REAL Exclusive Magazine

The Academy At Glengary

“The Journey To Wellness”

By: Ed Bertha

Photography By: James Corwin Johnson

Nationwide, the unemployment rate for those with serious mental illnesses — such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia and major depression hovers around 90 percent. The Academy At Glengary, formerly the Vincent Academy, a new Sarasota vocational training center for adults with mental health challenges, is in a position to assist in changing that number in our community. Without a program like Academy At Glengary’s, many individuals with mental health issues end up dependent on public assistance or get caught up in an ongoing cycle of incarceration or hospitalization.

Initial funding for the recently-constructed 8,500-square-foot facility came from Joan and Bob Geyer of Sunset Automotive. Detailed planning went into construction of the new building, with careful consideration of everything from fixtures to paint colors. Vincent Academy operates as a public/private partnership, supported by governmental agencies, local businesses and private philanthropy. The Geyers have already helped facilitate several partnerships between the non-profit and outside entities to support ongoing endeavors.

The Academy At Glengary is modeled after Pinellas Park’s Vincent House. Both facilities are pay homage to artist Vincent van Gogh, whose mental illness drove him to suicide at age 37.

The Academy offers Members vocational training in three areas:

1. Culinary Arts: Members learn not only how to prepare delicious, healthy meals for The Academy At Glengary community, but also become proficient in the modern technology that is a staple in today’s professional kitchens.

2. Community Relations: This vocational team allows members to gain a variety of business and interpersonal skills that serves them in administrative and retail roles.

3. Graphic Arts and Design: Members at The Academy At Glengary have the opportunity to learn graphic design, photography, writing, social media and videography skills.

The Academy uses a “recovery through work” methodology for Members suffering from mental health issues. After Members receive training, staff facilitates finding them employment placements at local businesses.

The culinary kitchen is designed to replicate a restaurant’s commercial kitchen, so potential employers can be reassured that when they hire someone from Vincent, they get a well-trained, qualified employee. The graphic arts and community relations areas were designed to provide abundant natural lighting facilitating an alert and energetic environment for Members. There are rows of the latest technology in computers, videography and photography for Members, as well as, “smart screens” for group projects.

This symbiotic arrangement provides employers with a steady stream of trained labor and workers (Members) with the support they need to succeed.

William McKeever, Director of the Academy shares, “The creation of The Academy At Glengary is the culmination of 3 years of planning, designing, building and implementation. It’s been an amazing journey thus far, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Sarasota community. The Academy At Glengary is now a fully operational vocational training center that assists adults living with serious mental illness find community, develop skills and gain employment.”

The Academy can support up to 300 Members a year.

The Academy At Glengary is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. Tours are available as requested.

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Call (941) 921-9930 to schedule your visit.

The Academy At Glengary
1910 Glengary Street
Sarasota, FL 32431
(941) 921-9930
Info@AcademySRQ.org
www.AcademySRQ.org

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