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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• 24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms in English and Spanish

Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773: https://www.postpartum.net/
• A toll-free phone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources.

National Child & Maternal Education Program – Mom’s Mental Health Matters: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/ncmhep/initiatives/moms-mental-health-matters/moms

Resources from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/resources.htm

My Care App by Maternal Mental Health NOW: https://mycare.mmhnow.org/index.html

*If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Additional crisis support resources can be found here.

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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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RN Perinatal Educator

Women’s & Children’s Resource Center

NCH Healthcare System

The BirthPlace

According to the March of Dimes, postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common medical conditions that a mother can experience after birth and affects 1 out of every 7 mothers.

Postpartum depression occurs after a mother has given birth and is included under the umbrella of perinatal depression. A mother might experience depression at any point during her pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. It is very common for women to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even a little depressed about two to three days after giving birth, lasting about one to two weeks.  This is known as the “baby blues” and affects up to 80% of women. This is very self-limiting, and moms should start to see improvement quickly without needing treatment. A mother who is suffering from postpartum depression may experience more intense symptoms that limit their ability to take care of their baby or conduct their daily activities.

It is often difficult for mothers to see these symptoms in themselves and a loved one or friend might be the first ones to identify some of these behaviors that could be a sign of postpartum depression. Open communication is very important and discussing how you or your loved one feels while they are still pregnant is a great place to start.  If you are unsure if what you are seeing or experiencing is normal, it is critical to reach out for help right away. Do not wait for your scheduled postpartum follow-up appointment. Call your physician that has cared for you during the pregnancy and let them know what is going on. There are many treatment options for postpartum depression such as medications, talk therapy, or a combination of both. Every mother deserves to enjoy her time with her precious new baby to the fullest.

While communication with family and loved ones is so important, it is also imperative to make connections with other recently delivered moms as the postpartum period can feel very isolating. NCH BirthPlace hosts a free postpartum support club on the first and third Thursday of every month at noon. This is a wonderful opportunity for new moms to connect, share experiences, and discuss any concerns they might have, including feelings of anxiety or depression. Please feel free to call for more information at 239-624-6224 or drop by anytime for one of our club meetings!

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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.

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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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While social connection is a fundamental need for our mental, emotional, and physical health, it’s never been more challenging to attain, cultivate, and sustain. This is especially true for older adults, many of whom were suffering from loneliness and isolation even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

For individuals to be proactive with their own social wellbeing and to support others, it’s helpful to understand the difference between social isolation and loneliness. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), loneliness is “the distressing feeling of being alone or separated,” while social isolation is described as “the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly.”  NIA also makes this important observation: “You can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated, and you can feel lonely while being with other people.”

Elevating awareness of these conditions allows each of us to identify warning signs in ourselves or people we know – and, hopefully, take early steps to set up ourselves and our loved ones for meaningful connection and harmony throughout our lives.

Here are a few tips for seniors to be proactive with their own social wellbeing:

Assess your circle and support system. People in your circle serve many different roles, so think about your support system from numerous perspectives:

• Caring friends or family members who are involved in your life and bring you joy
• Neighbors, church or social club members to share activities and support each other
• Quality and accessible health care providers who listen to you and address your needs
• Trusted professionals who can help you overcome challenges
• Consider other people you interact with or who are important to you

Do you have reliable people in each of these areas or ample opportunity to connect with them? Do you consider these relationships healthy and fulfilling? If not, how can you improve or deepen existing relationships or create new ones to ensure you have a strong network?

Engage in meaningful activities with others. After we retire, it’s easy to feel as though we’ve lost our sense of purpose. We sometimes stop engaging in activities that allowed us to use our gifts to serve others or experience a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes we get used to not being around other people and can become more isolated.

Consider ways to stay connected, including:

• First and foremost, nurture your most important relationships. Cultivate trust and sincerity by being a caring, non-judgmental listener and allow others to be that empathetic ear for you.
• Participate in special events with family and friends. Look at the list of people in your circle. Reach out to someone weekly to talk and/or spend time together.
• Find meaningful volunteer activities that allow you to share your time and talents with others.
• Identify groups that share an interest or passion and create or attend special events. If you’re a foodie, take turns cooking at each other’s homes or try a different restaurant once a week.
• Take a class or attend a presentation to learn something new, where you can also meet new people. What is something you’ve always wanted to try?

Confront challenges and take courageous action. We all experience regrets, disappointments, and insecurities in life. When we carry those into our later years, they can become paralyzing and keep us from enjoying a full life and connecting with others. It is never too late to liberate our mind and open our heart.

Here are just a few ideas to explore how a shift in mindset could enhance your relationships – and your happiness:

• Many of the common regrets people have later in life involve people and relationships. Reflect on these questions: Is there someone I need/want to forgive? Is there someone I need to apologize to? Someone I lost touch with and want to reconnect with? Is there something important I need to say to someone in my life? Then, have the courage to be the first to reach out.
• Negative experiences in the past can impact our ability to trust others in the present. Do you find yourself holding back in your relationships or friendships out of fear? It’s appropriate to be cautious, just ask yourself if you are giving yourself and others a fair opportunity to develop a connection.
• Then there is insecurity. If you find yourself thinking, “I don’t want to be a bother to others,” know that there is likely someone in your life who is desperate to understand your needs and be there for you. Be willing to share your needs and concerns, knowing that you deserve the love and support of others.

These situations might not resonate with you, but if they apply to someone you know, perhaps you can encourage them to reflect on perceptions and challenge thoughts and beliefs that might be limiting their social and emotional wellbeing.

Being there for the older adults in your life

Because not everyone has the ability, energy, or will to look out for themselves in these vital ways, it’s important for each and every one of us to be mindful of the older adults in our lives and how we can be supportive.

• Check in with older adults in your life regularly
• Be willing to offer a patient and empathetic ear
• Encourage your loved one to engage in some of the activities described above, being mindful of the person’s abilities, strengths, and interests
• If you are a close and trusted loved one, offer to help connect the person with needed professional resources or social services
• Loneliness can lead to sadness, depression, or a lack of self-care. Have the courage to ask questions when something doesn’t seem right and intervene when appropriate and necessary.

While these tips are designed to help individuals to be proactive with cultivating social wellbeing, it’s equally (if not more) important to be able to identify when older adults might be suffering loneliness and social isolation or at-risk of experiencing mental and emotional health challenges.

Here are some local resources that can help you identify certified mental health professionals and professional resources for aging adults:

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health Naples Mental Health Services | David Lawrence Centers

National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) NAMI Collier County

Baker Senior Center Naples Baker Senior Center Naples (naplesseniorcenter.org)

FGCU Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging (fgcu.edu)

Lisa Gruenloh is an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified executive and emotional intelligence coach. She’s Founder and President of Purpose Journey®, a consulting, training and coaching company that helps individuals and organizations harness their unique values, strengths, and purpose with bold action to optimize wellbeing and impact. One of her greatest joys is helping people overcome persistent negative thinking and learn to turn challenges into opportunities for a more authentic, fulfilling and peaceful life. Learn more at www.purposejourney.com and www.purposejournal.com.

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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.

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“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.

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