Parkland Cares Awards $75,000 in Grant Money to Help Fund Local Trauma Counseling
Three non-profit mental health agencies receive awards to help fund treatment efforts in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In keeping with their mission to fund local resources that help community members cope with the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland Cares has awarded their first series of grants to three non-profit mental health agencies.
On August 20, Parkland Cares Founder Howard Dvorkin, CPA presented $75,000 to representatives from Behavioral Health Associates of Broward, Children's Bereavement Center, and Henderson Behavioral Health.
"This is just the beginning," Dvorkin says. "What these mental health organizations do is tremendous, and these services are crucial to help the students and families affected by this tragedy to heal. It's our mission to ensure that everyone who needs ongoing treatment or support in the months and even years following such an event can get the help they need."
"The support from Parkland Cares is so very meaningful," says Dr. Steven Ronik of Henderson Behavioral Health. "It will help support care-coordination services, to ensure that anyone affected gets the right help from the right system of care."
At a ceremony Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky said, "There are many wonderful stories out there: the kids on a national level, the students, and how the community has come together, but what a lot of people aren't talking about is the trauma that's been left behind."
Lisa J. Rahman, President and CEO of Behavioral Health Associates of Broward shared, "It's hard to understand the implications of experiencing a traumatic event and the possible long term effects on emotional health and well-being. Everyone deserves to be nurtured and supported during their healing process. Parkland Cares made it possible for individuals, regardless of the ability to pay for services receive this care."
Chira Cassel, CEO of The Children's Bereavement explained, "This money will allow us to provide free long-term grief support throughout Parkland and Coral Springs to those who were touched by this tragic loss." Caseel continues, "Our peer groups will provide a weekly outlet and consistent support for those who have been struck by grief, allowing them to connect with a community who understands exactly what they're experiencing."
Parkland Cares accepts donations through their website, ParklandCares.org.
ABOUT: Parkland Cares mission is to provide immediate and long-term funding and awareness for mental health counseling and programs for shooting survivors, their families and the community at-large, with the goal of becoming a national model for crisis counseling outreach and implementation.
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SOURCE Parkland Cares
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