Directions for Living

06/04/2026

Bay News 9 recently featured a story on our partnership with the Treasure Island Police Department, through which we provide a street outreach coordinator to provide resources, housing assistance and mental health support to local residents. With the spike in mental health needs and housing limitations post-hurricanes, there is unfortunately more need than ever in the area.

Click below to read the full article, including our philosophy on how "extending compassion and care can be a catalyst for change."

City commissioners signed off on a new agreement with the nonprofit Directions for Living.

05/15/2026

We need your support!

Voting is officially LIVE for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Best of the Bay, and we would be so grateful for your support by voting for Directions for Living as Best Non-Profit – Pinellas.

Click here to vote: https://vote.cltampa.com/places/best-non-profit-pinellas

If you want to help, don’t forget to:
• Vote daily
• Share this post with your friends & family
• Double check spelling (or copy/paste Directions for Living)

Every vote helps increase awareness of Directions for Living and the life-changing services we provide across our community. Greater visibility means more people learn about our mission, the support available to children and families, and the impact we can make together.

05/05/2026

Our President & CEO, April Lott, was recently featured in a WTSP 10 Tampa Bay story examining what happens when mental health crises escalate and become dangerous. In the interview, April shared expert insight on the challenges first responders and behavioral health professionals face when de-escalating crisis situations, emphasizing that while intervention tools and training are critical, not every situation can be resolved safely without specialized support. The story highlights the importance of continued investment in mental health services, crisis intervention resources, and community partnerships to ensure individuals receive the care they need before situations reach a breaking point.

A Vietnam veteran was shot and killed in Lakeland by deputies after efforts to de-escalate turned dangerous, according to the sheriff's office.

04/30/2026

Our hearts are so full reflecting on this year’s Little Lights event! ✨

We’re incredibly grateful for the sponsors who helped bring this meaningful evening to life. Your generosity made it possible to create a beautiful space for our community to come together, listen, learn, and shine a light on hope and healing for the children and families we serve.

A special thank you to our Light and Impact Sponsors: Windmoor Healthcare of Clearwater, Seibert Insurance Agency, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, Lightwave Management Resources, Mutual of America Financial Group, Florida Insurance Trust, Flagship Bank, Valley Bank, ServisFirst Bank, and Marsh McLennan Agency - Florida.

04/30/2026

DFL team members attended the conference, NatCon, this week in Denver! NatCon is the largest conference in the nation for professionals in the mental health and substance use industry. It was a great opportunity for education, networking, and bringing back fresh ideas to better serve our community.

04/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and made this year’s Little Lights such a magical and inspiring evening. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we gathered to hold space for heavy, important conversations, while also celebrating hope, healing, and resilience.

Guests experienced powerful client stories in an intimate way through personal headphones, took home bookmarks with custom artwork created by the children we serve, enjoyed delicious food and drinks, and explored the incredible FloridaRAMA museum.

We were honored to hear moving messages from PCSO Chief Deputy David Danzig, our President & CEO April Lott, and one of our truly inspiring clients. Each voice helped shine a light on the impact of this work and the strength within our community.

To everyone who attended, supported, and donated—thank you! Your presence and generosity make this work possible.

View all of the beautiful images captured throughout the night by treasured friend of Directions for Living, Leshayne Maddex, Photographer: https://tinyurl.com/39zt5fwr

✨ Special thank you to our sponsors to our Visionary, Illuminator, and Beacon sponsors: Florida Blue, Love IV Lawrence, Eleos Health, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, St. Anthony's Hospital, Hancock Whitney, Dimmitt Chevrolet Inc., Blue Sky Communities, and Northwestern Farm Management Company.

04/17/2026

We’re proud to share our Healthy Bites Snack Stand program, made possible by the generous support of the Clearwater Lions Club -Florida.

Designed to support clients who may need a little extra care and nourishment, Healthy Bites provides easy access to nutritious snacks and drinks before treatment sessions. Something as simple as a snack can help reduce stress, improve focus, and create a more positive, supportive experience for those we serve.

With welcoming, self-serve snack stations in the waiting areas at our Clearwater Center, families can access what they need, no questions asked, ensuring dignity, consistency, and care at every visit.

04/10/2026

Go blue for kids! 💙 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Team DFL showed up in blue at our all-team meeting today to stand for prevention, protection, and brighter futures for every child.

02/12/2026

Get ready for Little Lights 2026! Join us on Thursday, April 16 at FloridaRAMA, St. Pete’s one-of-a-kind immersive art museum for a magical after-hours experience. Explore vibrant exhibits, enjoy delicious bites and drinks, and connect with friends, community leaders, and fellow supporters, all while helping create brighter futures for children in Tampa Bay. Learn more at directionsforliving.org/littlelights.

02/09/2026

We are excited to introduce Directions for Living's Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, which is available for viewing, sharing, and downloading at www.directionsforliving.org/impact.

Our Annual Report includes a variety of information from Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025), including Directions for Living's most recent client statistics, a list of our generous donors, a snapshot of our financial and clinical progress, and a celebration of our success.

This growth has allowed us to dramatically expand our impact on the greater Tampa Bay community, ensuring “Life Gets Better Here” for more than 31,000 people each year.