Florida State University Panama City’s Early Childhood Autism Program has partnered with the Arc of the Bay to expand adult disability services through a $25,000 St. Joe Community Foundation grant. (Logan Lowery/Florida State University)

The Early Childhood Autism Program (ECAP) at Florida State University Panama City is partnering with the Arc of the Bay to expand therapy services to adults with developmental disabilities.

The collaboration, Cultivating Abilities with Resources Education and Support (CARES), was made possible through a $25,000 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation. The foundation presented the grant during the Arc of the Bay’s 10th Annual Kohl’s Fashion Show on July 25, where community members, supporters and partners gathered to celebrate inclusion and learn about the new initiative.

The CARES Program brings together two organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Through the partnership, ECAP will expand its applied behavior analysis services to support the Arc of the Bay’s Adult Day Training Program.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan,” said Amy Polick, development director of FSU ECAP. “We are excited to work alongside the Arc of the Bay to support their vocational training and life-skills programs, while also creating new opportunities for the families who depend on us.”

By combining expertise and resources, the CARES Program will create a more connected support system for families affected by developmental disabilities while expanding opportunities for education, advocacy and long-term success across Bay County.

“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.”

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of ECAP and the Arc of the Bay to expand services and create new opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To learn more about FSU ECAP, visit pc.fsu.edu/ecap. For more information about the Arc of the Bay, visit www.bayarc.org.