Advocacy

Disability Resource Center, Inc.

Serving 8 counties:  Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty & Washington

305 W. 5th Street

Panama City, FL 32401

Main: 850-769-6890 or 850-387-1800 (Video Phone)

Fax (850) 769-6891

Provides the following core services, which are available to all persons with disabilities and their familiesAdvocacy – Educating consumers about the rights of persons with disabilities and assisting individuals in learning laws to self-advocate and working within the system to bring about change.  Information & Referral – Provides assistance to other organizations and people with disabilities by allowing persons with disabilities to obtain the correct information and a referral to the needed service provider; Independent Living Skills Training – Focuses on persons with disabilities so they can function in the community and remain independent.  Topics include housing issues, health care services, assistive technology, Social Security benefits, transportation issues and voting rights.  Peer Counseling – Offers ongoing support/mentoring opportunities to individuals who share like disabilities to support each other with information and experience. Youth Transition – Helps students with disabilities prepare and plan for employment success after high school.

 

Population and Demographic Specific Resources

Able Trust

1-888-838-2253

A public-private partnership foundation whose mission is to provide Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through fundraising, grant programs, public awareness, and education. The Able Trust’s e-Mentoring program connects volunteer 

mentors with students with disabilities, to exchange weekly correspondence via e-mail. www.abletrust.org

 

Agency for Person with Disabilities 

Med Waiver Program

850-482-9109

Serving the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities

 

American Disability Act SE Office

Call 404-541-9001 or contact the ADA Technical Assistance Center in your area at 800-949-4237.  For more information visit: www.abilityforum.comHelping people with disabilities find their place in the work force.

 

The ARC of the Bay (formerly St. Andrew Bay Center, Inc.)

1804 Carolina Ave.

Lynn Haven, FL  32444

850-265-2951

Provides a training, education, socialization, support, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  These include Adult Day Training, which offers self-enrichment programs, pre-vocational training, and life skills training.  The Job Services Program offers clients an opportunity to broaden their employment skills and becoming tax paying citizens by obtaining and maintaining jobs in the business community.

 

BASIC of Northwest Florida, Inc

432 Magnolia Ave

Panama City, FL

850-785-1088

Community based organization providing social services to clients with HIV; support groups for those infected, their families and friends; and awareness education and prevention information.

 

Bay County Council on Aging, Inc

1116 Frankford Ave

Panama City, FL

850-769-3468

Provides programs and services to enable senior adults to remain active, healthy, and independent, preventing inappropriate institutionalization.

 

Beach Wheelchairs

Russell Fields City Piers

16201 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL

12213 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL

Ph. 850-236-0392; 850-233-5080

No fee required

 

Burial Assistance - Last Rights for Little Ones

Healthy Start Coalition

850-872-4130

Assists with burial expenses for children deceased in utero and after birth

Note:  Some local Funeral homes in Bay County offer cremation services at reduced prices, if the family cannot afford it.

 

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

2611-A West 23rd Street

Panama City, FL

850-215-4330

Provides individuals with Autism or related disabilities, their families and professionals who work with them, free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, confidence, infrastructure, and sustainability within the community. Provides short-term support to Individuals dually diagnosed (deaf and blind).

 

Disability Rights Florida

2473 Care Drive, Suite 200

Tallahassee, FL   32308  

800-342-0823; 850-488-9071; TDD 800-346-4127; Fax 850-488-8640

Websitedisabilityrightsflorida.org

To report suspected abuse, call:  800-962-2873

Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. Disability Rights Florida is a not-for-profit corporation that has authority and responsibility under eight federal grants. Our services are free and confidential.  Our Mission is to advance the quality of life, dignity, equality, self-determination, and freedom of choice of persons

with disabilities through collaboration, education, advocacy, as well as legal and legislative strategies.

 

Division of Blind Services

234 Forest Park Circle

Panama City, FL

850-872-4181

The Florida Division of Blind Services provides services to persons who are blind or have severe visual impairments and to persons who have disabling conditions that make it difficult to read regular print. Persons of all ages living in Florida who are blind or who require alternative reading materials may benefit from this agency's services.

 

Doorways of NW Fla. (formerly Homeless and Hunger Coalition)

(Is also home to CRC, Community Redevelopment Center)

AD Harris Building

819 East 11th Street

Panama City, Fl 32401

Mailing address:  PO Box 549, PC   32402

Phone:  850-481-5446

Email:  703crc@gmail.com

Call for info, referrals, and resources.

 

Elder Affairs, Department of Florida CARES, Planning Area 2A

278 Forest Park Circle

Panama City, FL   32405

Phone: 850-747-5840 Fax: 850-747-5848

Elder Help Line: 850-487-8926

 

Epilepsy Foundation of Big Bend

1137 Harrison Ave., Suite 13

Panama City, FL

850-872-2998

 

Family Service Agency

114 East 9th Street

Panama City, FL

850-785-1721

Tues/Wed/Thur.  9am – 3pm

 

Family Service Agency

Homeless Identification Program, Inc.

