About Us
Our Commitment
Our Mission
Parc Center for Disabilities is the premier provider of life-changing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities in the Tampa Bay area. We structure our services around three centers of excellence: Children’s Services, Adult Day Training, and Residential Care to ensure a lifetime of support for individuals and families.
Our Vision
Building a community where individuals with developmental disabilities are visible, valued, and able to live life to the fullest.
Our Core Values
RISE – To provide exceptional experiences for our participants each and every day through Respect, Integrity, Service, and Empathy.
Respect
We treat everyone as a person first. Dignity guides all interactions and we proudly work together as a team to advance the vision and mission of our organization.
Integrity
We exercise honesty, transparency, and the highest level of ethical practice. We believe firmly in always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
Service
We believe in making a difference to the person in front of you. We serve every individual and family in our care with compassion, empowerment, kindness, and purpose.
Empathy
We step into the world of those we serve and those who serve our organization. All actions are guided by first asking ourselves what another may be thinking, feeling, experiencing, or enduring.
Our History
Parc Center for Disabilities' story is an inspiring journey that began in 1953. A small group of dedicated parents united with a pioneering vision: to educate and support children with disabilities, enabling them to lead full and enriched lives. In the first chapter of Parc Center for Disabilities' history, the "Peter Pan" school was established to serve children with intellectual disabilities, driven by the power of love, compassion, and the dedication of parents and volunteers. They could hardly have imagined the incredible growth that would lead to the Parc Center for Disabilities we know today.
This original passion continues to fuel Parc Center for Disabilities’ mission and unwavering commitment to helping children and adults with disabilities overcome barriers, reach milestones, and experience life to the fullest. As we move into our next 70 years of service to these individuals, Parc Center for Disabilities is dedicated to ensuring that all children and families in our community have access to more resources and the best tools they need to live their most productive lives.
1952
Mrs. Edythe Ibold placed a small notice in The Evening Independent inviting parents of children with developmental disabilities to a meeting in the St. Petersburg City Hall.
1953
Edythe Ibold named First President of the Board of Directors and a Charter Member.
1963
Bert Muller is President of the PARC Board of Directors from 1962-63.
1964
Bert Muller named the first President and CEO of the Peter Pan School.
1966
6 acres of land secured through the City Council near Tyrone Boulevard, which is now PARC's main campus.
1967
PARC’s First Annual Black-Tie Gala is held at the home of Brenda and Sam Rahall.
1968
Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy begin at preschool.
1969
PARC Villa was one of the first integrated community residential programs of its kind in Florida.
1973
PARC opens a new 10,000 sq. ft. building for its Sheltered Workshop Program, called the Weil Rehabilitation Center, after a $50,000 donation from Clifton and Dorothy Weil.
1975
ARC formed the State Association for Private Facilities for the Mentally Retarded and Bert Muller is elected the first state President.
1979
PARC Center Apartments opened in October 1979 for 48 adults.
1981
PARC provides progressive services for individuals in community living and job placement.
1984
The Edith B. Smith building opens as administration offices. The 2,400 Sq. Ft. building was funded through a gift from Edith B. Smith.
1994
Partnership formed with Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, which provides services for medically fragile children on the PARC campus.
1996
Children’s Services expanded to include Assistive Technology Center, larger physical therapy area and Early Intervention Center at PARC’s preschool.
2000
Art program expands to Fine Arts and Gallery and begin exhibiting art in the community.
2007
PARC expanded entrepreneurial programs at PARC to increase earned income revenue.
2008
PARC becomes management company for Manasota ARC, which supports over 150 adults with developmental disabilities in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
2010
PARC received Respect of Florida contract which expanded production area to 2nd floor of the PARC Thrift Store.
2010
Children’s services expanded to include Respite Care Services in Pinellas County.
2011
Susan Buchholtz resigned from PARC to accept out of state position.
2012
Karen Higgins appointed President & CEO of PARC.
