Corner Talk: Asking Local Leaders

CORNER TALK

What are the most urgent issues and conversations you’re having right now?

We asked local leaders.

FRANCKY PIERRE-PAUL

A DIFFERENT SHADE OF LOVE @ADIFFERENT_SHADEOFLOVE

Some of the most urgent issues and conversations that I am having are about our homeless neighbors and the lack of wrap-around resources that they need. Also advocating for more shelters and resource centers in our county.

SCOTT HANSEL, CEO COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF SOUTH FLORIDA @CPCHANGETHEODDS

The emotional exhaustion and anxiety created by COVID combined with the increased cost of living in Palm Beach County have accelerated our urgent client needs while also impacting our organization’s ability to retain and attract staff -- particularly mental health professionals.

The PBC families we serve cannot thrive from the standpoint of mental and behavioral health unless we first address the issues of income disparity in our county and the direct impact this economic issue has on health outcomes, specifically concerning a lack of affordable housing.

My immediate focus in leading Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) is to initiate critical conversations that support lasting, comprehensive systemic change for PBC families in three essential areas: housing, mental health, and community advocacy.

JOANNA PELUSO HEALTHIER JUPITER PROJECT DIRECTOR @HEALTHIERJUPITER

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DR. J.R. THICKLIN

DESTINY BY CHOICE, INC @J.R.THICKLIN

As a faith leader, mental health advocate, and transformer, I see the lens of Palm Beach County both expanding and restricting simultaneously as it relates to behavior health. The conversations that I am leading and speaking to are destigmatizing behavior and mental health and recognizing that we are our brothers and sisters keepers in the sense of being equipped enough to assess, refer and bridge the gaps in services in our community. And from my perspective, creating greater collaboration between faith leaders and mental and behavioral health providers. Palm Beach County is heading toward bridging the intersection between faith & mental and behavioral health to form a more effective system of care and love in our communities.

SHIRLON ST. AMOUR DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE @FLADJJ

The most urgent issues being addressed at this time is the need to develop programming for Juvenile Justice and Dependency involved youth that occupies free time, helps them to develop skills and/or provides positive direction and companionship and developing advanced clinical interventions with engagement strategies that don’t fail for youth dealing with the traumas of neglect, abuse, violence and bullying. Several community agencies are working together to address ways to promote the affordable positive resources that exist in Palm Beach County for youth as well as discuss the gaps where funding may be needed. Youth of today may not flourish in the traditional school setting, so trade development is a key factor needed in more schools and facilities around the county. Mentorship is another key factor in helping youth to redirect negative behaviors and foster positive healthy relationships.

SHARON L’HERROU 211 PALM BEACH/TREASURE COAST @211_HELPLINE

After nearly two years of dealing with the lingering pandemic, our communities

“ and our staff are feeling the strain. In order to best respond to the community’s needs, we need quality staff, which is becoming harder and harder to maintain given the labor shortages we see in our area and all over the country. Ensuring we have the funding to remain competitive in this area is a challenge. Additionally, with the 9-8-8 rollout in July (the new 3-digit Suicide prevention number), we’re working hard to be prepared to respond to the sharp increases in volume that Lifeline is projecting.

Next issue we’re asking YOU “How can we heal as a community?” To have your voice heard from your corner of the neighborhood, send an email to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “Corner Talk” and the city you reside in the subject line.

THE WELL OF PBC / FEB ISSUE 2022 23