Directions for Living

09/03/2026

This summer, Directions for Living's President & CEO, April Lott shared her expertise on an important and often misunderstood topic: Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS).

April presented on CSAAS at three statewide conferences: the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Summit 2026: The Power of Advocacy, the Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers’ Krimes Against Kids Conference, and the Florida Behavioral Health Association’s BHCon2026.

Participants at each workshop shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, with one attendee describing April’s presentation as “very real, raw, and effective” and noting that it opened “a lot of eyes” to how grooming happens and who to trust.

We’re proud to see April continuing to educate professionals across Florida and help strengthen our collective understanding of child sexual abuse, trauma, and the path toward healing.

Learn more about trainings offered by April and Directions for Living at https://directionsforliving.org/hear-from-our-experts/

09/01/2026

During Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, Directions for Living is joining organizations and individuals around the world in raising awareness, encouraging meaningful conversations, and reminding those who are struggling that they are not alone. Together, we can build a community where asking for help is met with compassion and support.

If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7.

08/28/2026

Some of our team members joined the 5K Social Run during yesterday morning, organized by Charlie Engle, Chief Recovery Officer at Anonymous Health and author of The Running Man.

Beyond the miles, it was a great opportunity to prioritize wellness, connect with fellow conference attendees, and enjoy one of the many activities BHCon has to offer. We love seeing our team make time for movement, meaningful connections, and a little fun along the way!

08/26/2026

Directions for Living’s very own Charles Owens was honored onstage at this year’s as the Florida Behavioral Health Association’s Youth Clinician of the Year! And with 30 DFL team members in the audience cheering him on, it was a moment we were incredibly proud to celebrate together.

For almost a decade, Charles has been changing the lives of children and families through trauma-informed care at Directions for Living. As a child and adolescent therapist, he brings compassion, expertise, and an extraordinary ability to make young people feel safe, heard, and understood.

This award is a reflection of the incredible impact Charles makes every day and the difference one exceptional clinician can make on so many lives.

Congratulations, Charles! We are so proud to have you on Team DFL!

08/14/2026

We’re proud to see our President & CEO, April Lott, take the stage as the keynote speaker for the opening session of the 2026 FSHC Supportive Housing Summit! We’re excited to see her share her expertise and passion for supportive housing and the families we serve.

Register today at fshcsummit.com.

April Lott, LCSW, the President & CEO at Directions for Living, a CARF-accredited 501(c)3 not-for-profit child welfare and behavioral health organization will be the keynote speaker for the opening session of the 2026 FSHC Supportive Housing Summit.

April Lott holds a Master of Social Work degree and has over 35 years of experience in
the provision of child welfare services in Florida. Over the last 18 years, April has grown
Directions for Living into a diverse organization which integrates child abuse prevention
programs, homeless outreach services, diversion services, and a wide variety of
supportive child welfare and behavioral health services which touch the lives of over
30,000 individuals, children, and families each year.

Register today at fshcsummit.com

08/11/2026

Directions for Living is proud to lead a workshop on Mental Health Court at the CIT International Conference today!

Our team will present on the powerful impact of DFL’s Mental Health Court model, which is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that recognizes not everyone in jail is a criminal. Many individuals who come into contact with the justice system are experiencing untreated mental health crises, and traditional incarceration only deepens that cycle. Through Mental Health Court training, participants will learn how this specialized program diverts individuals from jail and into the treatment and support they truly need. By connecting justice with care, Mental Health Court reduces recidivism, eases the burden on correctional facilities, and helps restore lives, families, and communities.

A huge thank you to our incredible presenters, Mara and Joseph, for representing DFL and sharing the impact of this important work!

08/10/2026

Our training team is in Orlando this week for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) International Conference!

CIT is all about bringing law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, first responders, and community partners together to improve how we respond to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

Directions for Living is proud to be part of that work. Our team provides CIT training that helps local law enforcement officers recognize behavioral health crises, respond safely and compassionately, and connect people to appropriate support and services.

This week, we are learning alongside CIT leaders from across the country, sharing our expertise and bringing new knowledge back to the community we serve.

07/29/2026

Congratulations to our President & CEO, April Lott, on being named a 2026 Tampa Bay Titan 100 Honoree!

This prestigious recognition celebrates Tampa Bay’s top business leaders who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and purpose. Under April’s leadership, Directions for Living continues to expand access to life-changing behavioral health and family support services, making a lasting impact throughout our community.

We couldn’t be prouder to see her dedication and leadership recognized. Congratulations, April!

07/24/2026

Our team is at the Krimes Against Kids Conference this week, learning alongside professionals from across the country to strengthen how we support children and families in our community.

We couldn't be prouder of our President & CEO, April Lott, for leading sessions and inspiring colleagues in the field. Investing in learning, collaboration, and leadership helps us continue delivering the highest quality care every day.