Manatee County Government officials visit for Lunch & Learn

Sharing our Clubhouse model for mental health recovery helps build connections

The Academy is wasting no time in making the most of our resumed Lunch & Learn community-building events! On June 29, the Academy welcomed government officials from neighboring Manatee County, where 15% of Academy members currently live. The attendees—Lee Washington, Jennifer Burgh, Tammy Parrot, Ava Ehde, Debbie Deleon, Tracie Adams, and Angela Wilson—were therefore eager to learn more about us and the Clubhouse model of mental health recovery.

Academy member Paul Hennekes led the group on an interactive, hour-long tour, during which they listened to our members’ stories and really made the most of this opportunity to gain insight in the recovery process.

The Culinary Arts team further impressed our visitors by serving a delicious, nutritious lunch: Greek salad, mushroom soup, and a salmon entrée with quinoa, squash, and purpled potatoes.

We thank Ava Ehde, Director of Neighborhood Services, for organizing the visit and allowing this chance to connect.