In this episode of Good Deeds, host Nanette Wiser welcomes back Michelle Detweiler, President/CEO Parc Center for Disabilities to talk about the Parc Center for Disabilities upcoming Grand Opening of the new Tom & Mary James Children’s Services Center, expanding early intervention, therapeutic programs and family-centered support.
👉Parc Center for Disabilities, the Tampa Bay area’s only complete pathway of lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will celebrate the grand opening of the Tom & Mary James Children’s Services Center on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The event will take place from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the new facility located at 3151 73rd Street North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33710. Parc invites family, friends, partners and the public to join the celebratory ribbon-cutting and mark this milestone that underscores Parc’s commitment to providing comprehensive services and support for children and families.

“Seventy-three years ago, ten families refused to accept limitations for their children,” said Michelle Detweiler, president and CEO of Parc. “Since that time, 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 advances our mission to ensure children with developmental disabilities receive the early intervention and support they need to grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential while strengthening the families who care for them.”

Serving children from two months to five years of age, the Tom & Mary James Children’s Services Center will provide a dedicated, purpose-built home for Parc’s existing preschool and early intervention programs including physical, speech and occupational therapies, along with transportation, meals and supportive care.

The Center will house two community-based resources: Early Intervention Services and the Caregiver Relief Program. The Early Intervention Services program is an outreach model in which specialists work one-on-one with children in their natural environment to prepare them for kindergarten. The Caregiver Relief Program provides up to 20 hours per month of respite care for families with children up to age 21, helping prevent child abuse and caregiver burnout. Dedicated to excellence, the Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance cognitive and emotional development.

The facility is named in honor of Tom and Mary James, local philanthropists and supporters of Parc for more than 50 years, who made a $2 million donation, which helped ignite the $10 million Raise the Roof capital campaign. To date, Parc has raised over $8.1 million for this project.

“People should know that, despite the size of the community we’re in, we have a very good place for people with special needs, which you can’t find everywhere,” said Tom James. “I’ve known the people with Parc for a very long time. The fact is, they have demonstrated time and time again that they’ll bend over backwards to help all the kids and adults who need services. I speak from experience, knowing some of the people who live there. I’m proud we are associated with Parc Center for Disabilities.”

To learn more about Parc Center for Disabilities, visit www.parc-fl.org.
For more on Parc’s services for children and families, explore www.parc-fl.org/programs/childrens-services.
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About Parc Center for Disabilities
Parc Center for Disabilities is a nonprofit organization that has been serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1953. Known for its “person-centered” approach, Parc as earned its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in both its field and in the community. Fueled by the belief that every individual should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and capabilities, Parc Center for Disabilities is fully dedicated to ensuring that each person served is valued, respected and embraced by all for their individuality. For more information, visit www.parc-fl.org, call (727) 345-9111 or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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