Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches Celebrates 76 Years of Belonging

MHAPB Garden Ribbon Cutting

Refurbished garden revealed during ribbon cutting

Boca Raton, FL – December 8, 2025 – Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches (MHAPB) celebrated 76 years of creating belonging for people with mental health challenges at its West Palm Beach Clubhouse and Peer Place location on November 13, 2025. The evening featured member-led tours, original art by Peer Place members, vibrant floral arrangements from Trader Joe’s donations, delectable light bites by Sandy James, and a ribbon-cutting for the newly revitalized garden.

MHAPB Garden Ribbon Cutting

Andy McAusland, MHAPB CEO welcomed guests with gratitude. “This year, we honor our legacy, reflect on how far we have come, and look ahead to growing our flourishing community,” he said. “This milestone is a testament to the power of people, place, and purpose to create lasting change.”

Board president Melanie Otero added that the power underlying MHAPB’s impact is love. “That’s a word you here a lot here,” she told attendees. “Love is acceptance. Love is seeing a person beyond their diagnosis. And love is believing in their hope for recovery as much as they do.”

Members Laronte Hunter and Michelle Bennett shared their experiences as Clubhouse members. “It’s all abut the team and working together,” said Hunter. “Everyone here understands you are not your diagnosis,” added Bennett.

The garden revitalization was led by Andres Ochoa of Capital Mortgage Trust and Young Professionals of the Palm Beaches and Caitlen Macias of BotQueen, who raised funds and recruited volunteers. Gary Ross, of Ross Felty, a Real Estate Law Firm, and Harriet Freeman of Merola & Freeman donated funding for supplies, while Jorge and Jordan Diaz of Diaz Landscaping rejuvenated the space where a butterfly garden, herbs and vegetables, and seating areas provide a place of meditation for members and staff. Greg Lovell donated painting services to beautify the interior of the Clubhouse.

Otero closed the evening encouraging guests to spread awareness: “Tell people about us. Help our members grow and flourish. That’s love.”

Notable attendees included: Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss; Public Defender Daniel Eisinger; Abigail Goodwin and Heather DeStefano, Palm Health Foundation; Seth Bernstein, United Way of Palm Beach County; Jon Van Arnam, Health Care District; Wellington community volunteers Marge Sullivan and Cathy Conner; and MHAPB board members Ilene Silber, Ben Cecil, and Sandra Ojurongbe.

To schedule a tour or donate, contact [email protected], (561) 832-3755, or visit mhapalmbeaches.org.

Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches’ mission is to create a supportive community where all people can flourish. We have created places for people to find belonging and purpose. Where they are defined by their talents and skills, not by a mental health diagnosis. And where everyone gets encouragement and support to grow and build a fulfilling life. We are a proud Palm Beach County affiliate of Mental Health America, the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention.

Shelby Swiderski, Greg Lovell, Joe Heffernan, Rick Malave And Ben Cecil