The power of Parc
With one in four adults in the United States living with some form of disability, organizations like Parc Center for Disabilities play an essential role. For over 70 years, Parc has been dedicated to serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In 2023 alone Parc served a total of 865 people, 496 of which were adults, and 369 children. Their guiding mission? To create and provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to experience life to the fullest.
A long-standing partnership
For 45 consecutive years, Raymond James has been a supporter of Parc’s vital work. It’s one of the longest commitments the firm has had to a nonprofit, and one of the largest in terms of aggregate giving over time and associate involvement.
The Raymond James golf tournament and annual black-tie event are two longstanding events where advisors and associates have the opportunity to give back in a win-win for Parc, the community and for the firm.
“Parc’s important role in our community and its alignment with Raymond James’ values underscore the longevity of the firm’s support,” said Mike White, chief marketing officer and board member for Parc. “Their mission is special because they offer continuous, comprehensive services and advocacy for a community uniquely dependent on others.”
A full spectrum of support for all ages
The president and CEO of Parc, Michelle Detweiler, has had a lifelong, highly personal journey with the organization she now leads. Her sister, now in her 60s, has received disability support from Parc for over 40 years.
“What makes Parc so unique,” Detweiler said, “is that we’re equipped to help people continuously throughout life – from cradle through adulthood. We serve over 500 people each day in varying capacities, from recreational and employment opportunities to residential support.”
Paul Manfrey, Carillon–St. Pete branch manager and board member, said, “A developmental disability can make the world feel smaller and more limiting. But a family’s life doesn’t have to shrink. Parc helps parents dream bigger dreams, and perhaps more importantly, it helps the kids dream bigger dreams.”
Today, 94 adults call Parc their home, where they have access to safe, community-based housing that promotes independence, inclusion and the ability to thrive.
In addition, Parc’s Supported Employment Program helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find and maintain jobs within the community. In 2023, the nonprofit empowered 65 adults to secure employment.
“We have one young gentleman living with developmental disabilities who was keen to work,” Detweiler recalled. “He enrolled in our Supported Employment Program, started working at a children’s hospital, and went from strength to strength. Since starting work, he’s bought his own home and sustained himself as a productive part of our community. All he needed was a shot.”
A new groundbreaking Children's Services Center
“The financial donations given by Raymond James and Tom and Mary James to Parc over the years have been extremely impactful,” Detweiler said. “Our new Children’s Services Center is a project over 10 years in the making. In 2024 we finally broke ground for a resource that will be a one-stop shop for children living with developmental disabilities."
The Children’s Services Center is a school designed to provide physical, occupational and speech therapy and more for children. Depending on the individual child’s specific needs, they and their families have access to comprehensive support and educational services.
“We’re hoping this new school will be the first of many, acting as the model for future expansions beyond the St. Pete area,” said Detweiler.
A future-focused vision
Parc is committed to investing in its campus, its programs and its people. Over the last five years, campus improvements and staff pay increases have been a higher priority to help ensure continuity and excellence of a service that many individuals with developmental disabilities depend on.
“Our work is to make visible what’s so often invisible. We want to continue to be a leading force that spotlights and serves children and adults living with disabilities. My vision is that one day our community will have no one living with developmental disabilities in need of service,” Detweiler said.
Manfrey added, “Parc is a joyful, heartwarming place that’s meaningfully impacting lives. I urge everyone to take a tour of Parc with a friend or coworker to experience the joy and see the amazing work being done for themselves.”
Raymond James Cares
Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.
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