New Executive Director of the Mental Health Collaborative Addressed United Way Event
Vero Beach, FL, October 28, 2016 – “The new Connections Center will connect the dots to help people in our community live a life in balance,” explained Brett Hall, Executive Director of the Mental Health Collaborative at United Way’s 24th annual Community Leaders Breakfast on October 26, 2016.
“Mental Health is an area United Way has been significantly invested in for the last 12 years,” commented Michael Kint, CEO, United Way of Indian River County. “The last two years we focused at this event on our community impact work being done in the areas of education and financial stability, this year our focus was health with an emphasis on mental health.”
The breakfast event, held at Oak Harbor and sponsored by Indian River Press Journal/TCPalm.com, was by invitation only and included nearly 200 leaders from government, business, health, education, and other community centers of influence.
“This event gives us a chance to inform and influence local leaders around the needs people have here in Indian River County and the work being done to address those needs,” said Nate Bruckner, United Way’s Director of Community Impact.
“Next month, the Mental Health Collaborative will launch a program designed to help our community achieve a life in balance; The Connection Center”, Hall said. “This unique service will be opening at 2345 14th Ave across from the historic train station. It will be the community hub for all things impacting mental health and sobriety including financial screening and assistance securing benefits; clinical screening; appointment scheduling for mental health or substance abuse; and care coordination to individuals needing extra help to ensure they are successful.”
United Way Board Chair, Susan Adams, along with Board Chair-Elect, Erin Grall, presented annual Richardson Spirit of Indian River County Awards honoring companies, agencies and volunteers who give their time, talent and resources to make the community a better place. These prestigious awards were presented to the following honorees:
The Richardson Spirit of Indian River County (more than 100 employees): Omni Financial, Inc.
The Richardson Spirit of Indian River County (26-100 employees): United Parcel Service
The Richardson Spirit of Indian River County (25 or less employees): Grall Law Group
A special workplace giving award was presented on behalf of United Way of Florida for the #1 public sector campaign in comparable government agencies: Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Agency Excellence Award: The Arc of Indian River County
Ralph T. King Award: Andy Beindorf
Adams also introduced the United Way of Indian River County 2016-2017 Annual Campaign Co-Chairs Kyle and Debbie Morgan. “Leading the annual campaign is a challenging commitment and this couple is more than up to the task.”
United Way of Indian River County invests in local health and human service programs to improve lives and build a stronger community. United Way’s online volunteer connection provides a link for individuals, families, teams, and corporate groups to engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Indian River County. Find volunteer opportunities at www.VolunteerIndianRiverCounty.org and learn more about United Way and its work impacting the community at www.UnitedWayIRC.org .
