An Interview With Stanley Bronstein
Keep God first in all you do and decisions you will make. Faith has carried me through the toughest seasons. There were times I didn’t know how payroll would be covered or if I made the right decision but each time I prayed and leaned on faith, the answers came. Keeping God at the center gave me peace and direction, especially when the path wasn’t clear.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Scott. Michelle Scott is the Founder and CEO of Passionate Care Services (PCS) Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in West Palm Beach, Florida. The PCS Foundation is committed to providing comprehensive support and opportunities for individuals to achieve personal growth and community inclusion. Their services include essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as educational programs and community activities that promote independence and social interaction.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Mycareer path evolved from personal experiences I had growing up. I had a close family member with Down syndrome, and from a young age, I witnessed both the beauty and the challenges of caring for someone with special needs. That experience instilled in me a sense of purpose and compassion.
Later, while working in the healthcare industry, I saw the gaps in support services for individuals with disabilities and seniors, particularly when it came to in-home care and community-based programs. That’s when it clicked for me. I wanted to be part of the solution, not just by providing care, but by building programs and agencies that empower individuals, support families, and uplift communities.
That personal connection and my professional experience led me to start my own home healthcare agency and eventually expand into consulting and adult day training services.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I have countless meaningful stories, but if I had to summarize them, the most rewarding moments are when I know I’ve truly made a difference in the lives of our clients and participants. Hearing feedback from a single parent who was able to keep their job because of our support, or from a family whose loved one is now thriving in a nurturing environment among peers with similar abilities, makes everything I do worth it.
Those moments are powerful. It’s equally fulfilling to know we’re not only helping participants, but also creating job opportunities for individuals within our own community. That’s the impact that keeps me going.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One of the funniest (and most frustrating) mistakes I made was paying a staff member twice. She came to me asking for a cash advance, and I agreed — completely forgetting that her regular paycheck was still scheduled to go out that same week. I assumed, a bit naively, that since it was an honest mistake, she’d simply pay me back. Well, to my surprise, not only did she not return the money — she quit shortly after and never answered her phone again! It was definitely a learning experience and a lesson in tightening up our payroll process.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Our organization is making a significant social impact by creating inclusive, empowering spaces for individuals with developmental disabilities to grow, thrive, and lead more independent lives. Through our Adult Day Training (ADT) program and vocational initiatives like the BLOOM project, we provide hands-on experiences that teach life skills, build confidence, and foster a sense of community.
But our impact goes beyond just the participants. We’re also supporting families by offering reliable care that allows parents and caregivers to maintain employment and peace of mind. Additionally, we’re proud to offer employment opportunities within our community, including hiring individuals with disabilities and training staff who are passionate about making a difference. Every program we create is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a chance to reach their full potential, and we’re committed to being a bridge to that opportunity.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Absolutely, One story that has stayed with me involves a young man at our West Palm Beach location whose progress has been truly inspiring. When he first joined our program, his father explained how withdrawn he was. He struggled with communication, wasn’t social, and didn’t like being away from his dad for long periods of time.
But over time, through consistent support, structure, and positive reinforcement, everything started to shift. His father pulled me aside one day, eyes filled with tears, and told me how much his son had grown. He shared that his son was now speaking more, interacting with others, and even looking forward to coming to the program each day.
The biggest moment for him was seeing his son walk confidently into our center without hesitation, a level of independence and trust they had never seen before. That moment reminded me of the true impact of our work. We’re not just providing care, we’re changing lives, helping families, and building futures filled with hope and potential.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Increase Funding and Support for Programs Serving Individuals with Disabilities: Many families rely on community based services like adult day training and in-home care, but funding is often limited or inconsistent. Increased state and federal support would allow agencies like ours to expand services, hire qualified staff, and create more inclusive opportunities.
- Raise Awareness and Break Stigmas: Community education is critical. There’s still a lack of understanding and awareness around developmental disabilities, which can lead to exclusion and missed opportunities. Promoting inclusion in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods helps normalize disability and highlight the abilities and value of every individual.
