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Stories

Faced with a rising need for mental health and substance misuse care, Lakeview Center has grown with our community since 1954. Each year, we serve more than 29,000 adults and children in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Some of these stories of growth and success – for our team members and those we serve – are below.

All interview requests must be made through the Marketing and Communications department. For assistance, please call 850-503-8164 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

older woman smiling for the future
Kenithia headshot

Kenithia’s journey as a CHIPS foster parent

For nearly a decade, Kenithia Brewington has opened her heart and home to children through Lakeview Center’s CHIPS (Changing Horizons through Innovative Parenting Systems) program. Her passion for fostering stems from personal experience—having been raised by her uncle for part of her childhood, Kenithia understands the feeling of being separated from a biological parent. “I […]

Roberts journey as an adult foster parent

Robert’s journey as a CIRCLE adult foster parent

“I actually got tricked into becoming an adult foster parent,” Robert Gulley laughs. “A friend convinced me to come to a Lakeview Center training years ago—and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Now 76 years old and a retired Navy veteran, Robert has spent the last 15 years caring as a foster parent through Lakeview […]

Landrum joined Lakeview Center leaders to present a generous donation of $17,297, raised during the 2024 Landrum 5K.

Landrum 5K raises more than $17,000 benefiting Lakeview Center

Pensacola, Fla. (May 28, 2025) – Landrum presented to Lakeview Center a $17,297.14 donation – proceeds from the 2nd Annual Landrum 5K Run/Walk held in October of 2024. Last year, Lakeview Center served more than 27,000 adults and children with mental illnesses, drug and alcohol dependencies and intellectual disabilities. The Landrum 5K promotes awareness of […]

Alicia headshot

From survivor to advocate: Alicia Tappan fights against human trafficking

As a survivor of human trafficking, Alicia Tappan embodies resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Her journey led her to launch Survivor-Led Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering human trafficking survivors. Because exposure to the trauma of human trafficking can lead to mental health and substance misuse, Alicia’s expertise and first-hand experience in trauma-informed care make […]

Rita Grandberry’s foster care journey

A heart for healing: Rita Grandberry’s foster care journey

Rita Grandberry’s foster care journey is nothing short of remarkable. With a history of fostering that began over 30 years ago, Rita’s passion for giving back stems from deeply personal experiences. After her 21-year-old son was tragically murdered, she turned to foster care as a way to heal and honor his memory. “Someone took a […]

buona fortuna supports lakeview center

Buona Fortuna Lodge supports Lakeview Center’s crisis mental health care

Pensacola, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2025) – Buona Fortuna Lodge in Pensacola awarded Lakeview Center a $1,000 grant. This generous donation will help support crisis mental health needs from Escambia to Walton County – particularly Lakeview Center’s Mobile Response Team (MRT). MRT offers 24/7 crisis intervention and support, providing telephone triage or coming to callers for […]

Eric’s journey through Lakeview’s residential programs

Over the course of seven months, Eric progressed through Lakeview’s Short-Term Residential Treatment (SRT) program and Lodges program, both tailored to support individuals grappling with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health challenges. These programs provide a structured environment where individuals can address their struggles, develop healthier coping strategies and build a foundation for long-term recovery. […]

group photo with a check

United Way Emerald Coast supports Lakeview Center homeless outreach

DeFuniak Springs, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2024) – Homeless individuals struggling with mental health issues will soon have better access to housing while they strive for stability, thanks to support of Lakeview Center by United Way Emerald Coast. Lakeview Center was named a United Way Emerald Coast partner agency for 2024 with a $19,066 grant towards […]

PATH client testimonials

Helping clients through homelessness

For individuals and families facing the challenges of homelessness, hope can seem out of reach. Lakeview Center was named a United Way Emerald Coast partner agency for 2024 with a grant towards the PATH team – or Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness. Lakeview Center’s PATH team supports mental health clients struggling with homelessness […]