The wildly popular event often sells out and is open to anyone with a passion for supporting mental health awareness and helping others. The two-hour cruise along Naples Bay will feature a fun and festive atmosphere, live music, a photobooth and a raffle. Guests will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a priceless encore performance of a beautiful Naples sunset.

The theme for the 10th anniversary cruise is the 60’s in honor of the year DLC was founded in 1968. Guests are encouraged to dress in their grooviest attire. Guests are encouraged to dress in their “grooviest” attire.

The DLC Advocates Sunset Cruise is their signature fundraiser. Sadly, mental health challenges, suicide and addiction are more prevalent as a result of the lasting psychological impacts of the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, and funds raised from this event are critical now more than ever. All proceeds from DLC Advocates events benefit the mission, operations, and expansion of DLC’s community-based prevention and treatment programs that help the 1-in-5 local children and adults who experience psychological, emotional and substance use challenges.

Tickets are $65 to $105 per person and include a range of raffle and drink ticket options. Guests who bring in a donation of art therapy supplies will receive an additional five raffle tickets. For sponsorship information or to register, visit DLCenters.org/events or email DonorCare@DLCenters.org.

Additional sponsors to date include Hallstat and Waterside Shops.

About the DLC Advocates

The DLC Advocates is a group of individuals passionate about mental health and substance use awareness who are dedicated to networking for a cause and supporting the mission of DLC. Their primary goal is to spread awareness for all families in Southwest Florida and continue to improve the lives of thousands of individuals every year through the Center’s prevention, intervention, and treatment services. They host quarterly educational, social, wellness and fundraising events and support DLC signature events. To learn more, visit DLCAdvocates.org.

About David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health 

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 314,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

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Guests are invited to take a step back in time to view the history and accomplishments of DLC throughout the last 55 years and see the impact and change that can happen when the community comes together.

Sound Minds is being presented by Education Sponsor Naples Children & Education Foundation and DLC Founder Polly Keller will serve as Honorary Chairman.

Goldie Hawn struggled with anxiety and panic attacks when she was thrust into fame in her early 20s. She eventually sought medical help to cope with her anxiety and her intention to be happy. Her mental health journey and concerns about the increases in school violence, youth depression, and suicide inspired her to eventually start an organization called MindUP, which aims to help kids better understand their thoughts and feelings. She went on to author a best-selling book, 10 Mindful Minutes, to offer guidance on raising healthy, joyful, and resilient children.

In her keynote address, Hawn will share insights about her personal journey to wellness and happiness and her life’s purpose to create innovative solutions to help children thrive.

Sadly, mental illness, suicide, and addiction – especially for our youth and young adults – is more prevalent now more than ever. Sound Minds is DLC’s signature fundraiser and a critical source of funding for its life-saving and life-changing services, which have drastically increased in demand year over year.

Hearing from someone with lived experience who has found hope, help, and purpose in helping others find their way, is the proven format for the Sound Minds fundraiser, now in its 10^th year. Past speakers have included a Columbine shooting survivor, national experts, actors, and legislators who have been impacted personally by behavioral health challenges.

DLC Founder to Serve as Honorary Chair

There is no better local advocate to serve as the 55^th Anniversary Sound Minds Honorary Chair than DLC founder and self-proclaimed professional volunteer Polly Keller. Through Keller’s vision and hard work, DLC, then known as the Collier County Mental Health Clinic, was the first mental health and substance use clinic in Collier County. Keller secured financial support from Collier County, the state, and schools to open the clinic with three staff members, including Naples’ first psychiatrist.

Keller later founded the David Lawrence Foundation, which was the first Foundation in the country that’s purpose was to help a publicly funded community mental health center through private fundraising. Now, 55 years later, DLC has more than 300 employees and has expanded to an 8-acre main campus, two satellite locations and operates 24 affordable housing units and an 8-bed recovery residence. With a new multimillion dollar central receiving facility and innovative new initiatives for brain health planned, DLC is poised to continue to meet the behavioral health needs of the growing SWFL population for the next 55 years through the continued support of the community.

As Honorary Chair, Polly Keller hopes to increase awareness about these common issues and encourage Collier County to come together to make a difference by helping address access to behavioral health.

“Delivering quality mental health services to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay, has been a primary concern all my life,” said Keller. “To supplement inadequate governmental funding is the reason we fundraise.”

As the daughter of a psychiatrist who ran a state mental hospital, Keller was exposed from a very young age to those struggling with mental illness. And now, due primarily to her volunteer efforts a half century ago and the steadfast support of thousands of Neapolitans along the way, DLC now stands as the premier mental health and addiction treatment facility in Collier County. Each year, it touches the lives of 9,000 children, adolescents, and adults through 314,000 treatment sessions.

“Being an advocate and volunteer with DLC for 55 years, I see where we’ve been and where we need to go,” said Keller. “I see this year’s Sound Minds fundraiser as not only an educational event, but a celebratory one to bring people in the community from all different positions and situations together to celebrate DLC and its accomplishments. By supporting Sound Minds, those attending will lend support to the yet unreached goals of DLC and help them continue to address the great and growing need for behavioral healthcare for all in need in our community for next 55 years.”

Tickets and Information

The cost to attend is $400 per person. Funds raised through the proceeds from Sound Minds will improve access to DLC’s innovative prevention, intervention, treatment and education services.

For ticket and sponsorship information, visit DLCSoundMinds.org or contact DLC at 239-354-1419 or donorcare@DLCenters.org .

Sponsors

Sound Minds sponsors to date include The Wellington Group at Morgan Stanley. Community mental health partners include Park Royal Behavioral Health Services, PBS Contractors, Brown and Brown Insurance and Moorings Park.

More About Goldie Hawn’s Mental Health Advocacy

Goldie Hawn has lived with and loved her partner Kurt Russell for 30 years and has four grown children, Oliver and Kate Hudson, Wyatt Russell and Boston Russell. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren. Hawn believes “children light the path to joy” and dedicated much of her life’s work to creating innovative solutions to help children thrive.

Alarmed by increases in school violence, youth depression and suicide, and the persistent failure of the education system to help children cope with increasingly stressful lives, Hawn started her Foundation in 2003, applying cutting edge scientific research to create education programs that support the social and emotional development of children.

Working with leading neuroscientists, educators, psychologists and researchers, the Foundation developed MindUP, an evidence-based curriculum and teaching model for grades K-12 that provide tools to help children self-regulate and understand their own emotions, moods and behaviors; reduce stress and anxiety; sharpen concentration; increase empathy; and improve academic performance.

MindUP is a brain-based program now serving over six million children in 48 countries. The skills, positive psychology and mindful practices being taught help stabilize children’s ability to learn, improving their emotional development and resilience to face the challenges of our world.

Hawn also authored two best-selling books, her 2005 memoir, A Lotus Grows in the Mud, where she shares intimately about her spiritual journey toward enlightenment including the challenges of love, anger and fear and the importance of compassion and integrity; and in 2011, 10 Mindful Minutes, offering guidance on raising healthy, joyful and resilient children. In 2015, Hawn released 10 Mindful Minutes: A Journal, a practical application to her last book, offering prompts and exercises to enhance the reader’s daily life through mindfulness practice.

About David Lawrence Centers

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 9,000 people through over 314,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

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As an approved site, certain licensed providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurse practitioners, nurses, peer recovery specialists and physician assistants are now eligible to apply for student loan debt relief under the NHSC, Nurse Corps and Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) Loan Repayment Programs. Full-time and part-time staff are eligible. The amount of the loan repayment and the time commitment to serve at the facility varies depending on the position and the loan repayment program. Approved candidates receive funds to repay outstanding, qualifying, educational loans.

The programs support the recruitment and retention of health professionals needed in underserved areas to expand access to medical, dental and behavioral health care. They support public and private health care facilities deemed a Critical Shortage Facility in designated areas serving a Health Professional Shortage Area such as SWFL. NHSC-approved sites are required to offer a sliding fee discount program to ensure that patients have access to services regardless of their ability to pay.

As an approved site, DLC can now recruit from the HRSA site portal for clinicians who are looking to gain employment at approved sites.

“Like many employers across the country, DLC has faced significant challenges recruiting talent,” said DLC HR Director Diana Snover. “These loan repayment programs are critical to the behavioral health workforce due to current demands on the system impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide crisis and opioid epidemic. This assistance will not only help DLC recruit and retain high quality clinical staff, but it will also give much needed financial relief to our employees living in Collier County where the cost of living is higher than other areas of the state.”

For more information about the loan repayment program or to inquire about DLC’s current job openings, contact DLC Human Resources at 239-354-1482 or e-mail DLCJobs@DLCenters.org.

About National Health Service Corps

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) builds healthy communities by supporting qualified health care providers dedicated to working in areas of the United States with limited access to care. NHSC supports the recruitment and retention efforts of health centers in rural, urban, and tribal communities. Since the NHSC began, more than 63,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health professionals have served. NHSC was founded as a response to the health care crisis in the 1950s and 1960s when older physicians retired and young doctors stopped choosing general practice – leaving areas of the country without access to primary care.

About David Lawrence Centers

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 290,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

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The Hospital Bridge Program is a collaboration between DLC, Physicians Regional Medical Center and NCH Healthcare System. Ponsky is one of three Peer Recovery Specialists utilized throughout the DLC continuum of care. The positions are funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families.

The Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) credential is for people who use their lived experience and skills learned in training to help others achieve and maintain recovery and wellness from mental health and/or substance use conditions. The CRPS credential designates competency in the domains of recovery support, advocacy, mentoring and professional responsibilities.

Ponsky brings more than six years of recovery to his work with adults with a substance use disorder and history of overdoses. Ponsky, who battled an addiction to heroin, crack cocaine, and alcohol, supports the engagement, treatment, and recovery of the individuals he visits in the emergency rooms who have suffered from overdose or other substance use-related complications.

“Childhood trauma, lack of services, and early substance use gravely affected me,” shared Ponsky. “By the time I was 18, homelessness, jail, and institutions were my reality. Addiction brought me loss of life and loved ones and almost all of my will to live.”

As a Peer Specialist, Ponksy shares his experience with addiction to help patients see there is hope for changing the unhealthy pattern in their life that brought them to the hospital. He provides recovery coaching; referral and linkage to treatment services; and assistance with coordination of services which can include transportation from the hospital to treatment, follow-up care, and well visits.

“I share with these patients that I used to be right where they are, and hopefully I can help,” said Ponsky. “They tend to listen to peers more than someone in a lab coat. They need to know they are not alone, that others have walked a mile in their shoes, and that people are willing to support them.”

The program is designed to improve linking the two hospital systems with DLC’s community‐based substance use programs and provide treatment, transitional support, certified recovery housing and other wrap‐ around services to prevent readmissions.

“Jake’s willingness to share his lived experience as well as the strategies that helped him achieve long-term recovery have had meaningful and profound impacts on the individuals he serves,” said Maggie Baldwin, Crossroads Clinical Director and Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional. “He is a passionate advocate for those in our community struggling with substance use disorders and is an invaluable member of the DLC team.”

“I am eternally grateful for everyone at DLC for believing in me and helping me earn this certification,” added Ponksy. “Seeing the degree of empathy and love expressed to those suffering through peer support and other innovative recovery programs, is indeed an experience I’m proud to be part of.”

DLC is currently recruiting two additional Peer Recovery Specialists for the Collier County Drug Court Program and the Crossroads Addiction Recovery Program.  For more information, visit www.DLCenters.org.

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 290,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500.

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“The Clark Family Foundation has made it a priority to partner with organizations working to help children deal with the ongoing and lasting mental and emotional effects of the pandemic,” said Dollie Costa, Clark Family Foundation Director, Secretary and Treasurer. “We understand how difficult and challenging things still are for kids trying to get back to school, visit with their friends, and enjoy other normal activities that have all been disrupted during the past year.  Our association with DLC will allow their expertise in the area of mental health reach more children and families needing a helping hand.”

The children’s mental health focused grant will fund community-based, mental health treatment in settings where managing their emotions and behaviors are most difficult, such as in the home or at school. Community-based clinicians engage with the individual, the family, the educational team, and other appropriate persons to reduce risk factors, build skills, advocate on the client’s behalf, and other individualized services.

A portion of the grant will help provide at-risk families served in the Community Services programs with basic living essentials — such as food, clothing and school supplies — necessary to have safe, stable living conditions and maintain a successful treatment experience.

Funds will also invest in DLC’s youth mental health prevention and education services, which are provided to Collier County students during the school day and in afterschool programs, as well as to medical providers, partnering agencies, parents and families, church groups, and more.

“This generous grant will support DLC’s efforts to advance early identification and intervention, which are critical to achieving the most successful outcomes and overall wellness for children and adolescents,” said Scott Burgess, DLC CEO. “We are so grateful for the Clark Family Foundation for their continued investment in our mission.”

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 290,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500.

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The goal of the funding is to enhance and expand access services, care coordination as well as holistic and wellness services. The grant will support DLC’s efforts to ensure early identification, intervention and swift linkage to services to prevent children and adults from needing more intensive care when symptoms are at their worst.

The grant will expand the clinical team at both DLC’s Main Campus Immokalee locations. To improve mental health treatment access, funds will be used towards the addition of two new Triage and Referral Managers as well as a Nurse Navigator in the Access Center. These positions screen, triage, review and outreach individuals referred to DLC and serve as a liaison between clients, referral sources, pharmacies, providers and insurance companies.

To improve care coordination, funding will also be used to assist with the addition of an Enhanced Rehab Specialist and a Children’s Resource Coordinator in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. These positions coordinate daily wellness groups for inpatient clients and provide critical discharge planning from inpatient to outpatient and community-based care.

Treatment funds will support wellness services such as music therapy, personalized fitness, nutritional education and art therapy provided in the children’s crisis stabilization unit and the partial hospitalization program.

“Through this generous grant, Collier County children, adults and families will improve their ability to access and navigate care as well as enhance the patient experience and engagement,” said Scott Burgess, DLC Chief Executive Officer.

“The RMSFF funding and other private donations from the community are critical to ensure DLC can carry out its vital mission. We greatly appreciate RMSFF’s continued investment in our programs and the lives of those we are honored to serve.”

RMSFF human and social services grants assist families with a variety of needs, including food and nutrition, housing or shelter, skill training and development, and serious medical challenges. These grants offer opportunities that help people lead self-sufficient, productive lives.

“The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation cares about the health and wellbeing of children and families and is aware of the increased mental health needs in our community,” said Mary Beth Geier, RMSFF Florida Director.

“The timing of this award allows DLC to more promptly assess pediatric patients and improve access to high quality mental healthcare services. We hold the team of professionals at DLC in high regard and are confident that our investment will have a positive impact in our community and help coordinate the necessary therapeutic supports to meet the growing demand for services for children and families in Collier County.”

About Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation (RMSFF) was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder, Dick Schulze, to give back to the communities where he and his family grew up — in Minnesota, where he built Best Buy to become the world’s largest consumer electronics retailer–and in Florida, where he now maintains a permanent residence. RMSFF is focused on domestic causes and concerns in and around the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington in Minnesota and Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties in Florida. RMSFF creates grant partnerships with organizations that generate transformational results in human and social services, education, as well as health and medicine.

About David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 290,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500.

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DLC’s Crossroads program includes a full continuum of substance use services including inpatient detoxification, residential rehabilitation, intensive outpatient treatment, as well as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Adults residing in the 18-bed residential program spend an average of three to four weeks in the program and participate in a variety of holistic programs, such as fitness and wellness classes, art therapy, onsite and offsite pet therapy programs, meditation, and aromatherapy. Many of these holistic programs are provided in collaboration with community partners and volunteers.

Through the Shy Wolf Sanctuary Healing Hearts program, residents took a break from the traditional group and individual therapy provided onsite at Crossroads and visited the Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education & Experience Center in East Naples to spend time with animals, which include numerous wolves and wolfdogs.

“During their time at Shy Wolf, the Crossroads clients were educated about our animals and how their past experiences may be similar to the animal’s experiences,” said Shy Wolf Sanctuary Community Education Coordinator Debbie LoVerde. “We talked about the emotions we share with animals, such as fear, joy, and/or sadness, and how those experiences shape who we are and how we perceive the world.”

DLC Crossroads Clinical Supervisor Erin Lyristakis, LCSW, said the Shy Wolf visit provided a tranquil environment for Crossroads clients. “They were able to be in the presence of these beautiful animals in nature and learn healthy coping strategies,” said Lyristakis. “The experience helped improve anxiety and emotion expression while stimulating pleasure receptors in the brain. It gave us an opportunity to talk about healthy relationships, developing trust, establishing boundaries, and gaining self-esteem.”

