• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

Elliott Steele

David Lambert’s contributions attract attention

May 25, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes at its May 18 meeting to thank David Lambert for his many efforts through the years to improve the quality of life in Pasco County.

Lambert, who has worked 27 years for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), has played a leadership role on numerous boards and has been an advocate for increasing mental health services, according to a resolution adopted by the board.

David Lambert was honored during the Pasco County Commission’s May 18 board meeting. Lambert received a standing ovation for all of the work he has done to serve on boards to help others, particularly those struggling with the challenge of mental illness. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He has been heavily involved in efforts to expand mental health services in Pasco and Hernando County through the “Recovery through Work” program known as Vincent House Pinellas, Vincent House Pasco, and Vincent Academy of the Nature Coast, according to the resolution.

Vincent House Pasco, in partnership with Pasco County’s Community Development department recently received the National Community Development Association 2021 Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award. The project was cited as an “exemplary and innovative use of Community Development Block Grant funds,” the resolution says.

Vincent House Pasco joins Vincent House Hernando and Pinellas in delivering hope, providing individuals with mental illness the opportunity to rebuild their lives, to increase self-worth and to become productive citizens, the resolution notes.

The honor also highlights Lambert’s work with numerous government and community leaders over the years to help create opportunities for others.

Lambert serves as president of Van Gogh’s Palette covering Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, which offers needed services to those living with mental illness.

He’s worked with WREC CEO Billy Brown and the WREC staff to improve mental health services throughout the Tampa Bay region, the resolution says.

He’s also worked diligently with Van Gogh’s Palette co-founders Elliott and Dianne Steele; founding board member and retired Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger; State Senate President Wilton Simpson; the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pasco County Commission, the resolution says.

Lambert began his career at the WREC 27 years ago, as a meter reader. Over the years, he has worked as a lineman and journeyman, before moving into his current role in which he oversees five departments, including member and community relations, government affairs, purchasing, safety and human resources, the resolution says.

In his professional role, Lambert has worked closely with local, state and federal officials —  fostering the goals and objectives of the WREC’s commitment to its members in its five-county service territory and the community, at large.

He’s held board roles in such organizations as the Pasco County Housing Authority, Pasco-Hernando Career Source Board and Feeding Pasco’s Elderly.

Besides being honored by the county board, Lambert was honored by Summer Blevins, a member of Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ staff.

“I am just here to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of David Lambert, and his countless contributions to our community, and to leave an extension of remarks that have been entered into the official Congressional Record on his behalf,” Blevins said, leaving a binder containing those remarks on the county’s board’s podium for Lambert to pick up.

Lambert was then invited to the podium to offer some remarks.

He responded first, by expressing gratitude.

“Thank you, and I’m very humbled by this proclamation.”

Then, he shared the accolades.

“A lot of credit goes to a lot of people who really have stepped up and done a lot of things. No one does anything by themselves, and you all were instrumental in bringing Vincent House to Pasco, and your leadership was unbelievable.”

He specifically named County Administrator Dan Biles, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, and County Commissioner Jack Mariano and State Senate President Wilton Simpson for leaving no stones unturned.

“And, for that, you’re going to save thousands of lives,” Lambert said.

“Mental health is a big issue within our communities and, nationally, and we certainly need to focus on that a lot more. I’m just greatly appreciative,” he said.

His gratitude also extends to family, the WREC and for the people of Vincent House.

The people of Vincent House, he said, “prove to me every day, that just because you have a disability — a mental illness or something — you can lead a full and productive life, given the tools and resources, if you have them.”

Published May 26, 2021

Pasco celebrates national award

April 27, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission paused during its April 20 meeting to celebrate the work of its community development department, which recently received a national award for its role in a collaborative project known as The Vincent House Project.

The department received the 2021 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award from the National Community Development Association. The honor was bestowed in January.

Marcy Esbjerg, director of Pasco County’s community development department, appears before the Pasco County Commission to talk about a collaborative project called the Vincent House Project, which received a national award. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Vincent House Project is aimed at increasing the availability of mental health services in Pasco County, according to a resolution passed by the board.

The project came about through the county’s donation of 10 acres of land in Hudson, coupled with the expenditure of more than $1 million in Community Development Block Grant Funds to construct a 10,000-square-foot facility.

“Vincent House’s facility and programs exhibit innovation, sustainability and collaboration for the residents of Pasco County experiencing serious and persistent mental illness,” the resolution says.

It also recognizes “the contributions and partnership of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative in the implementation of this award-winning community project to benefit low- and moderate-income persons living with a serious and persistent mental illness to regain the skills needed to become productive members of our community.”

The mission at Vincent House is to assist, promote and celebrate individuals recovering from a mental illness in their effort to improve social and vocational skills, and become employed in the community, according to the Vincent House website.

Co-founders of Vincent House, Elliott and Dianne Steele, became interested in creating a facility that would help people living with a serious mental illness when their daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia, the website says.

