The Academy: Part of the Solution on Mental Health

“A place of opportunity, hope, and new beginnings.” That’s the self-description on the website designed and maintained by members and staff of The Academy at Glengary. It’s a truthful reflection for Hericka, a member whose life has been transformed through the organization.

Academy member, Hericka

“I’m very positive now,” she says. “My self-esteem has gone higher and I feel more content with myself.”

The Academy is a wellness center for adults diagnosed with mental health conditions—a working community where clients (called members) gain opportunities for skill development, friendship, and employment.

Hericka was referred to The Academy by a medical professional after battling debilitating depression for years. Through her membership, she has made friends, learned new skills, and found a job that she loves.

“It’s been a blessing,” she says. “All the skills that I have, I got from the Academy.”

Filling mental-health gaps

Originally named “Vincent Academy,” the Academy opened in June 2017. A year later, the organization incorporated as The Academy at Glengary.

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been instrumental in our creation,” says William McKeever, executive director of The Academy. “Two years before we even opened our doors, Gulf Coast approached us and expressed an interest in working with us. And as a new organization, that was quite a blessing because we weren’t even on the map.” 

The Academy at Glengary

The Academy serves an unmet need in Sarasota County, helping individuals with mental illness recover and reintegrate into the community through employment. The niche training facility offers members opportunities in three vocational areas: culinary arts and hospitality services, graphic arts and design, and community relations. When they’re ready, members are able to pursue some of the careers in high demand in our region.

Goals and dreams

“What we offer here is not based on symptoms,” says McKeever. “It’s based on interests and abilities and talents, and that ultimately helps us all feel good about ourselves. It’s a unique environment where we can help people build their self-worth, self-esteem, and help develop goals for each of our members in that process of discovery in becoming a person again.”

The new Academy building was created largely thanks to the initiative of Gulf Coast Community Foundation donors Bob and Joan Geyer. The Geyers made a commitment to build a facility to the specifications of members and staff, resulting in the beautiful, custom structure standing today.

“They had the vision to foresee the need for a rehabilitation center—a vocational training center for adults with mental illness,” says McKeever. “We’re fortunate as a nonprofit to have such a beautiful facility, and we’re indebted to their vision and their generosity. This is a legacy for years to come.”

As a young organization, the Academy has utilized multiple resources through Gulf Coast’s Invest in Incredible initiative. McKeever says this has been an important tool for the organization.

“Having that technical support through Gulf Coast means a lot,” he says. “Providing consultation through Invest in Incredible, board governance help, board direction, policies and procedures, and tweaking bylaws is so important to us as we think strategically about how to enhance our board.”

A long-term solution

Mental illness and mental health recovery involve complex dynamics for individuals, families, and communities as a whole.

Enjoying a healthy lunch prepared by members and staff

The Academy is a collaborator in the youth mental health initiative catalyzed by Gulf Coast and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to improve the mental-health supports available to individuals, particularly those under 25, in Sarasota County. (The initiative was introduced publicly at The Academy’s beautiful facility.) The Academy also has a young adult coordinator on staff who focuses specifically on outreach to and support for young adult members.

“One of the things I appreciate about Gulf Coast Community Foundation is they’ve been with us since day one and they understand this is not a quick fix,” says McKeever. “This requires a long-term solution, interventions, not just on part of The Academy, but with the other partners that Gulf Coast has across the community.”

To learn more about The Academy at Glengary, go to AcademySRQ.org.


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