We consider return visits to be a sign of good things to come, and we were not disappointed: The State Attorney Office is interested in partnering with us for Transitional Employment (TE) opportunities. TE positions, somewhat like paid internships, enable our members to get on-the-job experience while receiving individualized support from their Academy job coach. Many members are looking to join or rejoin the workforce as part of their mental health recovery, but due to living with their mental illness symptoms, they may not have a job history or recent work experience. For a period of 6 to 9 months, a part-time TE job helps members adjust to the work environment while gaining practical experience for a resume. These jobs are a crucial bridge from Academy training and practice to long-term, career-based employment.

Ed and Jennifer were able to see how the Academy prepares members for TE jobs and hear directly from members who have had, or hope to have, TE jobs as part of their recovery. They were also able to witness how important members are to daily Academy operations as well as to lifting each other up in our inclusive, supportive environment.

Ed has had a long career of protecting the public and responding to the needs of the community. We are honored by his interest in partnering with the Academy as part of making the counties of the 12^th Judicial Circuit a better place for all. Soon Academy staff will visit the State Attorney Office to explore different part-time job opportunities for our members. We thank Ed for being part of a local solution in mental health and for his interest in giving our members a chance to gain valuable work experience in a highly regarded setting.

We rely on our strong partnerships with law enforcement and judicial leaders to support mental health initiatives, and we are grateful for an ongoing partnership with Larry Eger, Public Defender of the 12th Judicial Circuit and Ed Brodsky, State Attorney of the 12th Judicial Circuit (serving Sarasota, DeSoto and Manatee Counties). Without their leadership, we would not see the progress that we have in reducing incarcerations and other punitive measures for those in a mental health crisis.

As our membership grows, we see more folks from Manatee considering membership at the Academy. We love to have made a connection with two more key individuals, and potential referral sources, in Manatee County. And they couldn’t have been nicer! We thank them for stepping away from their very busy schedules to spend some time with us. We look forward to furthering our connection.

Pictured above are (left to right) Academy at Glengary Board President Joan Geyer, Academy staff Vanessa Alcantara, Gabriele Plendl, Cynthia Evers, Academy member Chantel Gingerich and Academy staff Jeffrey Jean

This time they had a personal tour from member Paul Hennekes, who guided them through our vocational areas—including Arts, Business & Technology, and Culinary—to meet our members and hear about their individual journeys. Already supporters of the rehabilitation process, Ed and Craig were inquisitive about Academy services and expressed interest in exploring avenues of collaboration and partnership with the Academy.

The State Attorney’s office is committed to building safe communities and working with community partners to address citizens’ needs and promote a high quality of life in Manatee, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties. District Attorney Brodsky and his team recognize that supporting the recovery of persons living with mental health challenges will help strengthen their mission, so we see much potential for collaboration. We look forward to building our partnership, and we await a future visit from their leadership team for a Lunch & Learn!