2012
Hold My Paw Children’s Book launched by local author and business owner, PK Lichtenberger. Illustrations created by PARC artists in Fine Arts Studio.
2013
Autism Behavioral Center at PARC opened to service individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder.
2014
Culinary Arts programs expanded to include curriculum programs leading to employment.
2016
PARC Thrift Store property sold.
2017
Adult programs opened PARC Sun Store training in sales and retail business.
2019
PARC opens new Head Start classrooms to serve additional children.
2020
New fundraiser 5k Run and signature Black Tie Event conducted virtually.
2021
Michelle Detweiler appointed President & CEO of PARC.
2022
PARC rebrands itself to Parc Center for Disabilities to better reflect the way it has grown and changed over the last 70 years.
2023
Administrative Building Demolition to make way for a new Children’s Services Center
2025
Adult Community Center Renovation Grand Opening
1953
Pinellas Association for Retarded Children received its Corporate Charter.
1953
The first group of concerned parents that formed PARC successfully opened The Peter Pan School.
1963
PARC opened PARC Resale Store to help bring in donations for the agency. Successfully opened The Peter Pan School.
1964
League to Aid Retarded Children founded. LARC – the heart of Parc Center for Disabilities supports children and adults at PARC.
1967
PARC’s development of a sheltered employment program for adults begins.
1968
PARC Cottage residential program begins, and 15 children aged 2 to 13 called the main campus their home.
1969
PARC undergoes expansion for new day services.
1971
Mrs. Rose Kennedy visited the PARC Campus.
1974
PARC's First Annual Golf Tournament is held at the Bardmoor Golf Course.
1977
PARC Housing Inc. formed to develop and oversee the project management of a HUD home. Congressman C.W Bill Young helped PARC through this process.
1980
Improvements and expansions begin for PARC campus.
1982
Curry Villa opens for thirty adults formerly at PARC Villa’s leased building. Mack and Chris Curry made the donation in memory of his parents George B. and Agnes Curry.
1986
PARC begins Supported Employment to fund individuals for community job coaching and placement services.
1995
Administrative offices and Seniors Program move to new location, 3190 Tyrone Boulevard, acquired through a charitable trust.
1998
Adult services expanded to include Adult Technology Achievement Center.
2006
Curt Thomas retired from PARC, Susan Buchholtz named new President & CEO of PARC.
2007
PARC Place opens as a behavior focused residential program for 10 adults.
2009
PARC awarded FEMA Grant to upgrade PARC Center Apartments to become a safe shelter during a hurricane or other natural disasters.
2010
Florida Governor Charlie Crist visited PARC Campus.
2010
PARC Center Apartments renamed The Bert Muller Home to honor the memory of Bert Muller’s commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities.
2011
PARC joins the National movement to “Remove the “R” word. The PARC acronym becomes Providing Advocacy & Recognizing Capabilities.
2012
PARC Awarded Nonprofit of the Year by the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce.
2013
PARC Celebrates 60 Years!
2014
PARC expanded Inspired Art and Choir to include public exhibitions and performances.
2015
PARC is awarded a Pinellas County Project Search program, a transitional high school work opportunity at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
2017
Discovery Learning Center opens new Play Safe Park playground.
2018
LARC becomes LARC-Parents, Guardians and Friends of PARC.
2020
COVID-19 impacts all PARC’s services.
2021
Karen Higgins retired from PARC.
2022
PARC’s Caregiver Relief program earns national recognition as an Innovative and Exemplary Respite Service for 2022 by the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center.
2023
Parc Center for Disabilities Celebrates 70 years
2024
Children’s Services Center Groundbreaking Day
Family Testimonials
"Our family’s mission is for Lisa to be happy and that's exactly how she feels at Parc Center for Disabilities. She's been thriving as a resident and participant for 46 years. Thank you to Parc's staff for taking care of Lisa and bringing out the best in her. We appreciate Parc Center for Disabilities and how EVERY dollar DOES make a difference."
- Kristen B.