On April 28, The Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club hosted a benefit breakfast for Gracepoint Wellness Children’s Crisis Center.  The event was attended by many key leaders in the community such as Representative Dana Young, Commissioner Sandy Murman, Greater Tampa Chamber Chairman Guy King and many others.  At Gracepoint their mission is, “educating, advocating for and giving hope to all people touched by behavioral health, substance abuse and developmental challenges.”

According to Gracepoint statistics, 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have, or will have a serious mental illness.  Gracepoint takes in children who have reached a difficult place in their life and who are in need of treatment to address the issues that they are dealing with.  Gracepoint is a private, non-profit behavioral health system that serves the Hillsborough and Pasco counties.  Last year they served over 3,000 children.

Each month, the staff at Gracepoint receives over 15,000 phone calls from people asking for their help.  They help on average 213 children each month.  Director Derek McCarron asked the people in the audience for their assistance.  Although it is unfortunate, there is a growing demand for the services they provide.  They are working to expand the number of beds in the critical care units to match the growing demands.

Gracepoint CEO Joseph Rutherford thanked the audience and the supporters of the organization for making their work possible.  Because of the support they have received they have been able to help thousands of adults and children find the help that they need to get back on their feet and take control of their life.

To learn how to get involved today visit the Gracepoint website.