ORLANDO, Fla. – When Joseph Sivoli moved to Florida more than a decade ago, he wasn’t aware of the mental health resources available for Orlando’s gay community.
It wasn’t until he underwent trauma therapy several years ago that he realized the profound benefits of counseling.
“It was like turning a floodlight on in a room that only had a single light bulb. I finally started to understand why my behavior was the way it was,” Sivoli said.
Sivoli said his experience encouraged him to found Beacon Health, a nonprofit organization planning to offer free mental health services to Central Florida’s LGBTQ community starting in August.
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Sivoli said people will be able to call their hotline and schedule an appointment if needed. Following that, a referral could be offered.
“A place where the community can come and feel safe and be supported and get services they need and get referrals to others services if we don’t provide them,” Sivoli said.
Interns from the University of Central Florida will also assist in providing services.
Beacon Health will host a fundraising event on June 29 inside the Deer Creek Village Clubhouse. More information on how to donate can be found here.
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