PACER Center - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

PACER Center is a non-profit organization founded in 1977 by parents of children with disabilities. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life and expand opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. The organization operates on the principle of parents helping parents and strives to improve educational opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life for its beneficiaries. PACER's vision is that children and young adults with disabilities and their families have access to resources and equitable opportunities to be successful and valued members of their community.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

• Provide training and information to families of children and young adults with disabilities, as well as to education professionals.

• Offer programs for students and professional training, focusing on disability awareness education, family strengthening, and support for employment and successful transitions to adulthood.

• Operate the National Bullying Prevention Center to lead social change and prevent childhood bullying.

• Assist families in navigating special education, health, mental health, and transition systems.

Specialization Areas

• Parent Training & Advocacy.

• Assistive Technology Solutions.

• Social Inclusion Programs.

Target Markets

• Families of children and young adults with disabilities.

• Education professionals.

• Students.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

PACER Center relies on donations, grants, and sponsorships from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Key financial data for 2024:

• Total Revenue: $5,786,015

• Total Expenses: $5,440,073

• Total Assets: $22,603,366

In 2024, PACER allocated 85% of donations directly to programs and services, while the remaining 15% was used for management and fundraising.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

PACER Center has over 30 programs for families, students, professionals, and parent organizations, including:

• Children's Mental Health and Emotional or Behavioral Disorder Project.

• Early Childhood programs.

• Family-to-Family Health Information Center.

• Grandparent Group.

• Juvenile Justice information.

• National Bullying Center.

• National Parent Center on Transition and Employment.

• Public Policy & Legislation initiatives.

• Simon Technology Center, which provides assistive technology.

• Social inclusion programs.

• Parent Leadership Training program.

PACER also provides free workshops statewide on education, life, and special needs challenges.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

PACER's Simon Technology Center (STC) offers assistive technology with the aim of maximizing the potential of children and adults with disabilities and their families. The STC offers consultations, a lending library, workshops, and videos to make assistive technology and STEM activities more accessible. Technology can help with communication, physical control, and learning and enhance many aspects of an individual's life.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Key members of the PACER Center leadership team include:

• Executive Director: Tonia Teasley

• Associate Director: Gretchen Godfrey

• Development Director: Jireh Mabamba

• Finance Director: Renee Gallaher

• Parent Training & Advocacy Director: Vava Guthrie

• Assistive Technology Director: Paul Sanft

• Social Inclusion Programs Director: Lisa Elm

• Communications Director: Michele St. Martin

• Project Director: Sharman Barrett

• Puppet Program Coordinator: Katie Kaufmann

• Development Projects & Events: Raleigh Johnson

Board of Directors

PACER's Board of Directors as of January 30, 2023:

• Board Co-chair: Matthew Woods (Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi)

• Board Co-chair: Tammy Pust (State of Minnesota)

• Vice President: Alison Bakken (Thomson Reuters)

• Jeff Betchwars (Executive Management Services)

• Jeanette Frederickson (Attorney)

• John Guthmann (Ramsey Co Judge)

• Ginny Hopper (Attorney)

• Gwendolyn Hopper (Community Volunteer)

• Paul Luehr (Faegre Baker Daniels)

• Jessica Mattson (Early Childhood Manager)

• Dan Levinson (Optum)

• Kofi Bruce (General Mills)

• Kathy Graves (Parenteau Graves)

• Seamus Hyland (Verizon Wireless)

• Ronald Lezama (Minnesota Latino Caucus)

• Ruth Lowenthal (Xcel Energy)

• Corinne Niska (Community Volunteer)

• Mark O'Leary (Taylor Communications)

• Shannan Paul (Sales Manager)

• Ken Rosenblum, M.D. (Co-Operative Plating Company)

• Sara Sagedahl (Best Buy)

• Elizabeth Simermeyer (Ecolab)

• Dorothy Slegman (Formerly MN Speech Hearing Language Association)

• Board Member And Former Board President: Daniel Levinson

6. Competitive Analysis

No information provided.

7. Market Analysis

No information provided.

8. Strategic Partnerships

PACER collaborates with organizations focused on bullying prevention, child and youth issues, disability, or education to strengthen community outreach, educational activities, and awareness efforts. PACER also receives support from individuals, corporations, and foundations through donations, grants, and sponsorships.

9. Operational Insights

PACER operates on the principles of parents helping parents, supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and collaborating with others to provide innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others. PACER meets all standards of the Minnesota Charities Review Council.

10. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

PACER continually strives to expand its reach and improve services through its parent training and advocacy, assistive technology, and social inclusion programs. The organization focuses on promoting family-centered care, collaboration between families and professionals, and supporting families from diverse communities.