In this senior leadership role, she provides financial and strategic insights to enhance organizational performance as well as administrative oversight to the accounting, billing and collections departments.

Ms. Martinez has nearly 40 years of accounting experience working in a variety of industries including government, non-profit, health care, manufacturing, construction, venture funds as well as public and private corporations. For the last 17 years, she has provided financial and management expertise to health care facilities specialized in primary care and behavioral health. As a result, she has extensive experience with contract and grant negotiations with federal, state and local government agencies as well as Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances.

Prior to joining DLC, Ms. Martinez most recently served as the Director of Revenue Cycle Management for Banyan Health Systems in Miami, Florida.

Ms. Martinez earned her bachelor of science degree in business administration from Pepperdine University in California with a major in accounting and a minor finance. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

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, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

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CRCC members have a robust commitment to philanthropy. Members actively participate in multiple community service projects throughout the year to make Naples a better place to live for everyone.

For more than 20 years, the CRCC Women’s Club has been raising money for organizations that serve women and children. Past recipients have included Books for Collier’s Kids, The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Neighborhood Health Clinic, Youth Haven and PACE Center for Girls.

After a thoughtful process that included a presentation of the needs by DLC leadership, their grants committee voted to fundraise for DLC’s Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit expansion and services based on the growing demand for children’s services, the shortage of resources and the ongoing children’s mental health and suicide crisis.

“After learning more about children’s mental health concerns, our membership strongly believed that we had to do something to help families address the anxiety and other concerns brought on by outside influences, such as social media and the pandemic,” said Peggy Wilson, Co-chair of the CRCC Women’s Club Community Service Committee. “The number of mental health struggles that go untreated as well as increasing suicide rates among children gave us pause. Choosing to support children’s mental health was a clear choice and something we know our membership could rally around and make a real difference in the lives of young people.”

They titled their annual fundraising effort “Compete for the Kids.” To raise the funds, they held a number of fundraising events throughout the year that included: a twilight golf tournament and dinner; a bocce and glow in the dark pickleball event; and a happy hour cocktail party with live music, a raffle and a presentation by DLC CEO Scott Burgess.

“We feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have been selected by the CRCC grant committee and so warmly received by the entire community as the recipient of their fundraising efforts this year,” said DLC CEO Scott Burgess. “Their passion, deep interest, and dedication to fundraising for mental health and wellness is simply extraordinary. Through their efforts, they have greatly aided in raising children’s mental health awareness, decreasing stigma and providing resources to help those struggling to not only survive, but thrive.”

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, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

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DLC delivers care to the community through six distinct Centers of Excellence and this new position will play a vital role as the organization expands its care to address the growing demand for mental health and addiction treatment in the region.

Ms. Dye has been leading and building advancement teams and nonprofit initiatives for more than 25 years, and most recently has been fortunate to serve Gulfshore Playhouse for its last four artistic seasons. During her tenure, Kim led the exceptional advancement team that has raised over $41 million in funding for the creation of the new Baker Theatre and Education Center. Under Kim’s direction, the team weathered both a global pandemic and historic hurricane while simultaneously raising an additional $12 million in operational funding, assisting in the organizational rebranding effort, and securing almost $2 million in estate gifts for the Gulfshore Playhouse endowment.

Kim’s work has also included securing funding for the battle to save America’s Everglades as well as two stints with Public Media organizations in Fort Myers, FL and Erie, PA.  She has built nonprofits from the ground up, has taught at the university level, has served as Chief of Staff to a university President, and has led significant capital and endowment campaigns during her work as a philanthropic consultant. Throughout her career, Kim has raised more than $200 million for the organizations she has been honored to serve.

Kim is A.B.D. on her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Change, holds an M.S. in Counseling Psychology, and holds a B.A. in Communications. Kim has always believed in giving back and throughout her career has served on more than a dozen nonprofit Boards and has advised countless nonprofit organizations and professionals. As a survivor of both diseases, Kim advocates for cures and treatment funding for both melanoma and multiple sclerosis. She is involved with the Association for Fundraising Professionals and is a non-practicing Guardian Ad Litem with the 20th Judicial Circuit (Collier County), advocating for children in the dependency and family court systems.

In her new role with DLC, Kim will be responsible for communicating the locally renowned organization’s charter to the community, while leading philanthropic development as well as marketing, communications, and advocacy advancement. “I’m excited to be coming into this role at a point in time in which DLC is mobilizing an important community expansion through a new Central Receiving Facility and I’m eager to assist in securing critical philanthropic support to bolster DLC’s explosive growth,” said Dye.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kim to the DLC family,” said DLC CEO Scott Burgess. “We are blessed to be gaining her exemplary, seasoned professional skills, coupled with her palpable passion for DLC’s mission of care.”

