The Academy will continue to emphasize SAFETY as our top priority. We realize that information is changing daily, so we are staying current on emerging issues. We have a responsibility to the larger community to do our part in reducing the spread of germs. CDC guidelines provide us with important recommendations for safe practices at home and in the community.

This outbreak has given us the opportunity to deepen our practice of several core values: partnership, service and wellness. As partners in the recovery process, we typically work side-by-side. Under current CDC guidelines, we decided to suspend this type of activity. We are implementing other ways to stay connected, through social media, phone calls, Slack (private instant messaging platform) and Zoom. We are of service to each other, while emphasizing health and wellness. Social distancing, which we prefer to call “physical” distancing, can affect mental health. We are currently sharing valuable coping strategies with members and staff.

More updates will follow! Academy staff meets daily at the Academy to review strategies, communicate with members, receive updates and keep facilities in tiptop shape. Stay tuned for additional information as we adapt services to emerging COVID-19 concerns.

As an expression of gratitude and our value for service, Academy members and staff decided to partner with All Faiths Food Bank for their Campaign Against Summer Hunger. 

Please join our effort to fight summer hunger in Sarasota. The Academy Food Drive kicks off on Thursday, June 20, from 7:30am – noon. Please stop by with non-perishable donations. Our front drive thru at 1910 Glengary Street will make drop-offs easy and quick.  If you happen to miss our Food Drive kick-off, we will continue to accept food donations at the Academy through July 31st.

The initial concept included a commitment by the private sector to build a state-of-the-art facility while CFBHN would commit to covering a portion of operating costs with state funding. The Academy has built its foundation on this unique approach by combining private sector innovation and resources with a portion of public sector funding.

We send out special thanks to the folks at CFBHN who made this possible: Larry Allen (COO), Mike Krause (former Contracts Director) and Linda McKinnon (CEO). The vision of CFBHN is: Envisioning communities where accessible behavioral healthcare enhances the lives of all.

In the photo above, Linda McKinnon (second from left) met recently at the Academy with James Wineinger (far left), Hope Clubhouse Director; William McKeever (far right), Academy Director; and Joan Geyer (second from right), Board President.

We are appreciative of Dr. Ron Dipillo, Executive Director, and Assistant Directors Jay Lorenz and Eric McClendon for taking time out of their busy schedule. The Academy serves as a stepping stone to a brighter future, with supported educational pursuits at area colleges and universities as one option to building a successful career.

One of our Academy members is currently taking a “Blogging” course of at STC, with plans to develop his own online blog. A big thanks to our newest community partner, Suncoast Technical College!

Members and staff share steps that include a working interview for candidates and a “panel interview.” Imagine being interviewed by 12 people! Afterward, members and staff come together and make a decision on based on consensus. As you might imagine, it can be quite an accomplishment to be hired by the Academy. The successful candidate will need to get the nod of approval from our community. We are currently interviewing candidates to fill a new opening in our Culinary Team. Stay tuned for updates!