114 East 9th Street

Panama City, FL

850-785-1721

 

Gulf Coast Medical Center- h2u

449 E 23rd St

Panama City, FL

Phone: 850-747-7793 Toll Free: 1-800) 348-4886 Fax: 850-770-8106

Must be 50 years of age or older; $15.00 membership fee. VIP hospital privileges: assistance in filing complicated health insurance claims, free social and education events, free health screenings, merchant discount, bi-monthly magazine and newsletter, group travel, meet new friends

 

Migrant National Education Hotline

800-234-8848

Miracle League baseball for special needs

www.emeraldcoastmiracleleague.com

850-233-5045

 

Muscular Dystrophy Association

1574-B Villages Square Blvd.

Tallahassee, FL

Phone: 850-681-6763 Fax: 850-224-5886

Diagnostic testing, genetic counseling, physical therapy, occupational and respiratory therapy, orthopedic equipment, aids to daily living, leg braces, body jackets, outpatient clinic, summer camp, support group and social events. Clinic is held monthly at Neurology Associates in Panama City

 

Panama City Developmental Center

Intermediate Care Facility

1407 Lincoln Drive

Panama City, FL  32401

850-769-7636

PCDC is a learning/housing facility for individuals with intellectual learning disabilities. The goal for the residents is to help maintain quality of life at the current level.

 

Project ID

Contact Person:  Rhonda Rose, Case Manager

Ph. 850-867-2622

(Works out of Doorways Office)

Email:  homelessid@bellsouth.net

“Restoration of Dignity; Reaching Out to the Poor and the Homeless”

 

Residential CRF, Inc.  (“Florida Mentor”)

850-785-0605

Intermediate Care Facility

 

Second Chance of Northwest Florida, Inc

819 E. 11th Street

Panama City, FL

850-769-777

Second Chance of Northwest Florida was established in 1992 to serve the needs of adults living with traumatic (TBI) or acquired (ABI) brain injuries and their families.  Our Mission is to restore hope and dignity and affect positively the quality of life for brain injury survivors and their families, minimizing the effects and enabling each to function at the highest level possible, both in the community and in their personal life.  Second Chance staff is available as a training and educational resource for Brain Injury Prevention & Awareness.

 

Social Security Administration

3215 Hwy. 77

Panama City, FL  32405

800-772-1213

Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits.

 

Special Olympics

850-483-4870

 

Sunrise Community, Incorporated

2059 Lisenby Ave.                                1636 Beck Ave. 

Panama City, FL 32405                         Panama City, FL 32405

850-785-4691                                         850-769-8929

Providing people with disabilities the assistance and support necessary to enable them to live valued lives in the community.    Innovations:  Offers day training program featuring relaxation, communication, nutrition, mobility, and vocational skills training.

 

Team Adaptive

1201 Harrison Ave.

Panama City, FL   32401

850-522-0059

Assist with building in home handicapped friendly devices and modifying vans to accommodate disabilities.

 

Tender Love and Care United Cerebral Palsy

?1241 N. East Avenue

Panama City, FL

850-769-7960?

 

United Way of Northwest Florida, Inc. (Community Impact Fund)

602 Harrison Ave.

Panama City, FL  32401

850-785-7521

Local, knowledgeable volunteers distribute funds to meet our most critical local human service needs, so people become healthier, self-sufficient, and involved in caring for themselves and one another; advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on Education, Income, and Health.

 

Vocational Rehab
2505 W. 15th Street
Panama City, FL
Phone: 850-872-4380; Fax: 850-872-7756

Provides quality individualized services to enhance and support people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment.

 

 

Support Groups

 

ABLE (Additional Basic Life Education)

Meets every 3rd Thursday at 5:30pm at the Family Service Center.

114 9th St., Panama City, Fla. 32401

Everyone is invited, no RSVP required.

For more information call Judy at 314-585-1307 or Angie at 850-769-6890

ABLE Support Group:  Sharing encouragement, strength, and hope within the disabled community.

 

AIDS support group

410 Jenks Ave

Panama City FL

850-785-1088

Services offered through BASIC

 

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Education

Located at:  Bay County Council on Aging

1116 Frankford Ave

Panama City, FL 32405

850-769-3468

Meets 4th Wednesday, 1pm, in the Respite Center

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Located at:  Bay County Council on Aging

1116 Frankford Ave

Panama City, FL 32401

850-769-3468

Meets 2nd Friday, 1pm, in the Respite Center

 

American Cancer Society

2012 Lisenby Ave., Suite A                                           4001 W. 23rd St.

Panama City, FL                                                             Panama City, FL

850-785-9205 Fax: 850-872-9431                                 850-785-9205

Treatment related information and guidelines, transportation, emergency financial assistance, equipment loans, comfort items, dressings, lodgings, pain medication assistance, education programs, support counseling program, hospital programs, and children’s programs

 

American Heart & American Stroke Association, Greater SE Affiliate

653 W 23rd St, # 248         

Panama City, FL

800-257-6941, Ext. 6087

Heart & Stroke support group; Call for info. 

