Parc Center for Disabilities Celebrates 73 Years with New Children’s Services Center
Parc Center for Disabilities, the Tampa Bay area’s only complete pathway of lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, celebrated a milestone this spring with the grand opening of the Tom & Mary James Children’s Services Center. The ribbon-cutting took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the new facility on 73rd Street North in St. Petersburg, marking not only a new chapter for Parc, but also celebrating the organization’s 73rd birthday. Feather Sound News attended the ribbon cutting and toured the new facility, with almost 400 community advocates, and was joined by Parc’s president and CEO, Michelle Detweiller, Board Chair, Joel Manings, St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, State Representative Linda Chaney and St. Pete Chamber of Commerce President Chris Steinocher.
Serving children from two months to five years old, the Center is the dedicated home for Parc’s preschool and early intervention programs, including physical, speech and occupational therapies. It also houses its two community-based resources: Early Intervention Services, where specialists work with children in their natural environments to prepare them for kindergarten, and the Caregiver Relief Program, which offers up to 20 hours of respite care per month for families of children up to age 21. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Center was designed to foster cognitive and emotional development while providing crucial resources for caregivers.
“Seventy-three years ago, ten families refused to accept limitations for their children,” Michelle Detweiler, president and CEO of Parc, told Feather Sound News. “Since then, Parc has been advocating for children with disabilities to grow, learn and thrive in an inclusive, caring environment. The opening of the Tom & Mary James Children’s Services Center strengthens our mission to ensure children receive the early intervention and care they need, while also helping families feel supported and empowered.”
The facility is named in honor of local philanthropists, Tom and Mary James, who have championed Parc for more than 50 years. Their $2 million donation helped ignite Parc’s $10 million Raise the Roof capital campaign, which has raised over $8.5 million to date. “Parc has always gone above and beyond for kids and adults who need services,” said Tom James. “We are proud to be part of this incredible community.” Parc continues to welcome community support as it works to cross the finish line of its $10 million Raise the Roof capital campaign, an effort dedicated to expanding opportunities, enhancing services and building a stronger future for individuals with developmental disabilities. To learn more or to be part of this transformative milestone, visit www.Parc-FL.org/raise-the-roof and help bring this vision fully to life.
Throughout April, Parc celebrated its 73rd birthday by sharing daily wishes and stories from members of its community. From the first steps of a child taking part in therapy to adults gaining confidence and independence through job training, every milestone became a reason to celebrate. One highlight of the month was the stories, reminding the community of the simple joys many take for granted, such as the ability to walk, made possible through months of therapy, dedication and encouragement.
Beyond physical achievements, Parc also highlights the power of meaningful work and purpose. Through its job training programs, adults discovered new skills, gained independence and stepped into opportunities they never imagined. Each success, from a child’s first step to an adult’s first paycheck, underscores Parc’s mission: helping every individual achieve confidence, purpose and the pride of saying, “I did that.”
The opening of the new Children’s Services Center and Parc’s birthday celebrations reflect its enduring commitment to the community: to nurture growth, support families and ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
