BAYWEST CHARITY OF THE MONTH
P.A.C.K.

P.A.C.K. (Pasco Association for Challenged Kids, Inc.) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing services for disabled children in Pasco County, Florida.

P.A.C.K. was formed in 1997 by Paula and Barry Cohen, parents of an autistic child. Frustrated that every summer, Pasco County children with disabilities - unable to attend regular summer programs- had no programs available. After summer school was over, the kids had no opportunity to get out of the house, away from their families to have the chance to have fun and socialize.

Paula and Barry working with Florida State Senator Mike Fasano and the Center for Independence formed P.A.C.K. to provide a summer camp experience where the kids could have fun and be cared for by qualified, trained staff. The first camp was held at the Center for Independence and served about 18 children with all types of disabilities. Staff consisted of teachers and paraprofessionals from within the Pasco County School system who were trained to work with these children. Additionally, there was a nurse on staff to deal with any medical needs.

P.A.C.K. is the only summer program in Pasco County that takes children with ALL types of disabilities. Parents pay a small registration and supply fee. It is funded primarily from private donations with some help from the state legislature. Parents can enroll their children confident in the knowledge that they will have the opportunity to learn, socialize and have fun while being cared for by trained, qualified staff.

Since 2006, BayWest Health & Rehab has donated over $42,000.00 to local charities in Pasco, Hernando, and Pinellas counties.

BAYWEST CHARITY OF THE MONTH
UPARC Clearwater

For many families waiting for residential services in the state of Florida, the wait could be up to twenty years. Advocates and families from across the state filed a federal lawsuit to receive the necessary funding for residential services. The judge ruled in favor of the families and the legislation appropriated the necessary funds for services.

UPARC conducted a detailed analysis of the persons? on the waiting list. As a result, many persons would require highly specialized services and supports. UPARC designed specialized residential homes to serve persons with Aging and Medical issues, Autism, Prader-Willi Syndrome and many differing disabilities.

Today, approaching the year 2010, UPARC is very excited to be on the brink of opening a home dedicated to disabled and troubled children from the foster system. This is the dawning of a new era and direction for the agency. This home is hopefully just the first of perhaps several we will be able to open down the road to help more children in need ? just as we continue to help adults with developmentally disabilities in need ? as UPARC has been doing with pride and dignity for over 50 years.

Since 2006, BayWest Health & Rehab has donated over $42,000.00 to local charities in Pasco, Hernando, and Pinellas counties.

BAYWEST CHARITY OF THE MONTH
ARC Nature Coast

The mission of The Arc Nature Coast is to provide individually tailored quality services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in order to promote prosperous fulfilling lives in the community.

The Arc Nature Coast is a 501-c-3 non-profit charitable organization privileged to serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families since 1972, with services including enrichment programs, POSSE Equestrian program, employment, transportation, group home living, respite, and more.

Since 2006, BayWest Health & Rehab has donated over $42,000.00 to local charities in Pasco, Hernando, and Pinellas counties.