“As we celebrate our 55 years of serving our Collier County community, we are at a significant and challenging crossroad to manage demand for our healthcare services,” noted DLC Board of Directors Chairman Bob Magrann. “Recent approval and support from our County Commissioners to build a Central Receiving Facility will provide exceptional support to address our capacity issues. Our growth potential encourages us to reorganize to meet the demands in behavioral health. Kim brings an exceptional career of experience, success and passion to help us manage our potential as a Best in Class Health Care provider. We are very excited and fortunate about the potential that Kim adds to our organization!”

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, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by generous and loyal donors along with community and government support. DLC serves more than 9,000 individuals and provides over 315,000 services each year through its four treatment sites and three residential programs.

The post David Lawrence Centers Appoints Kimberly Dye as Vice President of Advancement appeared first on David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

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.

The post Tickets on Sale for the DLC Advocates 10th Annual Sunset Cruise for Mental Health to benefit David Lawrence Centers appeared first on David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

A Growing Crisis

For many adults, the first two decades of existence are associated with memories of being carefree and adventurous. It was a time to play, have fun and focus only on the present. As we grow into adulthood, life gets busier and more stressful; there are careers to build, families to raise, bills to pay and so little time to do it all. Sadly, the reality is that youth today often do not feel these positive thoughts about their lives and their mental health is suffering.

According to the CDC, 26% of high school students experienced feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness in 2009; this grew to 37% in 2019, and 44% in 2021. By 2018, suicide became the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-24.

The state of local youth mental health is evident in demand for DLC’s crisis care. DLC operates the only Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CCSU) in Collier County. This facility provides immediate access to a safe place for anyone experiencing thoughts of harming themselves or in a mental health emergency. CCSU admissions have increased steadily since 2013. From fiscal year 2021 to 2022, there was an 18% increase in the need for this service.

“This is a time for everyone to pay attention, get involved, and offer hope,” said DLC CEO Scott Burgess. “As a society, we must work together to ensure the wellness and resilience of our future leaders and community members. By acknowledging the challenges faced and looking for solutions, we can all take part in changing these staggering statistics.”

SCHEDULE OF PRESENTATIONS (Learn more and register at DLCenters.org/Events)

Building the Foundation: Infant Mental Health

• This virtual presentation will feature an overview of the cognitive changes that occur in the brains of children ages birth to 3 years. Participants will learn about 10 developmental leaps and strategies to incorporate into their interaction with young children. Self-care tips and emotion management techniques will be discussed and resources will be provided.
  • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 11, 2023 | 8:30-9:15am and 1:00-1:45pm

Shining the Light on Youth Mental Health

• This virtual presentation will review statistics and data related to the mental health of children and adolescents and will address common challenges for youth, including most prevalent diagnoses. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, address concerns, and utilize resources available in the community.
  • May 9^th, 2023 | 12-12:45pm
  • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 11, 2023 | 9:45 – 10:30am and 2:30 – 3:15pm

Let’s Talk About It!

• This virtual presentation discusses some of the biggest safety concerns among youth: social media, substance use and violence. Participants will learn about prevalence data and trends, and how to have preventative conversations with children and adolescents related to these topics.

• • May 10, 2023 | 12 – 12:45pm
  • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: May 11, 2023 |11 – 11:45am and 4 – 4:45pm

The Power of Community (Question, Persuade, Refer [QPR] Suicide Prevention Training)

• This in-person presentation features an overview of mental health, common challenges and warning signs, how to discuss concerns with others, and available resources. Each attendee will be trained in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR): an evidence-based suicide prevention certification. A tour of DLC and refreshments will be provided.
  • May 20, 2023 | 10am – 12:30pm at the Telford Building on DLC’s Main Campus

Youth Mental Health First Aid

• Through this in-depth interactive training, attendees earn a three-year certification and will learn to identify concerns by better understanding signs and symptoms and risk factors. By focusing on real-life scenarios, participants will develop, and practice, the skills learned to support and intervene in crisis situations. Trainings include two hours of self-paced content, followed by a 4.5-hour, instructor-led session.
  • May 26, 2023 | 9am to 2pm

Event Registration

To learn more about these events or to register, visit DLCenters.org/events or call 239-455-8500.

Education Partner

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day presentations on May 11th are being supported by the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF). As a leader in NCEF’s Mental Health Initiative, David Lawrence Centers collaborates with other nonprofits to implement groundbreaking programs that aids in identifying and preventing children’s mental health issues. NCEF Blueprint Partners exemplify the highest efficacy standards, and also include Florida State University College of Medicine, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Healthcare Network and NAMI of Collier County.

