News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Kelli Caputo, Director of Community Relations, 727.743.6237, kcaputo@parc-fl.org

VULNERABLE SENIORS BEING SERVED THROUGH NEW PROGRAM

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Through a new collaboration between PARC and Neighborly Care Network, a congregate dining site will be opened 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.  By partnering with Neighborly Care Network, over 40 individuals will be provided a hot, nutritious meal five days a week along with socialization and activities at the new PARC Senior Center.  “This is just the first step.  We hope to build and grow this service together,” says PARC Board Chairman Bob Byelick.  Neighborly Board Chairwoman Debi Mitchell adds, “It’s a win-win for both organizations and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this new service focused on seniors.”  The grand opening of this new congregate dining site will take place on Tuesday, August 4 at PARC’s Main Campus located at 3100 75^th Street North in St. Petersburg.  With a reservation, guests will be able to share a meal with program participants starting at 11am.  "I am thrilled with this new program for an underserved, but deserving group of seniors and the impact it will have on their lives," states Executive Director Sally D. Gronda of Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc., the agency providing federal stimulus funding for the nutrition program.

This new venture has earned both approval and recognition from the state offices that oversee the care of vulnerable citizens.  Secretary E. Douglas Beach of the Department of Elder Affairs and Director Jim DeBeaugrine of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities have kept in close contact during the planning phases and are pleased that Pinellas County will serve as a model for other areas in Florida.  “We are looking forward to more agencies taking the initiative like PARC and Neighborly Care Network to combine services that will enable seniors to get the highest quality of health and social services,” states Secretary Beach.  Director DeBeaugrine said, “We commend PARC and Neighborly Care Network for this innovative collaboration which assures efficiencies with public funding and increased key services to our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”  Secretary Beach will visit the site on July 15 and meet with leaders from the agencies to discuss the impact this new program will have locally and statewide.    

Looking to expand services at PARC for seniors within the new PARC Senior Center, PARC is also partnering with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay Inc., sponsor of the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteer programs. Plans are in place to have volunteers serve as an additional support for program participants. Discussions are occurring to potentially expand home-delivered meal services to homebound seniors with developmental disabilities as well.  For more information on this new service at PARC with Neighborly Care Network and the grand opening event, please call Nancy Giles at 727-345-9111 extension 6909.

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PARC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to exercise their independence, enjoy an enhanced quality of life and experience life to the fullest.  Established in 1953, PARC currently serves more than 700 people in the greater Pinellas County area through a variety of services. Visit www.parc-fl.org

Neighborly Care Network is a nonprofit organization of dedicated employees and volunteers whose mission is improved health, wellness and independent living for individuals and families.  Neighborly Care Network has been providing health and wellness programs to seniors and their families for 43 years.  They are proud of the fact that they started the first federally funded Meals on Wheels program in the United States in 1968, and that same year, they opened the first Adult Day Care center in the nation. Visit www.neighborly.org.