FROM THE PRESIDENT...
Since 1953, PARC has been enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Everyday in our community, over 800 children and adults with developmental disabilities are able to make the same kinds of decisions about their day that you do simply because they CAN….because these choices are available to them at PARC. Our innovative programs provide practical, relevant experiences that promote achievement and independence.
Children have access to the Margaret E. Dickins Children’s Technology Center, a high tech toddler lab that has been adapted to accommodate the needs of all children who attend the Discovery Learning Center preschool. Specialized speech, physical and occupational therapies are available in our Thoresen Foundation Therapy Center.
Our Cultural Arts Center provides unique enrichment opportunities for adults in a supported environment. Annually, more than 300 men and women participate in these day activities. They enjoy classes or activities involving scrap booking, jewelry making, arts and crafts, music, dance, computer training, in-door and out-door sports, model train and car building, life enrichment, a day spa, library and other specialized interests. These activities offer social growth and receational fun, but also offer a chance for learning and obtaining skills that are necessary in the community.
By visiting the Suntrust simulated Bank at PARC, participants receiving PARC day and residential services can learn money management and banking -- enabling them with the confidence and knowledge to use those skills outside of PARC.
Work opportunities are provided both on campus and in the community. On campus, as part of PARC's day services, adults can earn a paycheck by participating in PARC Center Industries where they work on assemby and packaging jobs that are contracted from businesses in the community. PARC's Supported Employment program and Vocational Rehablitation program work with both participants and employers to match individuals with developmental disabilities with paying jobs in the community.
PARC also has extensive community supports and services available to assist individuals in maintaining their independence and achieving their potential. We now look to the future with a new vision for our PARC community. PARC is dedicated to creating a village that offers an array of choices, and we encourage community involvement to assist us in providing even more opportunities for the children and adults served at PARC.
Our Mission-driven, person-centered approach will provide participants with the opportunity to explore and choose services that best fit their needs. We envision a community where all individuals live with dignity and are treated with respect.
The best way to experience PARC is to take a tour, and I encourage you to do so. If you visited PARC several years ago, then it is time to visit again. If you spend an hour here, the participants, staff and volunteers will forever touch your heart. Thank you for being part of PARC’s history and its future.
Sue Buchholtz
President/CEO
sbuchholtz@parc-fl.org
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