Letter from the Board Chair

Crises can help define an organization. What I have learned over the past six months of this pandemic is a confirmation that Skyland Trail is indeed essential to our community. The demand for our services has increased significantly. Anxiety and depression continue to impact more people.

Skyland Trail has spent the last decade growing deeply in Atlanta as opposed to widely throughout the region. We have raised over $40 million from our dedicated donors over this past decade to build state-of-the-art campuses in Atlanta for young adults at the Rollins Campus and for adolescents at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus. In many ways, we were ready to respond to growing needs, but no one anticipated the immediate impact of a worldwide pandemic.

Our team responded. Led by two gifted leaders, Beth Finnerty and Dr. Ray Kotwicki, Skyland Trail became a safe place for our clients. Industry-leading protocols were put in place. The entire team worked tirelessly to limit the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses. Skyland Trail developed contingency plans and adapted to new guidelines. Dynamic planning became the daily norm. I could not be prouder of a group of people than I am of everyone at Skyland Trail. Was it perfect? No. Cases were confirmed and contained, yet our clients were able to continue their treatment both residentially and remotely. Every decision made at our campuses is for the good of each client. I am proud of that priority.

I thank our community for its inspirational support. Our evidence-based programs do help people deal with mental health. Our outcomes prove that we are indeed changing and saving lives. We need your continued support for financial aid. Skyland Trail is a financially strong institution, but financial aid is essential for so many people struggling during this time. We want to welcome as many people as possible who need help. Please keep this essential organization at the very top of your generosity.

From the Board, the Advisory Board, the Emeritus Board and the Adolescent Advisory Council, our deepest gratitude to every member of the Skyland Trail community for your commitment to this organization and our clients during these profoundly difficult months. You continue to impact lives.

Gratefully,