 

American Red Cross

Regional Headquarters

751 Riverside Ave

Jacksonville, Fl 32204

904-358-8091

8:00 am- 3:30 pm Mon. – Fri Eastern Time Zone

Disaster services, health and safety services, and services to armed forces

 

Caregiver Support Group

Located at: Brookdale Assisted Living Facility

2575 Harrison Ave

Panama City, FL 32405

850-872-8484

Meetings held the 3rd Thursday of each month; call for more info.

 

Caregiver Support (Spiritual care for caregivers)

Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church

271 S. Hwy. 79

Panama City Beach, FL  32413

850-234-3161

Every Thursday 11:15am – noon; A group meeting for spiritual care, guided conversation, resources, and prayer. 

 

Coping with Depression

Located at:  Life Management Center

525 East 15th Street Building A

850-522-4489

Meetings held every Friday from 5p.m. to 7p.m.

 

Life Management Center

525 East 15th Street, Building B Adult Services

Panama City, FL 32405

850-522-4485

Meetings held the 3rd Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

 

Mental Health of America

Located at:  Life Management Center

525 East 15th Street Building B Adult Services

Panama City, FL 32405

850-769-5441

Meetings held the 4th Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Jan. – May, Sept. – Oct.)

 

National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Family Support Group

Forest Park United Methodist Church

1401 West 23rd Street

Panama City, FL 32405

850-871-6936

Meetings held the 3rd Thursday from 6p.m. to 8p.m.

 

Stroke Support Group

Located at:  Health South Rehabilitation Hospital

1847 Florida Ave

Panama City, FL 32405

850-914-8627

Meets 2nd Wednesday, of each month, 3-4pm.  Contact Hannah.

 

 

Divorce Care

Divorce Care is a faith-based support ministry that helps group members apply biblical principles as they heal from the hurt of separation and divorce.   It is usually offered over a 12-week period, meeting once a week.  There is no fee, only the cost of the booklet, usually around $15. Call for day and time of meetings. 

 

First Baptist Church

640 Grace Ave.
Panama City, FL

850-785-6146

 

Jenks Ave Church of Christ

3332 Jenks Ave
Panama City, FL

850-763-5661

 

NorthStar Church

2355 Saint Andrews Blvd
Panama City, FL

850-215-4812

Grief Share

Grief Share is a faith-based support ministry that helps group members apply biblical principles to the healing process after the death of a loved one.  It is usually offered over a 12-week period, meeting once a week. There is no fee, only the cost of the booklet, usually around $15. Call for day and time of meetings.

 

First Assembly of God

1701 North East Ave
Panama City, FL

850-769-3558

 

First Baptist Church

640 Grace Ave.

Panama City, FL

850-785-6146

 

First United Methodist Church

903 East 4th Street
Panama City, FL

850-763-6537

 

Free Spirit Community Church

3706 E 11th Street
Panama City, FL

850-763-9212

 

Highland Park Baptist Church

2611 North Highway 231
Panama City, FL

850-785-6530

 

Seagrove Baptist Church

4915 E. Co. Hwy. 30-A
Seagrove Beach, FL

850-231-2884

 

Veteran Services

 

Bay County Veteran’s Center

3109 Minnesota Ave., Suite 101

Panama City, FL  32405

Office: 850-522-6102

Fax: 850-522-6113

Contact person: Matt Standish; 850-723-2243 (USAF Retired, Veterans Outreach Program Specialist)

The Vet Center provides a Readjustment Counseling Service for veterans and service members.  Also provides a continuum of quality care, which adds value for veterans, families, and communities.  Care includes counseling, community education, outreach to special populations, and the brokering of services with community agencies.

 

Bay County Veterans Service (U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs)

840 W. 11th Street

Panama City, FL  32401

Phone : (850) 248-8280 ; Fax : (850) 248-8289

 

Florida Veterans Communities

2404 Grandiflora Blvd.

Panama City Beach, FL   32408

850-625-0678

“Housing, Help & Hope for Heroes.” 

 

Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

2600 Veterans Way

Panama City Beach, FL 32408

(850) 636-7000; 888-231-5047

Shayma Salman, contact person; 850-238-5223

 

HUD-VASH (HUD VA Supported Housing)

Contact persons:  Cheryl Stulzaft 850-637-4082

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.

 

Panama City VA Out patient Clinic

2600 Veterans Way

Panama City Beach, Florida

850-636-7000

 

90Works NWFL (Stability Services for Veteran Families - SSVF)

Contact Person :  “M.J.”  Ph. 850-619-5827

Stability Services for Veteran Families seeks to improve housing stability of veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families. Services include assisting the veteran and family to engage in community resources, VA benefits, finding housing, financial planning, obtaining employment, counseling and/or access to disability services. Serves veterans in:  Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington County