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Lakeview Center receives grant from St. Joe Community Foundation to renovate Walton County Residential kitchen

Christy Birge, Tia Guidry, April Wilkes, Shawn Salamida, Dr. Carolynn Zonia
Christy Birge, Tia Guidry, April Wilkes, Shawn Salamida, Dr. Carolynn Zonia

Pensacola, Fla. (April 1, 2026) – A $32,400 grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation has enabled a much‑needed kitchen renovation at Lakeview Center of Walton County, enhancing safety and daily living for adults receiving residential mental health care.

The grant funded a comprehensive kitchen remodel, including new cabinets, countertops, appliances and other critical upgrades, transforming an outdated space into a modern, home‑like environment that supports recovery and life‑skills development for residents living with chronic mental illness.

“This generous investment from the St. Joe Community Foundation will make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of the people we serve,” said Tia Guidry, director for Lakeview Center of Walton County. “A safe, welcoming kitchen is more than a functional space — it’s where residents build independence and experience a sense of home. We are deeply grateful for St. Joe Community Foundation’s commitment to mental health care in Walton County.”

Lakeview Center of Walton County’s residential program provides 24‑hour supportive housing and intensive mental health services for adults working toward stability and community reintegration. While staff deliver compassionate, person‑centered care every day, the facility’s kitchen had not been significantly updated in more than 30 years, creating an urgent need for renovation.

The St. Joe Community Foundation’s support aligns with its focus on improving healthcare and strengthening community infrastructure across Northwest Florida. Since its inception, the St. Joe Community Foundation has provided more than $54 million in grants to improve quality of life across the region, with a focus on education, healthcare, environmental protection and cultural interests.

Renovation work at the Walton County residential units is nearing completion, with the updated space expected to be ready soon.

For more information about addiction or mental health services, call 850-469-3500 or visit eLakeviewCenter.org.