HUDSON, Fla. — Vincent House, a local nonprofit organization that supports individuals recovering from mental illness, has received $200,000 from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builder Program to continue their education and mental health programs.

What You Need To Know

  • Vincent House, a nonprofit mental health clubhouse, was awarded a $200,000 grant from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builder Program

  • All participants in this program are referred to as “members” and are trained to perform a variety of tasks

  • Its members focus on developing their social and vocational skills to improve their employment prospects in the community

  • The plan is to use the funds to create more affordable housing for those fighting mental illness

The facility functions as a clubhouse that serves individuals living with mental illness. All participants in this program are referred to as “members” and are trained to perform a variety of tasks.

After joining Vincent House, Ian Magnusson has been able to use his creative skills in their news and production studio, enjoying some autonomy.

“I am usually available here from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” he said.

Magnusson expressed his gratitude for discovering this safe space.

“I suffer from depression (and) anxiety,” he said. “It’s great to have the Vincent House out in the community that is breaking the stigma by making it more person-focused instead of diagnosis-focused.”

Elizabeth Statzer serves as the Executive Director of the Vincent House. She says the program is not clinical in nature. Instead, its members focus on developing their social and vocational skills to improve their employment prospects in the community.

“Our third work unit focuses on our culinary skills. We work together to prepare and cook together,” said Statzer.

She believes this work allows her to support a community that is often overlooked.

“People with mental illness are some of the most talented people that I know,” she said. “It’s a great environment to champion and find our members’ strengths."

The grant will provide valuable resources to its members, according to Statzer. She considers it a sign of progress, mentioning that mental health has gained more attention compared to when Vincent House first opened its doors 20 years ago.

“Before COVID, we talked about mental illness that 1/4 suffered from mental illness in any given year,” Statzer said. “The silver lining to COVID is that people recognize how prevalent mental illness is.” 

Magnusson says he feels seen as an individual for the first time, rather than being defined by his disability or diagnosis.

“It is great to have a place that isn’t limited by a very bad time and sees everyone as a person,” he said.

Almost 21 years ago, Vincent House opened in Pinellas Park. Five years ago, another one opened in Spring Hill. The plan is to use the funds to create more affordable housing for those fighting mental illness.