Ann Storck Center and a Panel of Community Experts to Host “Arlene Lakin’s Clarifying Concepts"

Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – will host a free seminar entitled “Arlene Lakin’s Clarifying Concepts: Educate Yourself on a Life with Developmental Disabilities” with a panel of community experts on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Ann Storck Center Adult Day Training Building.  

During the free seminar, the Ann Storck Center team and a panel of community experts will discuss navigating the needs of children with developmental disabilities. Ann Storck Center CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy will moderate the panel alongside one of the Center’s residents, Jimmy’s mother, Mimi Tracey. Veteran, Advocate, Author, Founder and CEO of Special Compass, Jim Sayih, will welcome the crowd. 

Topics and speakers include: 

• Navigating Florida's Medicaid Waiver – Regional Medicaid Waiver Supervisor, Agency For Persons With Disabilities, Pamela Romack
• Supporting the Supporters: Caregiver Wellness, Advocacy & Resources – Executive Director of Family Network on Disabilities, Wendy Bellack
• Prepared, Protected & Empowered: Safety Strategies & Emergency Preparedness – Emergency Management Specialist, Josette Hemingway
• Finding the Right Fit: Navigating Therapy Services & Community Resources – Assistant Executive Director of Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center at Broward Health, Kristen Ely 

 Guests in attendance will enjoy delicious refreshments and complimentary Ann Storck Center merchandise.  

The Arlene Lakin Advocacy Fund is a legacy program established to carry forward the inspired work of Arlene Lakin, who devoted her life to serving those who could not serve themselves, advocating for improved services and benefits for the disabled and their families. Lakin's indelible impact on the developmental disability landscape is profound, and the Fund is a fitting, enduring recognition of a tireless, selfless do-gooder. Lakin's youngest son Douglas has been a permanent resident of the Ann Storck Center since 1991.​

The Center seeks to sustain the fund as a thoughtful reflection and show of gratitude. Ann Storck Center’s commitment is to an ongoing, innovative and accessible educational and informational platform to assist the entire developmental disability community, professionals, community agencies and partners, children and families, to better understand, access, navigate and manage the sometimes difficult and seemingly isolated pathways to resources and supports. 

Ann Storck Center recently acquired Victory Living Programs (VLP), expanding its comprehensive network of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across South Florida. The acquisition brings VLP's respected supported living, employment, community inclusion, and recreational programs into the ASC family, strengthening resources, enhancing opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the individuals and families both organizations proudly serve. 

When: 

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: 

Ann Storck Center Adult Day Training Center 1790 SW 43rd Way Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33317    

Cost: 

The event is free and open to the community.

Registration is required to attend.

How:

For more information, please visit https://www.annstorckcenter.org/arlene-lakin-seminar.  

To RSVP, please visit Bit.ly/ArleneLakinRSVP.