The PARC Center for Disabilities is building a new Children’s Services Center in Pinellas County. The groundbreaking event on July 30 had over 100 supporters. Speakers included City Council Vice Chair Copley Gerdes, philanthropists Tom and Mary James, PARC Board Chair Michael Bice, and PARC President & CEO Michelle Detweiler.
“This is a transformational time…for our community and our region,” said Detweiler. “The new Children’s Services Center will…maximize children’s cognitive and emotional capabilities and wellbeing.”
The new 14,000-square-foot building in St. Petersburg will have larger classrooms, therapy spaces, and three special playgrounds. It’s designed with the best practices in early intervention education, therapeutic services, safety, and overall facility flow.
Board Chair Michael Bice thanked the City of St. Petersburg and State Representative Linda Chaney for their support. Chaney helped secure a $1.5 million contribution from the state for the project.
PARC is the only organization in the region that offers a full range of services for individuals with developmental disabilities, from preschool to senior living. They are also the only provider of early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities in Pinellas County.
Detweiler shared that the “Raise the Roof!” capital campaign aims to raise $10 million for the new facility, with over $6 million raised so far. The Board of Directors has contributed one million dollars to this effort.
Philanthropist Thomas James and his wife Mary made a $2 million donation, the largest ever received by PARC from private individuals. Raymond James Financial also contributed $750,000.
Bice emphasized the long-term support from the James family: “Their commitment…has been a major force in making PARC the leader it is in serving people with developmental disabilities. They know our need is urgent…”
The new center will allow PARC’s team of experts to fully utilize their skills to benefit the children they serve every day.
For more information about PARC Center for Disabilities, visit their website. To learn more about the new Children’s Services Center, contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Phillip Deal at (727) 341-6920.
Data Points Parc Center for Disabilities Resources
Organization Website: https://www.parc-fl.org/
Volunteer Link: https://www.parc-fl.org/ways-to-help/volunteer-at-parc/
Donation Link: https://www.parc-fl.org/ways-to-help/donate/