They tried to find something that would help their daughter overcome the problems related to her diagnosis but could not find anything in the state of Florida.

Eventually, they found just what they wanted in the Clubhouse model, a place that provided hope, respect and dignity; a place where participants, called members, could practice work and then become employed in the community when they were ready, the website adds.

In addition to the Vincent House Pasco, there’s also a Vincent House Pinellas in Pinellas Park and a Vincent House Hernando in Spring Hill.

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative is another partner on the project.

Dave Lambert, of the electric cooperative, told board members: “What you’ve done with Vincent House is going to change the lives of thousands of people in Pasco County, for years and years to come.”

Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development, offered some remarks, too.

“This is a national award. We did assist with community development block grant funds, to build the building and you all donated the land. I thought it was a great public-private partnership with Withlacoochee Electric Cooperative,” Esbjerg said.

“I want to take a moment to recognize the staff from community development that were frontline in making sure that the building went vertical, that all of the gopher tortoises were safely removed, all those things that happen behind the scene.”

She singled out Denise Lindsay, the department’s community development specialist, and Michael Ball, its housing rehab specialist.

“They were really on the front lines to assist,” Esbjerg said.

She added that her department had an opportunity to make a presentation about the project.

“The most exciting aspect, was to hear remarks from members of Vincent House,” she said.

“It is just an honor and a privilege to be a part of their journey, of healing and restoration in the community. That’s what this is all about, and we all get to share in that,” Esbjerg said.

Published April 28, 2021

Primary Sidebar

A Conversation with Lutz Filmmaker, Alexis Yahre

Search

Sponsored Content

Avalon Applauds Kids Helping Kids Pasco County 

May 10, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Congratulations to Kids Helping Kids Pasco County for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The nonprofit … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds Kids Helping Kids Pasco County 

Dynamic Duo Transforms Wedding Events

May 3, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

From diverse family backgrounds rooted in Vietnam and Puerto Rico, Bich (pronounced Bic) Le and Sandy Baez run … [Read More...] about Dynamic Duo Transforms Wedding Events

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

05/17/2022 – Bees & butterflies

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host “Bees & Butterflies” story times. Toddlers can attend on May 17 at 10:15 a.m., and preschoolers at 11 a.m. The stories will be repeated on May 18 and May 20, at the same times. Space is limited. Registration is required online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 05/17/2022 – Bees & butterflies

05/17/2022 – Make a mug cake

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will offer these mug cake-making classes: May 17 at 1 p.m., for young children; at 5 p.m., for teens; and at 6 p.m., for grades four to seven. Participants should bring their own mug. Ingredients will be provided. All attendees must be registered online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 05/17/2022 – Make a mug cake

05/18/2022 – Cribbage Club

A cribbage club will meet every Wednesday at 6 p.m., at the Wilderness Lake Preserve clubhouse, 21326 Wilderness Lake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Play is informal at this time, but by the summer, the club is hoping to play an organized nine games, and to join the American Cribbage Congress organization. For information and questions, contact Jim Correa at 732-322-7103 or . … [Read More...] about 05/18/2022 – Cribbage Club

05/18/2022 – Democratic Club

The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on May 18, via Zoom. Socializing will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Email , for more information. … [Read More...] about 05/18/2022 – Democratic Club

05/18/2022 – Florida landscaping

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a UF/IFAS Extension seminar, “Florida Friendly Landscaping 101” on May 18 at 11 a.m. To register, visit EventBrite.com. … [Read More...] about 05/18/2022 – Florida landscaping

05/19/2022 – Adaptive gardening

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will offer a Little Seeds of Hope Adaptive Gardening Program on May 19 at 4 p.m., for ages 14 to 18; and at 5 p.m., for ages 11 to 14. The program is for children with a diverse range of special needs, and is aimed at fostering a positive environment where garden activities are interactive, naturalistic, and not too structured. The theme for this program is fruit. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 05/19/2022 – Adaptive gardening

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

Home for all your local news in Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
50m

TONIGHT: The New River Library will offer mug cake-making classes at 5 and 6PM for teens. Must sign up ahead of time with the library! https://buff.ly/3wnvohg

Reply on Twitter 1526563258123132928Retweet on Twitter 15265632581231329281Like on Twitter 1526563258123132928Twitter 1526563258123132928
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
23h

Need some summer-fun activities for the kids? The City of Zephyrhills will host free summer recreation programs for local youth, running from May 31 through July 7. https://buff.ly/3yDWdAB

Reply on Twitter 1526231280861470725Retweet on Twitter 15262312808614707251Like on Twitter 1526231280861470725Twitter 1526231280861470725
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
16 May

Showering teachers with tokens of appreciation!
.
.
.
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has always prioritized education, and supports local teachers often. Check out what gifts they got them: https://buff.ly/3yy6pKJ

Reply on Twitter 1526200919343476737Retweet on Twitter 15262009193434767371Like on Twitter 15262009193434767371Twitter 1526200919343476737
Load More...

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc