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 850-769-1513 (TDD)

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

 

211 Helpline Florida-

If you or somebody you know needs help, please reach out through calling, texting, chatting, or emailing. Call 2-1-1 or (352) 332-4636. Calling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text your zip code to 898-211. 

 

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.

 

Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida 

3128 E. 11th Street 

Panama City, FL 32401 

Phone: (850) 763?0475

Food Pantry, Clothing Vouchers, Financial Assistance and More

 

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

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.

 

Franklin Promise Coalition       

192 14th Street 

Apalachicola, Fl 32320                  

Phone: (850) 653?3930 

 

Gulf County ARC  

122 Water Plant Road 

Port St. Joe, FL 32456 

Phone: (850) 229?6327 

 

Salvation Army  

Domestic Rape & Violence Program 

1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd. #13 

Port St. Joe, FL  32456 

Phone: (850) 229?2901

 

Senior Services of Franklin County 

302 NE 2nd Street 

Carrabelle, FL 32322 

(850) 697?2371 

Various services for Franklin County; part of Franklin’s Promise Coalition 

 

United Way of Northwest Florida 

518 Mulberry Ave 

Panama City, FL 32402 

Phone: (850) 785?7521