- Support Policies that Promote Inclusive Employment: Politicians can champion legislation that encourages businesses to hire individuals with disabilities and provide incentives or resources for agencies like ours that create those job pathways. Expanding access to vocational training and employment opportunities ensures participants don’t just receive care they gain independence and purpose.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
A leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way and that’s exactly how I lead. Everything I do is with the intention of strengthening my organization and creating a positive, empowering environment. Once I learn and apply something new, I make it a priority to pass that knowledge on, guiding and mentoring my team so we can all grow and succeed together. Leadership, to me, is about leading by example and uplifting those around you.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. Keep God first in all you do and decisions you will make.
Faith has carried me through the toughest seasons. There were times I didn’t know how payroll would be covered or if I made the right decision but each time I prayed and leaned on faith, the answers came. Keeping God at the center gave me peace and direction, especially when the path wasn’t clear.
2. Becoming an entrepreneur is harder than working a 9–5.
When I left my job to pursue my business full-time, I thought I’d have more freedom. Instead, I found myself working 12+ hour days, wearing every hat from billing to cleaning. There’s no clock-out button as a business owner, but the reward is building something meaningful. Still, I wish I had been more prepared for the sacrifices.
3. You will want to quit more times than you can count just remember your “why.” There were nights I cried from exhaustion and stress, wondering if I was built for this. But then I’d receive a message from a parent saying how much our program changed their child’s life. That always brought me back to my purpose. Knowing why you started is what keeps you going when everything else says give up.
4. Structure your business correctly so as you grow, the right systems will be in place. In the early days, I was so focused on getting clients that I didn’t build strong systems. Later, when we expanded, I had to scramble to fix things like payroll, compliance, and onboarding. That experience taught me the value of preparing for growth before it happens because it will, and it can either elevate you or overwhelm you.
5. Save money for a rainy day. As your company grows, put aside emergency funds and invest in marketing.
I learned the hard way when an unexpected expense hit and I didn’t have a cushion. I also underestimated how important marketing was. Once I started investing in promotion
and branding, everything shifted. You don’t need a huge budget, just consistency and creativity. But always keep a reserve. Business is full of ups and downs, and financial preparation is key to surviving them.
These lessons were earned through trial, error, and grace but I hope they save someone else a few steps on their own journey.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the greatest good to the most people, it would be to make home health care and Adult Day Training (ADT) services completely free for all individuals with developmental disabilities. Everyone deserves access to quality care and supportive environments, regardless of their financial situation.
Alongside that, I would advocate for increasing the pay rates that Medicaid offers to provider agencies. By raising reimbursement rates, we can attract and retain qualified, compassionate professionals ensuring that individuals receive the high-quality services they deserve. This movement would not only improve lives but also empower families, strengthen communities, and create lasting, meaningful change across the care industry.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Everything happens for a reason each situation, whether good or bad, carries a purpose. It’s up to us to find the lesson within it and use it as a stepping stone for growth. Even in challenging moments, there’s an opportunity to learn, evolve, and apply that experience in a positive and meaningful way.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Absolutely, if I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Oprah Winfrey. Her journey, resilience, and unwavering commitment to empowering others especially women and underserved communities are incredibly inspiring to me. As someone who has built programs and businesses rooted in purpose and service, I would love the opportunity to learn from her wisdom, hear her perspective on impact and legacy, and simply say thank you for being a light to so many. Oprah, if you’re reading this let’s make it happen!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow us on our website, https://passionatecareservice.net/, or on Facebook @passionatecaresvs, on Instagram @passionate_care_services_llc, or on Tiktok @passionatecare.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Stanley Bronstein is an attorney, CPA, and author of more than 20 books. However, he doesn’t consider any of those his greatest achievement. His most significant accomplishment was permanently losing 225 pounds and developing the personal growth system that made it possible — The Way of Excellence. As a catalyst for change, he has dedicated his life to helping others maximize their potential, transform their lives, and achieve optimal health. To learn more, you can download a free PDF copy of his latest book, The Way of Excellence Journal, at https://TheWayOfExcellence.com.
