Recovery By the Sea

Established in 1970, Operation PAR is a nonprofit organization that offers treatment to patients who suffer from substance abuse and mental health disorders. The organization administers the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). It has a work force of more than 425 employees and is located in Bradenton, Fla. Operation PAR additionally provides case management and educational services. The organization has more than 40,000 participants and offers psychological assessment, psychotropic medication, counseling and care planning services. Operation PAR conducts training sessions for the development of life skills. It offers laboratory, medical detoxification, and research and evaluation services.

Operation PAR, Inc. began after a mother discovered her teenage daughter experimenting with drugs. This mother, Shirley Coletti, sat up all night and worried with her friend and neighbor, James T. Russell, who was then Pinellas County's State Attorney. Shirley Coletti discovered that there was no place for parents like her to get help. So, with the assistance of several parent advocates, Pinellas County Sheriff Don Genung, State Attorney Russell and former Pinellas County Commissioner Charles Rainey, Operation Parental Awareness and Responsibility was founded, an organization that would provide parents the necessary resources to battle drug addiction.Operation PAR, Inc has been putting Florida's families first for more than 37 years since incorporating as a nonprofit organization in 1970. Prior to receiving federal funding, Operation PAR provided treatment services with a volunteer staff of paraprofessionals and professionals. Today, staffed with more than 425 employees, Operation PAR provides integrated addiction and mental health services at its various sites in Broward, Pinellas, Pasco, Lee and Manatee counties.Operation PAR's current Board of Directors includes volunteers representing a broad spectrum of the community. These include health care professionals, business people, educators, lawyers, bankers, realtors and others. Many are community activists who serve on other boards in the Tampa Bay region, working with foundations, civic groups and service agencies.