Participants also enjoyed an art project, light lunch, and received parting gifts of a T-shirt, journal, and wolf necklace.

Craig, a Crossroads resident, shared his positive experiences with the wolfdogs and how it eased his anxiety and constant worrying. “Being sober with the animals and the amazing staff at Shy Wolf was very refreshing,” said Craig. “My anxiety and stress level went down and my head was clear. I was able to catch my breath and forget I was in treatment. I was able to let go of fear and, for the first time in a long time, I felt like everything is going to be okay.”

About Shy Wolf Sanctuary

Shy Wolf Sanctuary is a non-profit animal refuge. Shy Wolf Sanctuary is one of the few places permitted to care for the threatened Florida Gopher Tortoise. Shy Wolf has been offering educational programs and therapeutic animal encounters for more than 20 years. Educational programs range from peacefully co-existing with wildlife to advocating for the animals that can’t speak for themselves. Additionally, Shy Wolf partners with area nonprofit organizations to provide hope and healing to at-risk individuals through the Healing Hearts program.

About David Lawrence Centers

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 290,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500.

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The demand for mental health services has never been higher in Florida, as more people than ever are living with mental health trauma.

Since the pandemic began, 22 of Florida’s 67 counties have seen an increase in suicides. For Floridians, suicide is unfortunately not a new topic. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, prior to the pandemic, one person died by suicide every three hours in Florida on average. Death by suicide was the eighth leading cause of death in the state, the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24, and second leading cause of death for people ages 25 to 34.

It has been over a year since we all entered COVID-19 quarantine and it is no surprise that the pandemic has significantly impacted Floridians’ mental health.

At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), we have seen dramatic increases in the acute behavioral health needs of adults and children during the last year. There has been a 26% in the number of calls received and worked by DLC’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and there has been a 19% increase in emergency intake assessments.

The pandemic has been exponentially harder for our youth. Children and adolescents in the community are reporting higher incidents of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, and more.

The switch to online education and the loss of social interaction and school activities has taken a toll academically, emotionally, and socially. Classrooms look different and the standard hallmarks — ballgames, dances, teams, clubs — are mostly gone. This is combined with other major stresses of the pandemic that children and teenagers may have experienced, such as a parent losing a job or a grandparent passing away.

It all adds up to a crisis — for our children, their families and our community overall. For DLC, over the past year, it has resulted in the number of children admitted to our crisis unit increasing by 18%, and the average daily census increasing 33%.

And sadly, the number of suicides in Collier County involving people up to the age of 24 increased from two to seven between 2019 and 2020, according to preliminary Department of Health data.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A critical part of this observance is ensuring that children and adults in our community know they are not alone, they matter, things will get better, and there is help available to them.

We are encouraging those struggling with these widespread issues to seek support through DLC’s Virtual Care Center so they can effectively cope and thrive again, while also ensuring that all who reach out for care have immediate access to the help they need.

Throughout the month of May, DLC is hosting a variety of convenient, virtual educational opportunities to create awareness about the mental health crisis and impact of COVID-19, common concerns in adults and youth, warning signs for early identification, crisis resources and treatment options, as well prevention and wellness tips.

Together, we can stand up for the mental health of those around us by showing compassion, understanding, and support. Our goal this Mental Health Awareness Month is to arm the community with the knowledge of how to talk openly about our mental health, fight the stigma, offer hope, and let our loved ones know that none of us are alone. We can all be part of the solution and make Collier County healthier, happier, stronger, and safer.

To learn more about how you can take action for yourself or others in our community, call DLC 24/7 at 239-455-8500.

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The new program was developed in collaboration with Wounded Warriors of Collier County to develop a system of care that ensures availability of and access to a broad, flexible array of evidence-informed, community-based services and supports for Veterans and their families that addresses their physical, emotional, social, and educational needs – including traditional and nontraditional services as well as informal and natural supports.

Through the program’s Veterans Care Action Network, led by a DLC Veteran case manager, they identity for assist Veterans and their families who may be at risk for mental health, physical health, vocational/educational, housing, employment, forensic/legal or other challenges. The Veteran case manager’s primary responsibility is to help Veterans access evidence-informed, trauma-specific treatments.

