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 an eleven 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 received federal funding to provide 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 through an additional federal grant.

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 who 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 Co Director. Partners is a parent-driven, parent-run agency. Partners employs a total of 40 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. After opening the State Office in Beaumont, coordinating offices were opened later for the three PTI Programs in Beaumont, Houston, and Lubbock.

Recreational Programs

Partners Ranch owns 26 acres of property in Jasper County, Texas, targeted for the development of 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.