Who is Partners Resource Network?

Partners Resource Network was established as a non-profit agency in Texas in 1986 to assist families of children with all types of disabilities throughout the State. The agency is governed by a seven member volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents and professionals. The mission of the agency is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to be effective advocates and decision makers, and to promote equal partnerships between parents and or individuals with disabilities and professionals.

Since 1986, Partners has provided training, information, and technical assistance to families of infants, toddlers, children and young adults with all types of disabilities throughout the State of Texas regarding: the nature and needs of disabling conditions, and the rights of students with disabilities to a free appropriate public education. In addition, from 1998 to 2002, Partners provided recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities in East and Southeast Texas. Funding for services provided by Partners has been primarily from grants from the U.S. Department of Education. In October, 2002, Partners' funding changed from one grant for the operation of parent training (PTI) programs throughout the State to three separate grants for the operation of a statewide network of regional programs. The agency has grown from an annual budget of $198,000 in 1986-87 to a combined annual budget of over $1.1 million.

All the services and programs of Partners Resource Network have been developed under the guidance and management of Janice Meyer, M. Ed. and Michael Meyer, Ph.D., who founded the organization and have directed the agency since its beginning. Janice has first hand knowledge of what it means to be the parent of a child with a disability, having raised a son, Jeff, who had severe physical, cognitive, and health problems and who died at age 16. Michael has extensive educational and professional experience in mental health, organizational management, rehabilitation, and adult learning. Janice currently serves as the Executive Director, and Michael serves as the Associate Director. Partners is a parent-driven, parent-run agency. Partners employs a total of 32 people, the majority of whom are parents of children or young adults with disabilities. In addition, the majority of the membership of the Board of Directors are parents of children with disabilities. Several staff have responsibilities for multiple projects while others are grant specific. The agency has a State Office in Beaumont and three coordinating offices for the three PTI programs located in Beaumont, Houston, and Lubbock.

Recreational Programs

Partners has purchased 26 acres of property in Jasper County, Texas, in which to develop a year round camp/retreat center for children and adults with disabilities and their families. The center will have programs and facilities that will be accessible to individuals with all types of disabilities. Plans are to have a variety of programs at the center that include: summer camp, respite weekends, family retreat weekends, fishing, horseback riding, and family festival days. Off-site events such as All-Sports Days are planned as well to take place at parks and recreation areas in East Texas. A campaign to increase public awareness and generate funds for construction and operation is planned to begin Summer 2007.