2020 Journeys Magazine
Community Support
We are grateful for the many individuals and organizations who support our mission.
Corporate Donor Spotlight
"Frances Valentine supports raising awareness for behavioral healthcare, eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness, and encouraging those struggling to seek help. We are eager to make a difference in people’s lives through our uniquely inspired and spirited designs and by supporting the crucial work of mental health treatment organizations like Skyland Trail."
Elyce Arons
Co-founder
Frances Valentine was the presenting sponsor of the 2020 Associates Spring Luncheon.
Why We Give
By Kwynn & Chris Everest
We learned about Skyland Trail through good friends when we first moved to Atlanta just over 4 years ago. Chris and I wanted to get involved with a few non-profit organizations when we moved here, and Skyland Trail really spoke to us.
We have watched family members and close friends struggle with various mental health and addiction hurdles, and having a facility like Skyland Trail, here in our own backyard, really resonated with us. We believe that Skyland Trail does an amazing job of meeting clients where they are on their journey and preparing them for a life to the fullest when they leave.
Not only does Skyland Trail provide an all encompassing path to mental health, they are helping educate and lead ground breaking research and discussions around mental wellness.
During this pandemic, we feel it's even more important to financially support Skyland Trail. Whether it be loss of jobs, sick family members, or reduced social interactions- COVID-19 has taken a toll on mental health, especially in our young adult communities.
With young children of our own, we as parents want our girls to know it's normal to talk about mental health. We also want to model giving back - through volunteering and charitable giving, so that organizations like Skyland Trail can thrive for generations to come.
Investing in the Future
Individuals who support Skyland Trail through a planned giving commitment become members of The Cypress Society. These legacy gifts ensure that Skyland Trail continues to meet the needs of future generations through state-of-the-art facilities and innovative, leading-edge treatment programs.
Since 2015, membership to The Cypress Society has grown by more than 125 percent, and we are grateful to the many friends and families who have made such generous contributions to strengthen our long-term financial sustainability.
When making their commitment to The Cypress Society, Maryland and Don McCarty said, “The initial investment from the founders of Skyland Trail ensured that this organization was here to serve the needs of our son, and we hope our planned gift will do the same for the families and clients that will follow.”
Supporting Mental Health Care Heroes
Jackie and Tony Montag have been members of the Skyland Trail community for many years, with contributions spanning across the organization—from board service, to volunteering with vocational services, to meeting special areas of need.
As the pandemic began to drastically change the way everyone lived and worked, Jackie and Tony wanted to support the staff at Skyland Trail who were continuing to come to campus each day to serve clients despite stay-at-home orders, school closures, and all the inherent risks and stress of the pandemic.
In an outpouring of support, over the last six months, the Montags have sponsored several deliveries of bagels and coffee and pizza lunches to show the team how much they are valued and to brighten their days.
“It was such a kind and delicious surprise," says Liz Carter, Skyland Trail DBT counselor. "It was also nice to be thought of during these hard times. It is really great to know that people from our boards and committees are thinking about us.”
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
DID YOU KNOW? Skyland Trail has received 50 percent more financial aid applications in 2020 compared to the same time last year. Your support is critical to providing resources for families in need.