Improving access to services for Veterans as well as increasing evidence-based practices is outlined in Collier County’s new five-year strategic plan for mental health and addiction services. The Board of County Commissioners approved plan serves as a road map for community partners, donors and government leaders as they mobilize responses to address associated current and future challenges.

“We are so grateful for the Naples Woman’s Club for their investment in the mental health needs of our heroes who served our country so valiantly,” said Scott Burgess DLC CEO. “This additional support will help many struggling Veterans in our community not only survive, but thrive and we couldn’t be more excited to be a catalyst in that process.”

About Naples Woman’s Club

The Naples Woman’s Club (NWC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the Naples area community through philanthropic activities and volunteer service. The club has 300 members and meets monthly October through April of each year. The club hosts a number of educational and charitable events throughout the year and promotes friendship among women in addition to their philanthropic and volunteer programs. The club raises funds to support college and vocational scholarships, and social service organizations. NWC has donated over $3 million to the community since its founding in 1932 including founding the first library, the creation of the Garden Club and the development of Youth Haven. For more information visit NaplesWomansClub.org.

About David Lawrence Centers

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,000 people through over 290,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500.

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Funds were provided from the CFCC’s $15.5 million “Your Passion. Your Collier.” campaign launched this year to address the challenges facing our community including mental health & substance abuse, housing & hunger, education & employment, seniors & veterans, environment & accessibility, as well as crisis & disaster relief.

These grants will address the dramatic increases in the acute behavioral health service needs of adults and children that DLC has experienced in the last year. Since the pandemic began, there has been a 26% in the number of calls received and worked by DLC’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. There has been a 19% increase in Emergency intake assessments. For those needing to be admitted to the Crisis Unit, the average daily census increased 33% for children and up to 16% for adults. This increased support from the Community Foundation will help save lives by investing in highly-trained staff to provide evidence-based care and support to those who are struggling.

A $255,000 crisis response grant will enhance DLC’s capacity to assist individuals at risk for suicide and ensure access to care following the crisis. Funds will be used to increase clinical staffing to address higher utilization of Emergency Services, assist individuals in crisis to successfully navigate the transition from inpatient crisis stabilization to outpatient care, as well as to expand adult outpatient treatment resources.

This grant will specifically fund a new Crisis Response Clinician, a dedicated Lead Children’s Crisis Behavioral Health Technician, an additional Baker Act Coordinator, a Community Navigator, and an additional Outpatient Therapist.

An additional $30,000 education and awareness grant will be used to fund a communications campaign to address the lasting psychological impacts of the pandemic, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. The goal of this grant is to educate the community about the importance of intervening early to avoid life-threatening crises such as suicidal thoughts and overdose.

The funds will be used to launch a three-month awareness campaign utilizing digital, print, and TV advertising to reach a broad range of demographics. Campaign messaging will communicate that DLC is here for the behavioral health needs of the community, that it is easy and safe to connect to care either in person or virtually, and that there is help and hope for anyone who needs it.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of the Community Foundation of Collier County to meet the growing mental health needs of our community,” said Scott Burgess, DLC President and CEO. “Together, we are encouraging those struggling with these widespread issues to seek support so they can effectively cope and thrive again while ensuring that all who reach out for care have immediate access to the help they need.”

“We are excited to partner with David Lawrence Centers on this critical community issue as part of our Your passion. Your Collier. campaign,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Community Foundation President and CEO.  “Our goal is to have campaign donations and pledges wrapped up by the end of the year for this initiative that will respond to Collier County’s needs. Nothing can move forward without the community’s support.”

About the Community Foundation of Collier County

The Community Foundation of Collier County is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization, established in 1985 to increase and focus private philanthropy in the area. Today, the Community Foundation of Collier County manages more than 750 funds, serves hundreds of nonprofits, holds over holds $260 million in assets and has distributed more than $200 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community programs since its inception in 1985. The Community Foundation of Collier County is one of Florida’s fastest growing community foundations. For good. Forever. Learn more at cfcollier.org or call 239-649-5000.

About David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,800 people through over 276,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 455-8500.

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