ARCADIA, FL – In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Centerstone – a nonprofit health system offering mental health and substance use disorder services – will offer Disaster Behavioral Health Response services at Goodwill Manasota’s Arcadia location in DeSoto County. Funding through the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network is supporting these services through at least the end of June 2023.

Centerstone’s Trauma Recovery Project case manager Michelle Miller and parent partner S. Camille Seabrook will be available for walk-in services at Goodwill Manasota’s Arcadia location (1701 Oak St.) on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. They will meet with community members individually as well as provide group support opportunities.

To make an appointment, community members are invited to contact Centerstone’s Call Center at 941-782-4150; these requests will be forwarded to Centerstone’s Trauma Recovery Services team.  

“Research has shown the devastating impact of natural disasters on mental health – storms can worsen the condition of those experiencing disorders such as PTSD, depression and anxiety as well as trigger new illness,” said Trauma Services manager Tari Allan, M.S., LMHC. “We are pleased to have a community partner like Goodwill to provide a safe location for those seeking help, and are planning to increase our days of service in DeSoto County as we continue to hire new staff for our Trauma Recovery Services team.” 

Goodwill Manasota’s vice president of mission services, Margie Genter, affirms that there are numerous community members in need of assistance due to the storm. The organization is currently providing information and referrals through its Community Resource Centers as well as store vouchers for those in need in the wake of the hurricane.

“We are meeting a lot of people who have been traumatized by the flooding in DeSoto County and we are confident we will be making plenty of referrals for mental health services at our Arcadia location,” said Genter. “We are grateful to Centerstone for being there when the community needs them the most!”

In addition to having access to mental health services, residents with other storm-related issues can call Goodwill's Community Resource Hotline at 888-230-8820, which is staffed around-the-clock. They can also text “RELIEF” to 941-254-5977 to receive information about needs such as roof repair or tarping, removal of fallen trees, mold mitigation, appliance removal, and more.

To learn more about Centerstone’s programs and services, visit centerstone.org. For more information about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

PHOTO ID: Centerstone Trauma Recovery Project staff (from l-r) Michelle Miller, trauma case manager; S. Camille Seabrook, trauma parent partner/mentor; and Tari Allan, LMHC, trauma services manager; with Goodwill GoodPartner Coach Jessica Pineda (far right)

Courtesy photo/Goodwill Manasota

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About Centerstone
Centerstone is a nonprofit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder services. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services, and employee assistance programs. Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support our work. Visit centerstone.org.