Elite DNA Behavioral Health launches June donation drive to support local youth in Gainesville
Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health service provider, is hosting a donation drive through June 30 to support local youth facing challenges in the Gainesville area.
The drive is in partnership with CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals and strengthens families and communities through prevention, counseling and youth programs. One of its cornerstone initiatives, the Interface Youth Program, offers a safe, short-term shelter for children ages 10 to 17 who are facing challenges such as family conflict, housing instability or emotional distress. The program is available 24/7 at no cost to families, providing meals, clothing, individuals and group counseling and life skills education.
Elite DNA’s donation drive will support the Interface Youth Program and will provide various items to youth participating in CDS summer programs and ongoing services. Requested items include school supplies, board games, card games, handheld calculators, coloring books and crayons, toothbrushes and toothpaste, duffle bags, McDonald’s gift cards and brushes and combs (without points).
The community can drop off donations at Elite DNA’s Gainesville office, located at 1131 N.W. 64th Terrace, Suite A, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“At Elite DNA, we recognize the difficulties our local youth face, and we believe that no young person should have to navigate these hardships alone,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, LCSW, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health. “Too often, these young individuals lack access to the resources, support and stability they need to thrive. With the generosity of the community, we can help provide essential items that empower them to work toward a brighter future.”
“CDS has a five-decade history of working with our community partners in support of the North Florida children, youth, families and communities we serve,” said Philip N. Kabler, J.D., CEO of CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc. “We look forward to developing a new partnership with Elite DNA to continue that work in the future.”
For more information, visit CDSFL.org/Interface-Youth-Program/.
About Elite DNA Behavioral Health
Elite DNA Behavioral Health was founded in 2013 by Elizabeth Dosoretz, a licensed clinical social worker and mother of three, whose goal is to provide accessible, affordable mental health care to everyone. Now celebrating 12 years in business, Elite DNA is one of the largest mental health providers in the state, providing in-person and virtual behavioral health services to children, adolescents and adults at more than 30 locations across Florida. Services include psychiatry, psychology, medication management, substance use treatment, TMS therapy for depression, occupational therapy, speech therapy, applied behavior analysis and targeted case management services. Elite DNA accepts a large variety of insurances, including Medicaid/Medicare and has a self-pay sliding scale for established patients. For more information, visit EliteDNA.com.
About CDS Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that has served North Central Florida for over 55 years. Through delinquency, violence, and substance prevention, behavior counseling and youth outreach programs (including as regional coordinator of the national Safe Place program), CDS works to empower individuals and strengthen families and communities. One of its cornerstone initiatives, the Interface Youth Program, offers a safe, short-term shelter for children ages 10–17 who are facing challenges such as family conflict, housing instability or emotional distress. The program is available 24/7 at no cost to families, providing meals, clothing, individual and group counseling and life skills education. Interface helps youth stabilize, heal and return to their homes or a more supportive environment. CDS operates in Gainesville, Lake City and Palatka, serving Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam, Suwannee and Union counties.
