(L) Rev. Dr. Isaac Deas, Deas Consulting, LLC
(R) JOE Ziler; President, Kevco Builders
Founder, The Mike Endowment

It’s difficult enough, taking the steps to seek out help for a mental health condition.  Removing some of the most significant barriers has been a mission of Joe Ziler, president of Kevco Builders and founder of the Mental Illness and Kindness Endowment (MIKE), named after Joe’s younger brother who died by suicide in 2013.

With growing concern over the increase in stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health triggers, the MIKE Endowment partnered with Dr. Isaac Deas, MEd, EdD of Deas Consulting in underwriting initial sessions for local residents who have an immediate need for mental health counseling but do not have the financial resources.

“Recognizing it is the first step. But reaching out for help is the critical next step,” said Ziler. “We know that if given the choice of paying the electric bill or seeking professional counseling, the bills will always be the priority. The MIKE Endowment wanted to help remove the financial barrier for that first, critical appointment.”

The grant-supported appointments with Dr. Deas can be requested privately at TheMikeEndowment.org. Requests will be forwarded directly to Dr. Deas.

The MIKE Endowment was created through the Mount Dora Community Trust. To date, it has funded numerous mental health related projects and more than $12,000 in free counseling throughout Lake County. Donations are welcomed at MountDoraCommunityTrust.com/give/ (select M.I.K.E. in the drop-down).

TheMikeEndowment.org