St. Petersburg's Community Support Hub Closes Just Three Months After Opening
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St. Petersburg celebrated the opening of its first Community Support Hub on March 1, 2024, aimed at enhancing mental health services in the community. Despite the initial optimism, the facility closed its doors just three months later due to operational challenges and leadership changes. The nonprofit The Well, which was originally selected to oversee the hub, faced difficulties that culminated in the departure of its founder, Dr. Ladonna Butler.
Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services has since taken over, with CEO Dr. Sandra Braham highlighting the importance of accessibility in mental health support. Funding for the initiative included an $8. 5 million seed fund from the Pinellas Community Foundation, but complexities in the partnership led to the search for a new lead agency. Duggan Cooley, CEO of PCF, noted that the closure was not publicized to avoid disrupting services for residents.
The Well's last social media post celebrated the hub's opening, but subsequent communications have been absent. Local residents expressed concern when they found the facility's doors locked, indicating a gap in needed services.