The SMA Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce receipt of a $10,000 grant from Truist Foundation to help SMA Healthcare continue its outstanding work through its WARM Program – Work Readiness and Culinary Certification Program.
The funds will be used to purchase educational materials and supplies for the culinary program, including additional program needs that assist clients with obtaining and maintaining employment.
“Obtaining a job is crucial to the success of the women after completion of the WARM Program,” said Jennifer Secor, SMA Healthcare Foundation executive director. “Funds supporting vocational training play an integral part in building the confidence and knowledge needed to find employment, ensuring they can provide for their families as these women continue in their recovery.”
WARM at the Vince Carter Sanctuary is the only residential drug and alcohol treatment facility in the United States offering a vocational training program designed to provide clients with skills, knowledge and valuable credentials in culinary arts. Armed with industry-recognized experience and up to four certificates of completion from the University of Florida, clients can feel confident upon graduation when pursuing a job in the community, knowing they can support themselves and their children.
Vocational and on-the-job training in the culinary arts is provided under the experienced instruction of Executive Chef Kevin Gallagher CEC®. The program includes classroom instruction, testing and on-the-job training. Four 30-hour courses are offered, including Professional Food Safety Manager Certification (Sanitation), Nutrition for food Service Personnel, Dining Room Management, and Hospitality and Restaurant Management.
Last fiscal year, 97 women graduated from WARM, and 94 of them successfully participated in the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences Program, and 25 women were employed at the time of their completion of the program.
“At Truist we’re motivated by our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Scott Keith, North Florida regional president for Truist, speaking on behalf of the Truist Foundation. “I’m proud of this partnership, and I look forward to continue witnessing the good work SMA Healthcare is doing to help its clients with skills and job training to help ensure their long-term success.”
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About SMA Healthcare
SMA Healthcare is a leader in behavioral healthcare and has over 50 years of experience providing exceptional and comprehensive services to individuals living with addiction, mental illness or both. We offer a wide array of services in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties, which include the following: Prevention, Crisis, Residential, Outpatient, Justice Services, Specialty & Other Services, and Community Outreach & Education. Services vary by location, so please contact our Access Center 24/7 at 800-539-4228 for more information.
About the SMA Healthcare Foundation
SMA Healthcare Foundation was founded by Jim Foster at the request of Hal Marchman in 1997. The Foundation is focused on building the resources to complement the programs of SMA Healthcare, conduct behavioral healthcare research and community education. The volunteer board of directors is comprised of leading professionals, business leaders, and citizens from the Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns area. The Foundation’s sole mission is to build resources, public awareness, and research to support the programs of SMA Healthcare, the leading non-profit behavioral healthcare organization in the four-county area. SMA Healthcare Foundation (f/k/a Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation) is a 501C-3 corporation and is eligible for tax-exempted contributions by the US. Internal Revenue Service. They accept cash donations, stocks and securities, as well as land and property. They can be found online at www.smafoundation.com or reached via telephone at 386-254-1139.
About Truist Foundation
The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Learn more at Truist.com/Purpose/Truist-Foundation.