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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professional Provides Access Where Needed In the Jacksonville Community
Reylius Thompson, Owner of Climb Up – Climb Out, Inc., from first appearance, seemed to be a quiet and observant individual. This impression turned out to be accurate. However, after Thomas Waters, Director of Entrepreneurship at the Jacksonville Urban League (JULEC), discussed the services of the JULEC, Mr. Thompson began to open up and talk about the neighborhood that he grew up in and still resides.
The community which Mr. Thompson resides is designated as “Health Zone 1 (HZ1)” in Jacksonville, Florida. HZ1 is defined as the community with the most disparities – economic, health, educational, social, physical, housing, transportation, and food. He stated that the neighborhood is a stage for real people who have real problems with substance and alcohol abuse. Additionally, Mr. Thompson stated that mental health issues tend to exist with many people who generally have no access to treatment.
“In growing up and living in the community, I saw the need for my professional services. This is how I see myself giving back to my community”
Mr. Thompson came to the EC as a referral from a friend who owns a small business and received EC services. His desire was to become incorporated and provide services in his neighborhood. As a result of the services rendered to Mr. Thompson by the JULEC, Mr. Thompson is incorporated and can provide mental health, substance and alcohol abuse counseling in his community, thus helping to improve disparities.
