Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy August.
Hi Sandy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path to The Arc of Katy, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to ensure that teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose throughout their lives, was shaped by nearly two decades of working in nonprofit fundraising and leadership. Throughout my career, I have helped mission-driven organizations build support, tell their stories, and expand their impact, and I have always been drawn to work rooted in purpose and community. When I found The Arc of Katy, it immediately felt like a calling—not just a job. Although I officially stepped into the role of Executive Director in July 2025, the heart of this work has been forming in me for much longer.
That heart was shaped more than 16 years ago with the birth of my nephew, Mason, who has a rare genetic disorder with no cure. Through Mason and my sister, I have seen firsthand how challenging it can be for families to find places where individuals with disabilities are truly seen, celebrated, and meaningfully included—and where parents can find community alongside others who understand the journey. Mason is the reason I said yes to this role back in July 2025, but I stay for the families we serve every day. From my very first day at The Arc of Katy, I felt the joy, gratitude, and love that radiate from our participants and staff. Every person deserves purpose and belonging, and that is exactly what The Arc of Katy provides.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly hasn’t always been a smooth road. Working in the nonprofit world means living in the tension between limited resources and unlimited need. Budgets are often tight, priorities compete, and the work can be emotionally demanding—but it is also deeply meaningful. That combination is both the challenge and the blessing. You learn to be creative, resilient, and grounded in purpose, because the work matters too much not to be.
At The Arc of Katy, the foundation was already strong long before I arrived. For many years, the organization has been doing extraordinary, life-changing work for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. My role wasn’t to reinvent that work—it was to help more people see it, understand it, and feel its impact. Much of the journey has been about learning how to more effectively tell our story, elevate the voices of our participants and families, and connect the heart of our work with the broader community so others can come alongside us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers on strengthening mission-driven organizations so their impact can grow and endure. I specialize in fundraising, relationship-building, and storytelling—helping communities understand not just what an organization does, but why it matters. At The Arc of Katy, that means advancing programs and resources that empower teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to grow, connect, and thrive as valued members of their community throughout their lives. I focus on sharing the stories of our participants and families in ways that honor their dignity, celebrate their gifts, and invite others to invest in meaningful, life-changing work.
What I am most proud of at The Arc of Katy is helping elevate and sustain programs that ensure adults with IDD continue to have opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose after they leave the public school system. The Arc of Katy has long been committed to offering high-quality programs that actively engage them in the life of their community. Last year alone, participants took part in more than 200 community outings focused on physical fitness, recreational and social connection, community service, and educational enrichment—experiences that help build connection, foster independence, and create a deep sense of purpose. In December 2025, that impact was recognized on a national stage when The Arc of Katy received the Houston Texans Foundation Inspire Change Grant. In my first six months, I also secured multiple philanthropic grants that allowed us to purchase a brand-new bus—an essential tool that makes this level of community engagement possible. Reliable transportation ensures our participants can safely access programs, volunteer opportunities, cultural experiences, and meaningful connections, while also creating ripple effects throughout Greater Houston by increasing visibility, breaking down barriers, and modeling what true inclusion looks like.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to choose your organization carefully. Work for a mission that genuinely aligns with your own values and beliefs—one you would personally support with your time and your money. When you truly believe in the work, it shows, and that authenticity makes it far easier to invite others to invest in it as well. People can sense when your passion is real, and in the nonprofit world, that trust matters deeply.
I would also say this: at a nonprofit, there will always be more needs, ideas, and urgent requests than time or resources. Learning to stay focused on what truly matters—the work that directly advances impact—is essential. Not everything can be a priority, and that’s okay. Some things need to be done later, and some things may need to be let go entirely. Early on, I wish I had understood that focus is not about doing more, but about doing the right things well. That clarity allows both you and the organization to move forward with purpose and sustainability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thearcofkaty.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearcofkaty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thearcofkatytx
