Press Release - Florida Blue Foundation for Youth Mental Health
CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF VENICE, INC. RECEIVES $300,000 GRANT FROM FLORIDA BLUE FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Fort Myers, FL, June 27, 2023 – Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. (CCDOV) is pleased to receive a $300,000 grant from the Florida Blue Foundation to support mental health services for youth in Lee County. The grant will provide mental health services to youth aged 12 to 18 in Lee County and include therapy, counseling, case management, and other forms of support to help Lee County youth develop healthy coping skills and allow for better access to necessary resources. Eddie Gloria, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., commented, “The Florida Blue Foundation grant will enable Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice to provide Lee County youth with much-needed mental health services and ensure that they have a clear path to the resources they need to help them on their journey to build healthy, successful lives.”
The grant will also help fund local programs and initiatives focusing on mental health awareness and education. “Mental health is an important issue that affects many people in our community, and we are grateful to the Florida Blue Foundation for their generous grant and commitment to supporting youth in Lee County. This grant will allow us to reach more children and families and equip them with the resources they need to properly address the mental health issues that are often left untreated due to insufficient access to programs,” added Gloria.
Catholic Charities mental health counseling program offers individuals a secure and nurturing setting to delve into their emotions and personal journeys. Catholic Charities’ dedicated counselors provide invaluable guidance and support during challenging times, aiding in the discovery of solutions and the development of effective coping mechanisms. Individuals are provided with the necessary tools to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, fostering a path toward improved mental well-being. By extending mental health counseling services to underserved populations, Catholic Charities promotes healthier and more resilient communities, enabling individuals to navigate their mental health symptoms and pursue more fulfilling lives.
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About Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., is a nonprofit founded in 1984 by the Diocese of Venice in Florida and serves as a resource to the community offering health and human services, food pantries, counseling, legal assistance, rapid re-housing, education, and disaster response. Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice is located in 10 SWFL counties, including Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota. The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide help, create hope, and serve all. For more information, visit catholiccharitiesdov.org.
About the Diocese of Venice
The Diocese of Venice in Florida was established by St. John Paul II in 1984 and today includes 61 parishes, 15 schools and serves an estimated 250,000 Catholics in 10 counties. Presently, the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane is the Bishop of the Diocese. For more information on the Diocese of Venice in Florida, visit dioceseofvenice.org.
About the Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions and embracing solutions that create a meaningful impact in our communities. More than 8 million Floridians have received services as a result of our community investments since our founding in 2001. Florida Blue Foundation is committed to improve health equity by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.FloridaBlueFoundation.com.