LEO GOODWIN FOUNDATION PLEDGES $500,000 TO HENDERSON MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

Meeting “Challenge” Would Double Funds for
Nonprofit Behavioral Healthcare System

 

Fort Lauderdale. FL -- A philanthropic challenge to the community by the Leo Goodwin Foundation could make a million dollar difference in the lives of South Florida individuals and families struggling with mental illnesses. 

The Fort Lauderdale-based foundation has pledged to contribute $500,000 to Henderson Mental Health Center, if the behavioral healthcare organization can raise an equal amount during a two-year period.  Dollars from the “challenge grant” would enable Henderson to provide additional services to Broward residents, establish a sustainable major gifts program, and begin to recoup more than $2 million in program funds cut from its budget through changes in the Medicaid system. 

“The impact of Medicaid reform is that we’ve had to eliminate nearly 50 jobs held by behavioral healthcare professionals in the last year alone, directly impacting the number of mentally ill we are able to serve,” said Dr. Steven Ronik, Henderson’s CEO.   “The Leo Goodwin Foundation partnership will let us reach more people, including children, and, as importantly, be proactive with their care and treatment.”

Ronik announced the Goodwin Foundation Challenge at Henderson’s recent “Profiles of Excellence” fundraising gala, noting that one in four Americans report symptoms of mental illness each year.  It was that level of need, along with the reduction of services offered following the Medicaid cutbacks, which motivated the Goodwin Foundation to step forward with their pledge.

“We are delighted that Henderson has agreed to accept this challenge,” said Leo Goodwin Foundation President Helen Furia.  “It is our desire that Henderson raise the awareness of their efforts among the donor community, and that this grant opportunity will lead to significantly greater annual fundraising receipts.” 

For more information about the Goodwin Foundation Challenge or to donate, call Henderson Mental Health Center Director of Development Karen Drumheller at (954) 777-1624. 

 

Henderson Mental Health Center is the oldest and largest nonprofit, community-based behavioral healthcare system in South Florida.  Since 1953, the organization has provided a variety of services to Broward and Palm Beach counties, including crisis outreach, residential treatment and homeless services, supported employment, outpatient treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as many youth and family programs.

 

To learn more, visit www.hendersonmhc.org .

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