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Naples, Fl – David Lawrence Centers, Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center serving children, adults and families, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $12,400 grant from the Community Trust Fund of The League Club, Inc. to expand the art therapy program utilized in the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit, an inpatient mental health unit where children experiencing a psychiatric crisis receive brief voluntary and involuntary evaluation and treatment.

Due to increased demand for children’s services, David Lawrence Centers doubled the capacity of the Children’s Crisis Unit from four to eight beds. This generous grant will be used to offer art therapy to the increased number of children served by the newly expanded unit.

Art therapy sessions are conducted by an independent registered art therapist and mental health counselor and utilize the therapeutic use of art to help children who experience emotional difficulties, mental illness, trauma or life challenges. The creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps children resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, achieve insight, elevate mood and increase self-esteem and self-awareness.

The primary goal of the art therapy program is to help children and adolescents with emergency mental health needs express their emotional distress to others, rebuild their sense of trust and decrease their feelings of isolation. Art therapy can also contribute to the effectiveness of other forms of therapy, and will sometimes reveal previously undisclosed issues. Artwork produced becomes a part of the child’s chart, and the art therapist works together with the child’s treatment team to maximize the benefits and insights gained from the art therapy program.

Scott Burgess David Lawrence Centers CEO said, “We are so grateful for The League Club, Inc.’s continued support of our programs. They have been investing in our mission for more than 16 years. Their continued partnership has helped fill gaps in funding and positively impacted the lives of those who turn to David Lawrence Centers for help and hope.”

David Lawrence Centers is one of 31 non-profit agencies in Collier and Lee Counties awarded with a grant by The League Club. The grants, from the organization’s Community Trust Fund, totaled $324,278.  This adds to the total of more than $3.6 million to non-profit causes since 1986.

The League Club’s Vice President and Chair of the Community Involvement Committee, Annalinda Ragazzo, says “What a rewarding year to be able to give so many nonprofit agencies funding for so many worthwhile projects.”

About The League Club
The League Club, Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) organization of women in Southwest Florida strengthening communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism, and philanthropy.  The League Club is open to women who have been or still are active members of a Junior League that is a members of the Association of Junior Leagues International.  For more information, visit www.theleagueclub.org.

About David Lawrence Center
Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers is a national leader in providing world-class mental health and substance use solutions for children, adolescents and adults. The Center’s innovative, integrated treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, David Lawrence Centers creates life-changing wellness for more than 9,000 people through over 220,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 491-7602 or visit www.DavidLawrenceCenter.org.

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