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SANFORD, FL (January 29, 2026) —United by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for individuals living with mental illness, Dave’s House a nonprofit provider of permanent supportive housing for adults living with disabilities including serious mental illness, and the Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF), a leading provider of free and accessible mental health services, celebrated the grand opening of their new offices (across the hall from one another) at The Neighborhood COOP in Sanford with a Double Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on January 28, 2026.

 

The morning event brought together a strong gathering of community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit partners, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders who came to show their support for expanding access to mental health services and permanent supportive housing in Seminole County. Guests toured both offices, connected with staff, and learned more about how the two organizations are

 

Ellen O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Dave’s House shared updates on Dave’s House’s growing presence in Seminole County, including the launch of Dave’s House at Celery, the organization’s first multi-unit residential neighborhood being developed in partnership with Community Assisted & Supported Living (CASL) and built alongside HomeAid Orlando.

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“As we launch Dave’s House at Celery—our first multi-unit residential neighborhood—having an office in Sanford keeps us close to the work and the people it will serve,” said O’Connor. “This presence allows us to stay engaged with our partners, support the project’s progress, and prepare to welcome the residents who will soon call this community home.”

 

Marni Stahlman, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, shared remarks as the organization officially opened its new Sanford office at 420 Magnolia Ave. marking an expansion of MHACF’s presence in Seminole County. The office will support MHACF’s growing community outreach and house the organization’s newest Outlook Clinic, developed in partnership with AdventHealth and the Florida Department of Children and Families, providing no-cost mental and behavioral health services for uninsured and underinsured children, adolescents, and adults.

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“Our new Sanford office positions MHACF to better serve the growing needs of Seminole County,” said Stahlman. “By being here, we can expand our outreach, strengthen community connections, and ensure individuals and families have direct access to life-changing mental health support. This opening brings compassionate, high-quality care closer to home.”

 

Following the remarks, representatives from Dave’s House, MHACF, The Neighborhood COOP, and community partners participated in the Double Ribbon Cutting, officially opening both offices. By establishing offices across the hall from one another, Dave’s House and MHACF are strengthening community access to housing, resources, and mental health support in a way that recognizes these needs as deeply interconnected.

 

About Dave's House

Dave’s House is a Central Florida-based nonprofit agency that provides affordable permanent supportive housing solutions for individuals living stably with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring disabilities. Founded in 2008, the organization develops housing models that combine a solid foundation of stable housing and managed, wraparound mental health care provided by service partners. Today, it operates throughout the state of Florida.  www.daveshouse.org

 

About MHACF

Established in 1946, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF) is the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals living with mental illness. MHACF offers free mental health services, provider referrals, peer support, and community education to promote mental wellness across Central Florida.  www.mhacf.org

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Media Contact: Paula Wyatt (321 946 6565) - Paula@AnythingisPoshAble.com

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