In time for the 30th Anniversary celebration of the home, PARC Center Apartments received a much needed face-lift that strengthened the residential building to withstand the forces of a major hurricane. 

Through a new collaboration, PARC and Neighborly Care Network celebrated on August 4, 2009 the grand opening of a congregate dining site for individuals ages 60 and older with developmental disabilities.  As the population of individuals with developmental disabilities continues to live longer, PARC has identified a growing need within the organization to offer specialized services for seniors in its care.

Expecting their third child was an exciting time in the Bell household.  Mom, Dad, 11 year old Crystal and 8 year old Kevin were planning the arrival together.  At a certain point during the pregnancy, the doctor had some suspicions of Down Syndrome and wanted further testing.  They decli

This year PARC had a new kind of volunteer – the four legged kind!   We were fortunate to have several volunteers (the two legged kind) who wanted to get their special dogs introduced to the program participants at PARC.  After the initial interview, which included a lot of tail wagging and playing, we placed three therapy dogs within three different residential programs at PARC.

8/20/2010

Jackson’s Story

 

Jackson, an adorable youngster with sandy hair and a cherubic face, graduated from the Discovery Learning Center (DLC) at PARC in August 2009.  Graduation was complete with caps, gowns and diplomas! His mother was so proud she cried and Jackson had a smile so bright it could melt your heart.  

8/20/2010

A “Circle of Friends” at PARC

 

PARC has been a profound source of joy in our lives. The people we’ve met through PARC are some of the most kind and generous we’ve ever known and we feel so fortunate to be involved with such a wonderful organization.

8/20/2010

The Margaret E. Dickins Foundation

 

 

How does PARC begin to say “Thank You” for nearly thirty years of generous annual gifts? Margaret E. Dickin’s extraordinary support of PARC started in 1982 and continued uninterrupted until her passing. 

 

5/3/2010

Meet the Artist: Debra D

 

 

For 18 years Debra has been attending PARC where she explores new opportunities that further her potential and enhance her days. She has thrived and impacted her peers while participating in the PARC Fine Arts Studio & Gallery and working at Suncoast Innovations. 

 

6/23/2009

The Famiano Story

My husband Ron and I first toured PARC when we were making a video for the organization’s 50th Anniversary. We loved everything about PARC, especially the Discovery Learning Center (DLC) preschool. 

 

When I returned to PARC to begin filming I spent time in all of the program areas. One day I spotted Nicholas, one the foster children in DLC. My heart jumped up in my throat when I learned he needed a home.

5/13/2009

Debbie's Story

 

In March 1968 living in New Jersey, Marcy, age 25, gave birth to her third child, another beautiful daughter.

 

Suddenly, Marcy’s life turned upside down.  Debra was three-days old when Marcy and her husband were told by the hospital staff that Debra had Down syndrome; her blood test had revealed an extra chromosome.  A Down syndrome baby is born in every 800 births, usually to mothers over 35 years old.