By Jill Fox
During COVID-19, Parkland Cares is continuing to do everything they can to help heal the community.
Recently, the nonprofit awarded $125,000 in grants in a virtual pass the check-presentation to five local mental health organizations: Eagles’ Haven Wellness Center received $25,000, Behavioral Health Associates of Broward received $50,000, Tomorrow’s Rainbow received $25,000, Children’s Bereavement Center received $5,000, and Henderson Behavioral Health received $20,000.
With a mission of providing funding and awareness for mental health counseling for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting survivors, their families, and the community-at-large, Parkland Cares has given $575,000 in grants and provided counseling for over 1,500 affected individuals.
In addition to those who have been traumatized by the MSD tragedy, Executive Director Stacey Udine said the pandemic had affected the mental health of practically everyone in the community.
“It’s such a ripple effect of how many people need help, with the pandemic, anxiety has been heightened, and there’s a lot going on in the home, so we’re really trying to combat that,” said Udine.
She said COVID helped them get around the obstacle of assisting those students leaving for college. With Telehealth and Zoom, the nonprofit organizations were able to connect with the people who were away as well as the people who at home with the new virtual way of giving therapy.
“There are so many things happening in our world today, but we’re working really hard to fundraise, so people don’t forget that we have to take care of the people suffering within our community.”
On October 2, Parkland Cares will hold its next fundraising event with JuiceryRX in Coral Springs.
Each month, they work together to host a Zoom cooking class. They come up with a creative menu– something everyone in the family should enjoy. The cost is $100 and includes ingredients for a meal for four people.
“We network, have fun, and enjoy a night of cooking, zooming, and talking,” said Udine.
Attendees can pick up their prepped ingredients ready to cook curbside or have them delivered. Visit to purchase tickets or make a donation.
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