What a difference a change of scenery can make. SunServe’s new headquarters features open spaces, glass walls, and cool-yet-calming decor. It projects a welcoming vibe to all who enter.
“It’s a new vibe altogether,” SunServe’s CEO Tony Lima said. “Not only is it airy with brighter lights, we have treatment rooms that can seat up to five people for when we’re working with families. It’s the perfect space to be doing this kind of work.”
To be sure, SunServe has always been welcoming, especially over the past few years. But its old offices on Wilton Drive, in the white building next to the Italian Civic League, were just that: old. With low ceilings, an odd layout, and a poorly lit floor plan, the space was outdated and not the best physical representation of SunServe’s mission.
SunServe debuted the new space during an open house in late October. Lima addressed the crowd of supporters, staff, and donors saying, “We’ve been in the community for almost 25 years providing crucial mental health and social services for the most marginalized. To now be able to do that work in this state of the art space means the world.”
Their take on providing mental health services is wide-ranging, from triaging people who may have no food or somewhere to go, to getting them into care and follow-up treatment, the staff works all hours. The goal of the new offices is to foster greater openness among staff and clients.
Misty “Eyez” Alicia is the director of Transgender Services. A longtime advocate who recently earned a PhD, she decorated her new office with news articles and plaques documenting her work. It’s not to emphasize personal glory, but to show new, struggling clients what is possible.
“When a client comes to my office, they’re often in a state of defeat. I want them to know that you too can make it. I’ve been where they are. I’ve been homeless. I’ve been a substance use disorder person. I’ve been a sex worker. I want them to know that there is a future out there for them.”
The new offices are located on the AHF campus in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Lima says if you need help, you are welcome there.
“Welcome with a bit of a hug. Welcome, this is your place. You should feel comfortable. You should feel included.”
Photo by JR Davis.