History
The Guam Parent Information and Resource Center is a dream that became a reality for a registered non-profit 501-C3 organization called the Guam's Positive Parents Together, Inc. (GPPT). In May 2007, this coalition of parents wrote up and submitted a U.S. Department of Education Federal Grant application for Project DREAMS, a program “Dedicated to Reaching Excellence And Maintaining Success.” They were awarded the Federal Grant to open and run a Parent Information and Resource Center for parents of children ages 0 to 21 years.
Upon securing the Federal Funding, the Board of Directors of the Guam’s Positive Parents Together, Inc. began the job of staffing the center. President Ann Marie D. Cruz (Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention~EHDI); Vice-President Mary Therese Edgerle (Guam Identifies Families’ Terrific Strengths~GIFTS); Secretary Helen Middlebrooke (Down Syndrome Association of Guam~b); Treasurer Evelyn Claros (Autism Community Together~ACT), and Member Joe Mendiola (GEHDI) hired Pauline Camacho as the Guam PIRC Director. Akemi Camacho was then hired as the Resource Coordinator. Later, two part-time Secretary/Staff Support personnel were hired~ Jenielle Meno and Tashia Coffiel filled these positions.
October 1, 2007 was the first official day of PIRC work. However, the Federal funds were not available to be drawn down until November 30, 2007. The office site was selected at Suite 101-C J & G Commercial Center in Hagatna, the capital city of Guam. (Located in front of Paradise Fitness Gym and Big Hook / Nissan Auto City).
On January 17, 2008, the Guam Parent Information and Resource Center held its Grand Opening Ceremony. A Press Conference was held with local TV and Newspaper Reporters in the PIRC Conference Room. The ceremony followed with Remarks and Congratulations from the Governor’s Representative, as well as members of the GPPT. A wonderful reception followed for all the honored guests present.
With its management team in place and the office facility prepared to do business, the Guam Parent Information and Resource Center was ready to implement its Goals and Objectives for it’s first year. A lot of outreach in the schools and community is necessary to get public awareness of the different services and programs that the Guam PIRC has to offer parents and guardians. The best part is that all services are Free! Check out and take advantage of all the great things the Guam PIRC has to offer you!!
