Doing Good by Giving Back
PURPOSE: Suncoast Hospice Foundation supports the patients, clients, participants and family
members of Empath Health and its entire nonprofit network of integrated care. Empath Health
cares for anyone facing chronic or advanced illness or grieving the loss of a loved one.
HISTORY: For more than 40 years in our community, Empath Health and its members including
Suncoast Hospice, have walked alongside those challenged by terminal and advanced illness of
any age and their caregivers – no matter their ability to pay. These are often the most difficult times
in people’s lives. The organization helps with expert medical care, comfort and support from its
staff and almost 2,000 community volunteers. All financial support received through the Suncoast
Hospice Foundation bolsters patients, clients, participants and their families as well as making sure
the foundation is able to serve others in the future.
FACTS: All financial support donated to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation stays in the community
and helps ensure that current clients receive specialized care and that those in the future will have
access to such care.
Empath’s Suncoast Hospice Foundation
5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Building 700 Clearwater, FL 33760 (727) 523-2441
PURPOSE: With a mission to put Christian principles into practice
through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all,
the YMCA of the Suncoast works side-by-side with its neighbors to
make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the
opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y is important because
people are concerned about the quality of life in their communities.
Issues such as unemployment, chronic disease, educational
disparities, poverty, negative youth behaviors and stress on families
affect the strength of communities. To bring about meaningful change,
individuals need ongoing support, encouragement and connections to others – all of which the Y
provides in abundance.
HISTORY: The Y believes strong communities are possible only when people invest in their kids,
health and neighbors. Since its founding in 1957, the Y has grown from its first facility in 1965 to
eight branches, plus school-age program locations serving Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas
counties.
FACTS: The YMCA is a charitable not-for-profit organization that is a place where parents find a
safe, positive environment for children; families come together and spend quality time with each
other; children and teens learn who they are and what they can achieve, and seniors connect over a
cup of coffee, or activity. Learn more at ymcasuncoast.org.
YMCA of the Suncoast 2469 Enterprise Road Clearwater, FL 33763 (727) 467-9622
58 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2018
Music therapists visit patients as
part of the services of Suncaost
Hospice Foundation.
Programming at the YMCA of the
Suncoast works to build a healthy spirit
mind and body for all people, regardless
of age, income or background.
PURPOSE: PARC provides over 40 services to children and
adults with developmental disabilities through a “personcentered”
approach, helping to exercise their independence
and experience life to the fullest. Today, PARC serves more
than 800 individuals, focusing on gaining new experiences,
reaching individualized goals, and living the quality of life
deserved by all.
HISTORY: Advocacy, housing, education, collaboration and community engagement are just
some of the many examples in which PARC makes a positive contribution to community life. Since
1953, PARC has maintained a strong presence as a progressive leader in the field of intellectual and
developmental disabilities for children and adults. The grassroots efforts that started PARC more
than 60 years ago are not forgotten today as it continues to provide exceptional community service
and advocates for so many at local, state and national levels. Through its vision, the group strives
to promote a desire to contribute to the well-being of the community, that all individuals live with
dignity and are treated with respect.
FACTS: PARC was the first to address developmental disabilities in Pinellas County; the first
to offer preschool for children with developmental disabilities; the first to promote the deinstitutionalization
process; one of the first to offer integrated community residential programs
of its kind in Florida; and the first to provide comprehensive transportation to individuals with
developmental disabilities.
PARC 3190 Tyrone Blvd. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (727) 345-9111 9
Artwork created by PARC clients is part
of the PARC tradition.