Page 3 - Jewish News_October-2020

FEDERATION NEWS October 2020 3

Helping to fight the stigma of mental illness

By Marty Katz, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing
rian and Joan Wides, London- mental health professionals to become works as a volunteer, says, “Our com- boost to self-worth and self-confi-
ers who now consider Sarasota certified Youth Mental Health First mitment to Compeer is the result of dence.”
Btheir snowbird home, wish they Aid Instructors. Then, throughout the our awareness of the stigma of having The couple also gives generously
had begun their philanthropy in earlier year, these instructors will certify lo- mental illness and the need to end the to JFCS of the Suncoast, assisting two
years. “When our lives were extreme- cal members of the Jewish community social isolation of those with mental programs: Camp Mariposa, which pro-
ly busy bringing up children and pro- health issues. Bunny Skirboll is posi- vides weekend-long camps for children
gressing our professions, we were not tive and inspiring and gives tirelessly impacted by addiction and trauma, and
that involved in working for non-profit of herself.” school-based programs in lower in-
organizations,” Brian says. “We en- Bunny says similar kind words come Sarasota County schools.
courage others to make time, and mon- about the Wides. “They are the most Brian and Joan Wides’ impact on
ey if possible, to become involved at kind, generous, smart and unassuming the mental health community in our
an earlier age. The fact that we’re now people I know. They did not let their region speaks volumes. Unfortunate-
able to make some contributions to own personal tragedy stop them from ly, there were not many mental health
many lives is very fulfilling.” helping others with mental illnesses services available to their daughter
The Wides’ daughter Melissa suf- in every way possible.” Bunny adds, when she was alive. “We have now
fered from mental illness for 20 years “They are true mensches!” learned how much she could have been
before she passed away in 2014. The Their generosity does not stop helped, and we have the opportunity
couple has now made it their life’s there. The Wides like to support causes to help others that still need that help.
work to support organizations that Joan and Brian Wides where they can see the practical bene- If we can help people in a practical
combat a variety of mental illnesses. who live and work closely with teens. fits of their giving. They are involved way, it’s a wonderful thing to do. We
At The Jewish Federation of It is a five-step action plan designed to with the Academy at Glengary which try to give people the opportunities she
Sarasota-Manatee, they have estab- raise awareness and help adolescents provides community reintegration and never had.” Joan poignantly adds, “To
lished the Melissa Wides Foundation suffering from a mental health or sub- career training for adults with mental be able to change someone’s life in a
Education Scholarship Fund which stance abuse crisis. health issues, in areas such as technol- positive direction, even if just chang-
awards college scholarships to those Andrea Eiffert, Federation’s Teen ogy, graphic design, culinary & hospi- es one person’s life, is a very precious
who are behaviorally or emotionally and Family Program Coordinator who tality and customer service. Brian says, thing.”
challenged and those who are interest- will be coordinating this new program, “The future looks bleak for those with For information on how you can
ed in pursuing the mental health pro- says, “The Wides’ commitment and mental illness. It gives them something support The Jewish Federation of Sara-
fession. Specifically, it helps students caring for individuals struggling with positive to do and somewhere to go. It sota-Manatee, please contact Ilene Fox
with a financial need to attend a 2- to their mental health is even more cru- gives them hope and is a tremendous at ifox@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2111.
4-year college, university or vocational cial now when so many people have
program; who are challenged with psy- been isolated, lost loved ones, are out
chological, physical, cognitive, behav- of work, etc. This program will have Who does the Jewish community turn to for
ioral or emotional limitations; or who a direct and positive impact on many the most trusted service in real estate?
are planning to major in an area of un- teens and families in our community.”
dergraduate study such as Psychiatry, Major Gifts Officer Rich Bergman
Psychology or Social Work. The Wides says, “Brian and Joan understand that
family has provided funds sufficient to mental health issues are widespread
assist four students each year for each and universal. Working with our Jew-
of the years they attend school (up to ish Federation, their vision is to help
four years). people struggling with mental health
Lisa Feinman, Resource Devel- challenges to restart their lives and Contributing to the
opment Manager who manages the make their lives better. Our communi- prosperity of our
Federation’s college scholarship pro- ty is so fortunate to be the recipient of Jewish Community
gram, says, “At the outset, Brian and their love and leadership.” since 1979!
Joan take the time to get to know Outside of the Federation, the Ryan Ackerman Barbara Ackerman
each awardee and endeavor to keep in Wides are very active in the local 941.387.1818 941.780.6045

munity institutions to train on a variety touch with them as their studies prog- chapter of Compeer, which was creat- #1 Small Team in Sarasota and Manatee County
of topics from first aid to hurricane pre- ress. Their generosity and vision have ed by Federation board member Bunny www.ackermangroup.net
paredness, assess each organization’s opened doors that might otherwise Skirboll in Rochester, New York in the
security needs, maintain collaborative have remained closed.” 1970s. The program matches commu-
relationships with local law enforce- Brian and Joan are also demon- nity volunteers in supportive friend-
ment and oversee the hiring of addi- strating their deep compassion once ship relationships with children and
tional security guards where needed. again by sponsoring a new Federation adults with mental health issues. Joan,
Jeff will work collaboratively with two program that will enable two local who is on the Compeer board and also
committees – one that addresses Fed- WE BUY GOLD,
eration’s security and safety needs, and DIAMONDS AND JEWELRY.
another that oversees ADULTS
those needs for our Jew-
ish community institu- CHARITY CULTURE
tions.
Our Federation will KIDS
continue to do every- JEWISH
thing in its power to CALENDAR
provide a safe and se- Your Hub
cure future for our area OF EVENTS
Jewish institutions. Thank you to those IN SARASOTA for Jewish Events
who have joined us in this effort and AND MANATEE
have generously given their time, tal-
ents and tzedakah to support this im-
portant initiative.
To make a contribution to the Keep
Us Safe Fund, please visit jfedsrq.org/ LEARN
KeepUsSafe or call 941.371.4546. FAMILY EST. 1979

1484 Main Street | Sarasota, FL

JFEDSRQ.org/JewishEvents (941) 312-5566 | www.zemil.net