TedX Speaker and Bestselling Author Reggie D. Ford to Share his Inspirational Message for Uniting Belle Glade Front-Line Responders and Community Leaders for Mental Health

Who: Refuse to Sink, Healthier Glades, and People of Purpose have joined forces to bring Nashville mental health advocate and bestselling author Reggie D. Ford to Belle Glade, FL, as part of his multi-day speaking tour in Lake Okeechobee communities. The audience will be comprised of professionals on the front lines of mental health, including first responders, guidance counselors, pastors, law enforcement, medical doctors and nurses, and community stakeholders. 

What: Reggie will share his captivating journey of turning pain into peace through the process of perseverance while honoring and motivating the audience to come together and drive positive change in how the community collaborates to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

When: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Where: Belle Glade Civic Center in the Belle Glade Library, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Why it Matters: Florida ranks among the states with the highest rates of mental health disparities, with limited access to care in underserved communities, insufficient funding, and a shortage of mental health professionals. These disparities are felt most strongly in the rural community of Belle Glade. Reggie’s message, along with the networking event that follows, will emphasize the vital importance of fostering strong connections and innovative ways of collaborating between front-line professionals and community members to bridge the gaps and persevere to provide essential mental health services to those in need.  

Reviews            

Reggie D. Ford. In a remarkable journey defined by resilience and transformation, Reggie D. Ford stands as an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, dynamic keynote speaker, and mental health advocate. As the author of Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction (PTSD), Reggie leverages his expertise in developmental and intergenerational trauma to foster environments supporting resilience, mental wellness, emotional development, and healthy relationships. Despite facing multi-generational trauma and systemic racism, Reggie’s resilience and ability to rise above serves as an inspiration to others facing similar circumstances and a beacon of hope for our collective futures. His story of turning the pain and struggle of his past into peace and abundance captivates audiences and makes him the epitome of perseverance.

Abby Moya Garcia, President/Founder of Refuse to Sink. Suicide loss survivor Abby Moya-Garcia is a native of Clewiston, Florida. She founded Refuse to Sink in 2020 after the loss of her oldest son, J.D. Moss, in 2018 to death by suicide. Surviving loved ones of J.D. became impassioned to raise awareness of mental health conditions, proactive treatment, and suicide prevention by hosting educational awareness opportunities and providing free crisis services to individuals in rural heartland areas of Florida that so often struggle with access to affordable crisis treatment resources. Refuse to Sink has a broader goal to influence others to normalize conversations about mental health and treatment as an effort towards suicide prevention and to encourage others to prioritize wellness as a lifestyle for better and more purpose-driven living. Abby finds much peace, purpose and comfort in helping others. 

Annie Ifill, project director, Healthier Glades. Antoinita “Annie” Ifill holds the position of project director, Healthier Glades, a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative focused on supporting the behavioral health and well-being of Glades residents. Annie, together with the HG steering committee, promotes behavioral health by focusing on the strengths of the Glades residents through advocacy, education and awareness and community collaboration. Before joining HG, Annie served as a social worker and advocate for families in the Glades, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by residents and their effects on families and the broader community.