When Joseph Sivoli first moved to Florida over a decade ago, he was unaware of the mental health resources available for Orlando’s gay community. It wasn’t until he underwent trauma therapy a few years back that he realized the profound benefits of counseling. The therapy session felt like turning on a floodlight in a room that only had a single light bulb, allowing him to understand his behavior better.
Motivated by his own experience, Sivoli decided to create Beacon Health, a nonprofit organization that plans to provide free mental health services to Central Florida’s LGBTQ community starting in August. The organization will have a hotline for people to call and schedule an appointment, and referrals will be given if necessary. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can access the services they need.
In addition to mental health services, Beacon Health will also offer referrals to other services if they are not provided. Interns from the University of Central Florida will assist in providing the services, ensuring that the community gets the support they need. To support the organization, Beacon Health will host a fundraising event on June 29 at the Deer Creek Village Clubhouse. More information on how to donate can be found on their website.