Pamela Beal - Chief Executive Officer

Pamela Beal started working in the field in the early 1970s through a practicum experience associated with Purdue University’s innovative Mental Health Technology program. She continued working at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center, initially as a ward attendant, later in various programs roles, and finally ended up a social worker in the institution’s social service department. In 1982, Pamela went to work for ARC of Adams and Wells Counties in a social work role wherein she was chiefly responsible for developing programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Pamela helped Ethel Beal, the company’s co-founder, establish Your Friends & Neighbors in 1985. While serving as the initial program manager, she completed work on a managerial degree. After completion, she turned her attention to the development of Your Friends & Neighbors’ Florida program (1989-2003) wherein the company provided extensive residential and day supports to children and adults with significant behavioral challenges, often as a result of some combination of mental retardation and mental illness. The Florida operation achieved regional recognition for both creativity and programmatic expertise displayed therein. From 1997 through 2005, Pamela served on Indiana’s Community Residential Facilities Council, helping develop regulations for Indiana’s Medicaid “waiver” services.