January 31, 2023, at 10 AM TAMPA, FL (January 18, 2023): MacDonald Training Center (MTC), Tampa’s premier provider of services to people with disabilities, is celebrating 70 years of uniting hope with opportunity. Tampa City Council is honoring this tremendous milestone of 70 years of dedicated service with a special commendation. Tampa City Councilman, Luis Viera will present the commendation to MTC President/CEO Karenne Levy on January 31st at MacDonald Training Center, 5420 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, 33607 at 10 am.
MacDonald Training Center (MTC) has been a beacon of hope since 1953 when J. Clifford MacDonald and a small group of parents opened one of the first preschools in our nation for children with disabilities in Drew Park. Seeking a more equitable and inclusive life for their children, these courageous families boldly rejected the status quo. MTC has moved their vision forward for seventy years, always creating new pathways to opportunities for people with disabilities. Today, thousands of individuals with all disabilities are living and working in our community because of innovative life enrichments, vocational skills training, specialized post-secondary educational programs, community-based residential supports, and employment placement services they received through MTC.
“Our founder, J. Clifford MacDonald was a man of hope,” says MTC President, Karenne Levy. “Mr. MacDonald put hope into action when he opened one of the first preschools for children with disabilities. He, understood the power of education and the dignity of employment. He elevated the national consciousness of what might be possible. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his vision and action. He dreamed big and so do we at MTC today. I think he would be proud of our advancements in equitable educational and employment programming for people with all disabilities. We expand the possibilities for young people on the brink of adulthood, to seniors aging in place, by providing opportunities for individuals to unite with the community each step of their lives.”
“MacDonald Training Center has served my family and helped my older brother Juan for many years. There is no one and nothing in this community like them,” says Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera who sponsored the commendation. “Our entire community benefits, is more diverse, compassionate and welcoming, because of the dedicated men and women at MacDonald Training Center.”
For more information, please visit www.macdonaldcenter.org Contact: Phyllis Guthman, Director of Advancement, pguthman@macdonaldcenter.org or 813-205-1971
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About MacDonald Training Center: MTC is the premier provider for Adult Vocational Education for people with disabilities in Hillsborough County. Our mission is to empower people to lead the lives they choose. MTC is a private- 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more at www.macdonaldcenter.org