The Able Trust presented a $250,000 grant on Thursday to the Vincent Academy in Sarasota that will give the academy the ability to establish an on-site “Employment Placement” program, staff a community/business liaison position, and help individuals gain the confidence and the skills necessary to join the workforce and find success.

The grant, disbursed over three years, will allow Vincent Academy to establish and develop relationships with the business community and give individual members a chance to join or rejoin their chosen careers, according to a news release.

The academy equips "adults with mental illnesses with the tools they need to have a productive, engaging work day,” said William McKeever, the facility's executive director, adding that it has the capacity to serve up to 300 members a year.

State Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, state Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, and business and community leaders, including Joan and Bob Geyer, owners of Sunset Automotive Group, and Don Osborn, general manager of Sunset Auto Group, attended the presentation.

“The Vincent Academy saw a need and a void for vocational training for adults with mental illnesses in Sarasota, and through their programs and mission, the academy has helped fill that void in our community,” Steube said.

The Able Trust supports a variety of projects, including a statewide youth program called High School High Tech, work experience training and technical assistance, transportation assistance, career development training, employment and career path direction, and assistance to businesses as they seek the employment of people with disabilities.