St. Joe Community Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Support New CARES Program Partnership Between The Arc of the Bay and FSU ECAP
LYNN HAVEN, FL — The Arc of the Bay and Florida State University Panama City Early Childhood Autism Program (FSU-PC ECAP) are proud to announce the launch of the Collaborative Autism Resources, Education and Support (CARES) Program, made possible through a $25,000 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation. The grant was formally presented during The Arc of the Bay’s 10th Annual Kohl’s Fashion Show on Saturday evening, where community members, supporters and partners gathered to celebrate inclusion while learning about this exciting new initiative.
The CARES Program brings together the strengths of two organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Through this partnership, The Arc of the Bay and FSU-PC ECAP will expand access to autism resources, caregiver education, community support and specialized programming designed to improve outcomes for individuals across the lifespan. By combining expertise and resources, the CARES Program will create a more connected support system for families navigating autism diagnoses while strengthening opportunities for education, advocacy and long-term success throughout the Bay County community.
“We are incredibly grateful to the St. Joe Community Foundation for believing in this partnership and investing in the future of the families we serve,” said Ron Sharpe, CEO and President at The Arc of the Bay. “The CARES Program represents what is possible when organizations come together with a shared mission. This funding allows us to build meaningful support systems that will have a lasting impact on our community.”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving individuals with autism and their families through collaboration, innovation and compassionate care,” said Amy Polick, Development Director of FSU ECAP. “We are excited to work alongside The Arc of the Bay to expand services and create new opportunities for the families who depend on us.”
The announcement served as one of the evening’s highlights, reinforcing The Arc of the Bay’s ongoing commitment to building partnerships that enhance services and create new opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more information about The Arc of the Bay, visit www.bayarc.org. To learn more about FSU Panama City ECAP, visit pc.fsu.edu/ecap.
St. Joe Community Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to The Arc of the Bay to Advance Its Mission
LYNN HAVEN, FL — The Arc of the Bay is proud to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation in support of its mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential. The grant was presented during The Arc of the Bay’s 10th Annual Kohl’s Fashion Show on Saturday evening, where supporters, community leaders and partners gathered to celebrate inclusion while raising awareness for the organization’s programs and services.
The generous donation from the St. Joe Community Foundation will help strengthen The Arc of the Bay’s ability to provide meaningful opportunities, essential services and life-enriching programs for the more than 400 individuals it serves throughout Bay County and the surrounding area. From adult day training and employment services to residential support and community engagement, The Arc of the Bay remains committed to creating opportunities for individuals with varying abilities to live, work and thrive.
“We are deeply grateful to the St. Joe Community Foundation for their continued investment in our mission and the individuals we serve with our Adult Training Program,” said Ron Sharpe, President and CEO of The Arc of the Bay. “This generous gift allows us to continue expanding opportunities, enhancing programs and ensuring the people we serve have access to the resources and support they need to live meaningful, independent lives.”
The St. Joe Community Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of organizations working to strengthen the quality of life throughout Northwest Florida. This latest contribution reflects a shared commitment to building a more inclusive community where individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to succeed. “This grant is more than financial support for our Training Program,” Sharpe added. “It’s an investment in people, families and the future of our community. Partnerships like this allow us to continue fulfilling our mission and creating lasting impact for generations to come.”
The announcement served as one of two grant presentations made during the evening, highlighting the St. Joe Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of individuals and families across the region. For more information about The Arc of the Bay and its programs, visit www.bayarc.org.
Successful 2025 Clay Shoot
A Message From the Chairman of the Board – Jeremy S. Jernigan, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Leadership is essential for any organization. Its presence and impact can be measured and defined in numerous ways.
For me, the essence of leadership can be summed up with one simple question: “Can you grow those around you?”
In the seven years serving as Executive Director, Ron Sharpe has been a true example of leadership. He has doubled the programming available to our clients, led the development of transportation and housing services, and grown the reach of the Arc of the Bay to eight different counties.
Under his guidance, the staff has grown professionally and personally. Clients have received life-changing experiences and services.
In light of the Arc’s tremendous growth, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Sharpe from Executive Director to the first ever President/CEO in agency history.
Additionally, Joan White, the Arc’s Associate Director, has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Joan has been, and will continue to be, an essential piece of the Arc’s success.
We are both thankful and excited to see where these two leaders take the Arc in this next chapter.
Jeremy S. Jernigan, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Donate Your myWalgreens Cash Rewards to The Arc of the Bay Thru 08/31/23
We’re participating in the myWalgreens donation program! You can donate your myWalgreens cash rewards to The Arc of the Bay thru 08/31/23. At Walgreens, you’ll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop and you can choose how much to donate. It’s that easy. Whether you’d like to contribute $1, $5, or more of your Walgreens Cash rewards you’ll be making a big difference. It really adds up!