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Thanks to the advocacy efforts of Senator Garrett Richter and State Representative Matt Hudson with final approval by Governor Rick Scott, the David Lawrence Centers received a $187,000 increase in state funding this fiscal year (beginning July 2016). The funding will expand and increase prevention and community-based treatment services for children.

$100,000 will be used to provide specialty mental health treatment to high-risk, uninsured children and adolescents in Naples and Immokalee through the Wrap Around Collier program. Through the program, children and families who meet certain clinical criteria are eligible to receive all inclusive behavioral health services in the home, school and community setting. Services can include case management, individual and family therapy, psychiatric evaluations and medical services, crisis intervention as well as alternative therapies and supports to improve mental wellness. Children eligible for this program often experience depression, anxiety, adjustment issues and school challenges that significantly hinder them from reaching their full potential.

The remainder of the funding will enhance existingwhich include school and afterschool-based education and community awareness efforts on topics such as substance use, bullying, peer pressure, stress and decision making. David Lawrence Centers will hire additional staff to provide expanded outreach throughout Immokalee and increase the number of schools we can offer our prevention curriculum. The funding was also used to launch “Too Good for Drugs”, a new evidence-based prevention program targeted towards children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Custom presentations are also available to address specific needs for target populations such as college bound high school seniors and parents/grandparents on topics such as adolescent substance use trends.

As a not-for-profit, community-based treatment provider, David Lawrence Centers relies on donations, fees and grants to invest in the health, safety and wellbeing of our community. Through a critical funding partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Collier County Housing, Human & Veteran Services and private donations, the Center is able to provide innovative services that meet the needs of our community. Mental health is a community issue and we are grateful for the increased attention and investments our legislators have provided for these important initiatives.