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.
PRN's Major Programs
Parent Training and Information
Three regional projects together provide statewide coverage for services to parents of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with all types of disabilities throughout Texas. The projects are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, as part of a national effort to assist parents of children with disabilities with fulfilling their roles in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Services include training, education, information, referral, emotional support, and technical assistance. Parents are assisted with: (1) understanding their child's disability, (2) understanding their rights and responsibilities under IDEA, (3) obtaining and evaluating resources and services, and (4) participating as team members with professionals in planning and decision making. Professionals are also assisted on a limited basis with information on working with parents and building effective parent professional partnerships. Services are free to parents. The three Parent Training and Information grant projects are:
- PATH Project (Beaumont)
- PEN Project (Lubbock)
- TEAM Project (Houston)
Parent Leadership Institute
An educational event focused on enhancing the leadership capacity of parents of children with disabilities is held annually in conjunction with a statewide conference aimed at parents and professionals. Outside funding is obtained to enable Partners to offer stipends to a limited number of parents to attend the Institute. Participants are recruited from throughout the State. The event is cosponsored with other the Texas Council for Exceptional Children.
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. The opening target date is Fall 2008.
Partners Resource Network's State Office Staff
Janice Meyer, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Michael Meyer, Ph. D.
Associate Director
Alva Adkins
Business Manager
Kristina Henning
Technology Specialist/Webmaster
Patrick Burks
Development Specialist
Chuck Noe
Education Specialist
Sara Hatfield
Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors
Sheila Perry, President
Sheila holds a Masters Degree in Special Education and Mid-Management and has 25 years of experience in the field of special education as a volunteer, teacher, educational diagnostician and special education director. She currently serves as principal at North Early Learning Center in West Orange-Cove CISD. She is married to Willie Perry and has two children, Derrick and Victoria.
Guy Morris, Vice President
Guy is a life-long educator within the school district in Southeast Texas. Guy and his wife, Kathy Morris, have twin sons whom both have disabilities.
Tim C. Satre, Treasurer
Tim is a Certified Financial Planner and branch manager of a Raymond James Financial Services office. Tim and Alicia Satre have three children Kascy age 9, Alec age 7, and Julia age 3.
Dr. Rosa C. Gonzales M.D., Secretary
Board certified in General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent by the American Board of Psychiatry. Affectionately known as “Dr. Cooky” , she has a private practice where she has a special interest in children. Membership includes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Texas Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Jefferson County Medical Society, the Texas Medical Association the American Medical Association. She also currently serves on the board of The Autism Society of Southeast Texas.
Elaine Hime
She is the Project Manager for Project DOCC (Delivery of Chronic Care), for the Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine in partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital. Elaine is also the author of the Resource Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities, Houston and Surrounding Areas. Elaine Hime and her husband Jim are parents of three teenagers and the youngest has multiple disabilities
Dovie Ruffin
Received BA in music, Masters in Education, and Social Ed. Administration. She taught in the Public School System and worked with Individuals with Disabilities for 34 years. She is also involved with MRPAC Committee Mental Retardation Parent Committee, Spindletop MHMR Board, and Southeast Texas Symphony Chorus. Dovie has recently served on the board for Port Arthur ISD Advisory Committee, Special Education Regional State Center Advisor Council.
State Office Contact Information
Partners Resource Network
1090 Longfellow Drive, Suite B
Beaumont, TX 77706
Phone: 409-898-4684
Toll Free TX Parents Only: 1-800-866-4726
Fax: 409-898-4869
Email: partnersresource@sbcglobal.net
