David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider, has received a $500,000 pledge from the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation to support the construction of the Van Domelen Children’s Center of Excellence, a critical component of the Hope for Collier: Building Stronger Minds Together initiative being led by DLC.

            “This generous investment from the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation strengthens the future of behavioral health care for children in our community,” said Kimberly Dye, vice president of advancement at DLC. “It supports the development of the Van Domelen Children’s Center of Excellence and expands our ability to deliver compassionate, coordinated care. This includes a dedicated courtroom space designed to create a more supportive experience for children and families navigating the Baker Act process.”

            In recognition of the foundation’s contribution, DLC will name the courtroom within the Children’s Center of Excellence in honor of the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation. The dedicated space will be used for Baker Act hearings, helping streamline access to critical judicial processes while ensuring a more supportive, therapeutic environment for children in crisis.

            “We are delighted to support David Lawrence Centers in building the Van Domelen Children's Center of Excellence," said George A. Wilson, Trustee of the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation. "This new, state-of-the-art facility will greatly benefit children and families in our community by incorporating all life-changing and life-saving programs and services for those with mental health and substance abuse challenges under one roof."

            Wilson has been a long-time supporter of DLC, previously serving on the boards of both David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health and the David Lawrence Foundation for Mental Health.

            The Van Domelen Children’s Center of Excellence will be located on DLC’s main campus on Bathey Lane in Naples. The new center, combined with the Diermeier Access and Integrated Care Center and the Collier County Behavioral Health Center, serves as foundation for the next phase of expansion and innovation for the entire system.

            The state-of-the-art, 31,0000 square-foot building will bring DLC’s children’s services under one roof, doubling the capacity to care for young people experiencing behavioral health crises. The center will feature a variety of programs and services including:

DLC expects to break ground on the new Van Domelen Children’s Center of Excellence in 2027, with completion anticipated by mid to late 2028.

For more than 55 years, DLC has been committed to ensuring behavioral health care is available to everyone in need through education, prevention, intervention and treatment. DLC delivers care throughout the community through six distinct centers of operation, including mental health, addiction recovery, emergency services, awareness and prevention, virtual care, and children and young adults.

To learn more about the lifesaving and life-changing services and programs offered by David Lawrence Centers, visit DLCenters.org

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents, and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves 8,000 people through over 331,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, visit DLCenters.org or call 239-455-8500.

 

Founded in 2023, the Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation is a private family foundation that primarily funds charitable activities through grants. Over the years, it has supported local nonprofits benefitting children, the environment, cancer research and women's initiatives. It also is involved in the community through support of local events and initiatives.