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 314,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

The post David Lawrence Centers Offers Variety of Educational Opportunities in Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May appeared first on David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

“Hurricane Ian had a devasting impact on our community – both physically and mentally –  causing financial hardships for our clients and an increase in demand for our services over the last year,” said Scott Burgess DLC CEO.”

An estimated 70% of DLC clients are underinsured or uninsured and require some form of assistance to access their behavioral healthcare due language, transportation, and financial barriers. DLC tries to eliminate these barriers by working with donors to fund interpretation services, provide financial assistance for treatment programs and services, and assist with transportation. Transportation assistance is not reimbursed by state/county funding, insurance, or client fees.

“Over 500 at-risk clients received transportation assistance last year to ensure they can access care, maintain treatment, and stay safe,” added Burgess. “We are so grateful to have this increased support and improve continuity of care to critical and often life-saving behavioral healthcare.”

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, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org

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Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression among college students have increased substantially. In an academic year, a third of students on campuses meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Each year, approximately 24,000 college students attempt suicide while 1,100 students die by suicide making it the second leading cause of death among college students in the United States.

Jack Hellmer, a FGCU entrepreneurship graduate student and ATO fraternity brother, developed UBYou, an app to help students assess their stress while connecting them with mental health and campus resources. UBYou has resulted in strong support from the campus community. While developing the app, Hellmer learned that many school counseling centers are having trouble keeping up with the growing demand of students requesting help, and he knew more needed to be done on campus to bring awareness to these common issues.

Each year, FGCU ATO chooses a charity to raise support for its philanthropic endeavors. Hellmer introduced the FGCU ATO executive board to the DLC mission and encouraged them to consider a mental health partner. ATO is known as America’s Leadership Development Fraternity because of its strong emphasis on preparing its members to be leaders on their campus and in the community. Over the past year, ATO nationally donated more than the equivalent of $8.1 million worth of dollars donated and hours served to philanthropies and communities.

FGCU ATO brothers wanted to choose a local charity where they could see their support in action vs. a national non-profit. After touring the DLC main campus in Naples to learn more about the services, they chose DLC as their annual charity of choice.

“Our brothers began this grassroots movement to support our local community’s mental health through the education of available resources to our fellow students and through raising much needed funds for DLC,” added Hellmer. “Our brothers built a strong connection to DLC and have seen overwhelming support for our efforts.”

The brothers’ hard work and passion paid off, resulting in $16,600 for DLC programs and far exceeding any other fundraising efforts in the fraternity’s history. The funds were raised during campus-wide fundraising events and activities held in 2022.

“Being able to witness first-hand what DLC can do with the money we raise gives me peace of mind, knowing that people who are struggling mentally will get the help they deserve,” shared FGCU ATO Signature Event Chair Quinn Griffin, who helped spearhead the DLC fundraising efforts. “It is our mission to support DLC so that the people who don’t have the strength to fight for themselves can.”

The fraternity’s efforts to support DLC didn’t stop at Philanthropy Week. When DLC put out a critical appeal for advocacy support to the community in February 2023, Hellmer and his ATO brothers attended the Collier County Board of Commissioners meeting to show their support for the new Collier Central Receiving Facility location near DLC. The advocacy effort paid off, as the board voted 4-1 in favor of the new location for the 102-bed crisis assessment center that DLC will manage once construction is complete.

The FGCU ATO chapter also sponsored DLC’s 55^th Anniversary Sound Minds Celebration, with 14 members attending the fundraiser to hear the keynote address from mental health advocate and academy award-winning actress Goldie Hawn.

And now, FGCU ATO has committed to continue their DLC partnership and will raise money for its mission for another year. Those efforts will kick off during the 2023 FGCU Philanthropy Week in April. Fundraising activities will include: Pie an Alpha Tau, Dunk an Alpha Tau, a carnival, a brunch, as well as an ongoing online giving campaign.

“We are excited to continue our mission to improve the lives of our fellow students and community members through our presence on campus and through DLC,” added Hellmer.

To make a donation towards the FGCU ATO Mental Health Philanthropy Mission, visit ATO.crowdchange.co/29914/donate.

“We are incredibly grateful to the FGCU ATO fraternity for their support of our mission,” said Scott Burgess DLC CEO. “Their efforts have advanced mental health awareness among local college students who are often unnecessarily struggling in silence. Bringing attention and conversation around these common issues can save lives.”

