The Academy at Glengary Ramps Up Delivery of Mental Health Care for Underserved Populations

Nothing disrupts the balance of a family more abruptly than when a loved one experiences a mental health crisis. Without the right help, families and their loved ones often face “a list of nevers”—You’ll never live independently, get married or have a family, never finish an education, never hold down a job or embark in a career.

The Academy at Glengary is striving to change that by opening doors to mental health recovery through community reintegration, workforce training and career placement.

Starting on May 1, 2019, the Academy will ramp up efforts to identify families and individuals who are struggling with mental health issues alone. A $182,000 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has provided funding to hire two full-time staff to develop relationships with schools, law enforcement, churches and other community organizations to better serve those who would generally not reach out for help themselves.

One such example is Academy member Jacob, who kept his last name undisclosed. As a young adult, he found himself in a serious difficulty after finishing high school.  While he watched his friends on social media pursue college and careers, Jacob was home struggling with mental health and physical difficulties.

“I found out about the Academy from a family friend, without the Academy who knows where I would be right now,” says Jacob, who has been a member for just five months. “I finally found hope in my life I know that my future is bright. I now have others I can trust, I have made so many wonderful friendships here.”

The nonprofit is an accredited program of Clubhouse International, and offers a time-tested model of rehabilitation. Members have the opportunity to build skills, confidence and stamina, and eventually, to pursue their dreams and career goals.

“I have learned so much in the time I have been here and hope to learn so much more. I hope to achieve a stable job in computers and someday become a Pastor. I know the Academy will help me achieve those dreams through my hard work. I thank the Academy for everything,” says Jacob.

New to Sarasota, the Academy has steadily gained program participants in its first year, with a capacity to serve 250 individuals. Currently 95 are enrolled. Outreach efforts will target young adults and minority and immigrant communities. Early intervention for young adults with mental illnesses can reduce the number of psychotic episodes they experience, which has a direct impact on cognitive functioning and recovery. Efforts to enroll members from minority or immigrant populations is in direct response to limited awareness of mainstream services within some of these communities, which negatively impacts their access to treatment and support.

To learn more, please visit https://www.academysrq.org.