Did You Know Parc Center for Disabilities Is Changing Lives Every Day?
Covenant Security Solutions is proud to spotlight Parc Center for Disabilities, one of Florida’s most respected and transformative organizations supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Nestled in the Tyrone area of St. Petersburg, Florida, Parc has been a cornerstone of hope for more than 70 years, offering a full continuum of care that supports children, adults, and seniors at every stage of life.
To understand the heart behind this mission, Covenant recently connected with Michelle Detweiler and Laurie Stogniew, two leaders who carry Parc’s legacy forward with a blend of passion, 
purpose, and unwavering commitment.
A Legacy of Service and Family
Parc began with a small group of parents searching for support for their children at a time when few services existed. That grassroots effort has since grown into a vibrant campus employing more than 340 dedicated staff and serving over 500 individuals every day. Many of the founding families remain connected to this day. Michelle Detweiler’s father served as Parc’s first president and CEO from 1962 to 1992, and Laurie Stogniew’s father served on the board in the 1970s. Their ongoing connection honors the spirit that shaped Parc from the beginning and continues to drive its mission to help every individual reach their fullest potential.
A Full Continuum of Care
Parc Center for Disabilities supports individuals at every stage of life, from infants just two months old to adults in their senior years. These services include:
• Early Intervention and Preschool Programs providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• Adult Training and Residential Services for nearly one hundred residents who call Parc home. • Employment Services helping adults build skills and find meaningful work in the community.
• Respite Care that gives families essential relief and peace of mind.
• Senior Programs offering recreation and social connection for older participants.
This lifelong approach creates a sense of continuity and belonging. As Michelle explains, “Many of the people we serve have been with us since childhood; it truly is a family.”
The Challenges Ahead
Parc Center for Disabilities continues to face a significant funding gap in its day to day operations. State support covers only a portion of the true cost of providing high-quality care, paying competitive living wages, and sustaining the comprehensive services that hundreds of children and adults rely on every day. The rest must be raised each year through Parc’s Annual Fund, which plays a critical role in closing this gap and keeping essential programs
strong.
At the same time, Parc Center for Disabilities is moving forward with its “Raise the Roof” capital campaign, a $10 million effort focused solely on building a new Children’s Services Center. This state-of-the-art facility will expand early intervention, enhance therapeutic spaces, and ensure that children with developmental disabilities receive the highest level of care from their earliest years. To date, $7.6 million has been raised, bringing Parc closer to making this transformational project a reality. Completing the campaign goal is vital, and if you would like to be part of creating brighter futures for children with developmental disabilities, you can learn more or make a gift here: Raise the Roof.
Other Ways to Help
Although volunteer opportunities are limited due to licensing and safety requirements, Parc welcomes community involvement in several meaningful ways:
• Take a tour of the campus to experience the impact firsthand.
• Attend or sponsor major events such as the Golf Tournament Weekend taking place April 24 and 25, 2026, and the annual Black Tie Gala scheduled for November 7, 2026.
• Donate online, become a recurring supporter, or explore planned giving options that may offer meaningful tax benefits, all available at parc-fl.org.
As Laurie shared, “When you grow up in a philanthropic family, it stays with you. That is what we want, to inspire others to carry that forward.”
A Message Worth Sharing
At Covenant, we believe in shining a light on those who quietly build stronger communities. Parc Center for Disabilities embodies compassion, perseverance, and service, a reminder that making a difference often begins with simply asking, “Did you know?