Excutive Director Letter

Welcome to PACT, Inc.

Long ago and not so far away as I was completing my doctorate in psychology, I had the opportunity to begin working with people with developmental disabilities. I learned a great deal then, not only through the academics but also by experiencing the real hopes and aspirations of folks who were a lot like me; we just had differing abilities. Those friends taught me more about myself than a student classroom ever could have.

Following many experiences in treatment and human services fields, I had the incredibly good fortune of joining PACT, Inc. as its executive director in May of 1990. By the way, the significance of the name “PACT” which indicates an agreement or commitment between the family or individual and the organization, has played out for me in very meaningful ways. Since 1981 our continuing daily commitment has been to help people with disabilities live supported, engaged and meaningful lives. Our caring staff members work hard to emotionally support the families and individuals with whom they work. That support is provided through their best efforts to link people with therapies, homes, employment, recreation and other services so they can become actively engaged in the communities in which they choose to live. A meaningful and productive life is what people with disabilities want and need, just like me and just like you. The hallmark of my philosophy is respect, trust and dignity for staff members and the people they so ably serve. I sincerely thank each and every one of them!

All of this has unfolded for me into the story of PACT, and I trust it will do so for you as well as you join us in the words and images contained here.

Thanks for being with us!

Joseph A. Straka, Ph.D.
Executive Director