How to Become a DLC Advocate

DLC cultivates support from individuals and organizations such as FGCU ATO through the efforts of the DLC Advocates, a group composed of all ages (18+) of advocates for mental health and substance use awareness. 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 DLC’s education, prevention, intervention, and treatment services. Through membership and quarterly events, the DLC Advocates support the DLC mission, operations and expansion of its services. To learn more about becoming a DLC Advocate, visit DLCAdvocates.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 314,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call 239-455-8500 or visit www.DLCenters.org.

The post FGCU Fraternity Expands Partnership with DLC to Support Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy appeared first on David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

Emma became extremely passionate about suicide prevention after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017, the summer before her senior year in high school. At the time, she was a popular varsity cheerleader with a supportive family and lots of friends, but on the inside, she was filled with depression and anxiety, and had never told a soul about it.

“I had this sense that sharing dark feelings came with a stigma, so I kept quiet,” shared Emma. “I felt isolated and alone and thought there was something wrong with me.”

Her attempt resulted in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed but helped her find faith and purpose by propelling her on a mission to use her painful experience and miraculous recovery to help others.

“A lack of community and conversation about mental health factored into what caused me to attempt suicide,” added Emma. “Now I am on a mission to share my story to help open up conversations about mental health. I want people to understand they are not alone and there is help — and that you can overcome your mental health challenges and thrive.”

There are 1.2 million suicide attempts every year in the US. This is a public health crisis that claims the lives of 20 young people every day. The devastating ripple effects impact millions more. With so many lives at stake, more must be done to address this epidemic.

DLC is committed to spreading mental health awareness and suicide prevention and hosts a variety of educational talks throughout the year. Emma first spoke in Naples to a sold-out audience at the 2022 DLC Sound Minds Luncheon. Following the overwhelming response to her message, DLC became committed to bring Emma back so more youth and families could hear her story and learn from her experiences.

In addition to the three school-based presentations held in February, DLC will host Emma for a screening of her documentary, My Ascension, at Moorings Presbyterian Church located at 91 Harbour Dr in Naples on March 2, 2023 at 5:30 pm. The event will include a Q&A with Emma immediately following the screening. Attendees will learn how to identify mental health challenges among youth and how to support suicide prevention.

Tickets and Information

Attendance for this event is free. Proceeds from the event will improve access to DLC’s innovative prevention, intervention, treatment, and education services.

To register, visit DLCenters.org/Events or contact DLC at 239-354-1419 or donorcare@DLCenters.org.

More About Emma Beniot

A few months after her attempt, Emma Benoit started the website liferejuvenated.org and a blog to share her story and recovery journey to help other teens who are struggling. In early 2018, Emma began working on a documentary film called My Ascension, which was release in 2021, that chronicles her recovery journey and advocacy work, while addressing the youth suicide epidemic.

Emma serves as an Ambassador for LivingWorks, the world’s leader in suicide prevention training. She has been featured on numerous news programs and podcasts including the Jada Pinkett Smith’s hit show “Red Table Talk” and the Dr. Phil Show. 

Emma is an uplifting speaker who has shared her powerful story and message with thousands of people at in person and virtual conferences and events including: LivingWorks and California Department of Education Youth Summit, National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health Conference, LSU School of Social Work Conference, Arkansas Youth Mental Health Conference, Hope Rising Suicide Prevention Summit and the Hope Squad National Conference.

Emma is a 2018 graduate of Dutchtown High School, whose strength and motivation are rooted in her strong faith and supportive family.

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.

The post David Lawrence Centers to Host Youth Suicide Prevention Talk with Suicide Attempt Survivor; Emma Benoit appeared first on David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health.

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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The fundraiser is being hosted and sponsored by The Studio at Collective Naples, located at 111 10th Street South on November 15, 2022 at 5:30 pm. The art show will feature artistic pieces ranging from watercolor, acrylic and oil paints as well as drawings. Guest will also enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and entertainment.

DLC offers a variety of holistic therapy services that allow clients to express themselves creatively and provide a healthy outlet for stressors. Art therapy is an important holistic therapy that many clients find to be an impactful tool in their recovery.

“For those struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, art can be a way to express trauma, pain and emotions without words; process complex feelings; and find hope and healing,” said Scott Burgess, DLC President and CEO. “We are excited to showcase their artistic healing to our donors and supporters, while raising money to expand our holistic and therapy services.”

Individual tickets are $50 per person and include two drink tickets. All proceeds will benefit holistic therapy and treatment programs.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, visit DLCenters.org/events or contact Fundraising Coordinator, Briana Shipe Karaszi at donorcare@dlcenters.org or 239-354-1419.

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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