiy since his college days. After graduating, he went to work in the Student Publication Department as an advisor to the university newspaper. During his 28 years as a n employee of the newspaper, John proved to be an invaluable part of its daily operations and fainally retired as associate director of the newspaper. Currently, John is employed as a copy editor for the Star-Telegram as well as the UTA Magazine. In addition, he acts as a writing coach for student reporters. John maintains his affiliation with HRA as a volunteer and as a client. He also was named HRA's "Man of the Year" in 1997.