Dear friends,

As we embrace the warmth of summer, I am thrilled to share highlights from recent activities and new initiatives that have occurred since our Spring Newsletter!

Our 4th annual Sandal, Sneaker, & Stiletto Gala, held on May 18 at the San Jose Country Club, was a tremendous success, attracting over 100 attendees. This annual fundraising event featured a fantastic live and online auction, complemented by an evening of dinner and dancing to the fantastic Top Shelf Band. We were particularly touched by the heartfelt remarks from our guest speaker, a client's grandmother, as well as a heartfelt client video. These stories emphasize the vital importance of our work and the difference we make for children and families throughout the Jacksonville area.

Just last week, we kicked off our first Community Advocates Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour at Intuition Ale Works. It was inspiring to connect with community members now dedicated to advancing our mission and raising awareness about mental health. If you're interested in joining our efforts, please fill out this form to stay informed about upcoming events!

As we reflect on the summer months, we also celebrated LGBT+ Pride Month in June and National Minority Mental Health Month in July. At CGC, we recognize the intersectionality of mental health and diversity, and we continue to strive for equity within our community and across the nation. Creating safe spaces for everyone can profoundly impact mental well-being, and it's essential to acknowledge the deep connection between mental health and identity throughout the year. I'm proud to share our latest blog post, which examines the intersection of racism and mental health, bringing attention to often overlooked issues.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

Respectfully,

Theresa Thweatt Rulien, Ph.D.
President & CEO

2024 School Supply Drive ✏️🎒

We are proud to, once again, host the William G. Lockwood Memorial Fund Back-to-School Supply Drive. Thanks to the generosity of the Lockwood Family, CGC has equipped thousands of clients in need with backpacks and school supplies over the years. Norma Lockwood, a former CGC Board member, was passionate about education and ensuring students started the school year off right, and through her efforts, the Back-to-School Supply Drive was launched.  

This year, we are especially thankful to Haskell and RE/MAX Specialists for hosting office drives to collect school supplies for CGC clients. Through these and other individual donations, we can provide essential support to students who might not otherwise afford necessary supplies. Each recipient is given a backpack filled with $100 worth of school supplies.

One grandmother was moved to tears when she discovered CGC would provide supplies for all her grandchildren, not just the two receiving CGC services. She said it lifted a huge financial burden from her shoulders.  

If you would like to support this meaningful cause, please contact Sherie Smith at 904-476-4610 or make a donation online. All donations are needed by August 8, 2024.

Running out of summer fun ideas? 🌞 This blog post has everything you need! From no-cost afternoons at home to low-cost creative Jacksonville daycation ideas, we've got you covered. Discover how to have fun without breaking the bank! 

🗓️ Save the Date: Suicide Prevention Symposium

It’s seen in the news every week. Suicide rates in the US are higher than ever, largely due to the lasting impacts of the pandemic, economic challenges, social isolation, and distressing global events. Between 2007 and 2021, the suicide rate for youth aged 10 to 24 surged by 62%, making it the second leading cause of death, surpassing homicide. 

For over 20 years, the CGC Rapid Response Team has been dedicated to safeguarding our youth by providing 24/7 crisis intervention in the community. We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Suicide Prevention Symposium, scheduled for September 20, 2024, at Aloft at Tapestry Park from 9 AM to 12 PM. 

Stephanie Skinner, the Program Director of Rapid Response, hopes this symposium equips behavioral health providers with vital skills and knowledge to combat the rising tide of suicide. The event will feature a special guest speaker, Keven Briggs from Active Minds, a renowned advocate for suicide awareness. 

Additionally, attendees can look forward to a panel discussion with notable community leaders in behavioral health, including Dr. Theresa Rulien, CEO of CGC; Dr. Christine Caulfield, CEO of LSF; Sunil Joshi, MD, COJ; Dr. Vicki Waytowich, Executive Director of Partnership for Child Health; Chief Jaime Easton, JSO; Debbie O’Neal, MHRC; Stephanie Skinner, CGC; Hannah Hackworth, 988; Katrina Taylor, DCPS; and Suzanne Mailoux, NAMI JAX. 

The symposium is open to behavioral health providers at no cost. To get your free ticket, contact Sherie Smith at ssmith@cgcjax.org or call 904-448-4700 X 1120.