HOUSTON -- A Houston-area school for mentally disabled adults is in danger of closing, but its founder is determined to keep its spirit alive, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Wednesday.

Esther Hobbs named Darla's School in honor of her sister, Darla, who is mentally disabled.

"Even though we may have to close at the end of the month as we know it, Darla's School will continue in some form or fashion, even if the classrooms are out of my house," Hobbs said. "There are not many options for adults with mental disabilities. The options are very, very limited."

Hobbs' mission is to provide mentally disabled adults with an education and opportunities to explore the world.

"They're learning things that they would've never learned before through their art, their expression. Their art is phenomenal," she said.

The school raises money by selling the students' art, some of which looks professional.

While the artwork raises some money, the school may have to close its doors due to a lack of funding.

So, Hobbs called on a Houston entrepreneur to help.

"When I went to Darla's School, I was amazed by the care the adults receive there and the loving nature of the whole place just touched my heart," said Jim McInvale of Gallery Furniture.

Mattress Mac teamed with the school to launch "March with Mack For Darla's."

The fundraising campaign is dear to his heart because his 12-year-old daughter, Liz, suffers from a mental illness.

"Unfortunately, some places in Texas have ostracized those people least, last, and lost. Helping them is truly a good thing to do, I believe," he said.

Darla's School, located at 1007 W. Gray, was founded in 2001 as a private, nonprofit educational and life enrichment school for adults with mental retardation.

For more information on Darla's School or the fundraising campaign, visit www.darlas.org or call 713-523-2114.