Academy at Bradenton – Academy at Glengary, Inc. https://www.academysrq.org/en/ The journey to recovery starts here Mon, 22 Apr 2024 20:51:44 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 A Grand Affair https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/events/a-grand-affair/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 19:28:27 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=4374 Hundreds of well-wishers came out to support the Grand Opening of Academy at Bradenton, an expansion of services from Academy at Glengary in Sarasota. The event was sponsored by Sunset Automotive Group and Audi Sarasota and was held under a tent on the beautiful grounds of our neighbors, First United Methodist Church of Bradenton. The crowd gathered to hear testimony from just some of those who helped get us to this monumental day. The 45-minute program was punctuated by the warmth, humor, and easy rapport of its two emcees, founding member Thaddeus Haddad and founding staff Vanessa Alcantara. 

We heard from many who have traveled this road with us long before our inception, our Board of Directors’ President, Joan Geyer, strained against emotions as she recalled the origins of this passion project nearly three years ago, and acknowledged so many of our stalwart advocates. She has been a visionary for this expansion, and it was clear from her reaction that it was everything she had hoped it would be.

Our colleague, CEO of Centerstone of Florida, Melissa Larkin-Skinner was heartfelt as she spoke about the driving force behind everything we do: “Relationships.”  Melissa walks the walk. She has been a true friend and partner of the Academy for the past seven years while leading Centerstone, the primary mental health clinical provider in Manatee County.

We heard from Alan Davidson, President and CEO of Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN). As our primary public funding source for the Academy, Alan’s moving testimony revealed the humanity behind the business of Florida state funding. When he closed with “…if there is ever anything I can do to help,” those who know him knew he meant it.

Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard took to the podium carrying her newborn son, saying “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Commissioner Ballard may be a newer friend to the Academy, but she is no less an advocate of what we do. As a champion of creating economic opportunity and relief to the most underserved of Manatee County, she articulated the value of our job training and employment programs, committing to helping us expand our reach.

A notable feather in our cap is our affiliation with Fountain House United, a coalition of seven nationwide network affiliates chosen for the quality of services and innovative programming. So, we were a little bit giddy when the Director of Network Services for Fountain House United, Alex Baldassare agreed to join us all the way from New York City. Alex spoke with such passion, rousing the crowd with inspiration to become solution-makers alongside of us. 

There was one speaker who really stood out. His was the voice that this gathering of friends and community leaders really came to hear. Academy member Michael Silverman did what only a member can. He provided a firsthand testimonial of the power of our Academy community. Michael eloquently articulated the “why” of what we do. Sharing just some of the ways in which the Academy has improved his quality of life – stronger relationships, increased confidence, and the longest he’s ever gone without a mental health crisis just to name a few – he described the Academy as “one of the sanest places I know.”  We couldn’t agree more, Michael.

The program was capped off by the reveal of our newly installed signage, followed by a big party inside our new Academy. Tray upon tray of extraordinary food – from lobster rolls and teriyaki chicken to vegan pastries and chocolate strawberries – created and presented by members and staff in partnership – were enjoyed by guests as they toured our building, mingled with members, staff and each other, and appreciated the impeccable musicianship of live jazz duo, The Jazzberries. It was a night to remember! 

When the last guest had left the building and it was just us, we rolled up our sleeves, changed back into our sensible shoes, and got to work cleaning up. It’s what we do; work the vehicle that carries our relationships forward. We are at our very best when we are working side-by-side.

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Glengary Times – April 19, 2024 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-april-19-2024/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 19:06:33 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=4364 ]]> Academy Times – April 12, 2024 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/academy-times-april-12-2024/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:19:20 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=4359 ]]> Glengary Times – June 23, 2023 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-june-23-2023/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 20:44:49 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=3416 ]]> Glengary Times – February 24, 2023 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-february-24-2023/ Fri, 24 Feb 2023 22:00:04 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=3188 ]]> Glengary Times – February 17, 2023 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-february-17-2023/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 20:22:41 +0000 https://www.academysrq.org/?p=3155 ]]> Academy at Bradenton is open! https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/happenings/academy-at-bradenton-is-open/ Fri, 09 Dec 2022 12:40:40 +0000 http://localhost/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/?p=2832 During the summer of 2022, Members and staff were beaming with excitement to begin operating a work-ordered day in a rental property right across the street from our new location, which is undergoing a remodel. Our temporary address is:

Academy at Bradenton
1201 6th Ave, Suite 324

Bradenton, FL 34205

Following the installation of PC’s, Macs, smartboard, and printer, our work-ordered day began with humble beginnings on the 3rd Floor of Connect Central. With an initial enrollment of 25 members, program director, Jeffrey Jean and social practitioner, Vanessa Alcantara, are leading the new endeavor. They operate out of the new working space in Bradenton on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Meanwhile, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, Manatee County members are transported to Academy at Glengary in Sarasota. They will gradually increase the workday opportunities onsite in Bradenton, leading up to the grand opening of our new facility in June, 2023.

To learn more about our new Academy at Bradenton project and/or the enrollment process, please visit www.AcademySRQ.org or call 941-921-9930.

Full speed ahead!

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Glengary Times – September 16, 2022 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-september-16-2022/ Fri, 16 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000 http://localhost/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/?p=2893 ]]> Glengary Times – July 8, 2022 https://www.academysrq.org/en/posts/weekly-newsletters/glengary-times-july-8-2022/ Fri, 08 Jul 2022 19:03:01 +0000 http://127.0.0.1/github/bayfrontmedia/academysrq.org/web/posts/happenings/glengary-times-july-8-2022/ ]]>