CHARLOTTE — A west Charlotte outpatient mental health agency has been selected to receive money from the Barstool Fund. Millions of dollars have been raised by the account launched by Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy.
Sherille Barber has been running Barber Therapy and Associates for the past 13 years. Barber doesn’t view it as a profession -- she considers it a ministry.
“It was born out of a desire to help other people,” Barber said.
Then pandemic has only heightened the importance and need for mental health services and thanks to Barstool, Barber will be able to continue to provide them.
Helping others is Barber’s passion. No matter someone’s income, job or background, no patient is turned away for mental health treatment and resources.
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“A lot of people were dealing with things prior to COVID, and COVID has really exasperated it,” she said. “Now, they are really able to seek help and at least they have a place with us.”
Barber said she and her staff will be there for anyone in need of help. It doesn’t matter if someone has insurance or only $5 to their name.
“We are physically saving lives,” she said. “The number of suicidal cases we get from week to week is unbelievable. We have to keep this service going to give these folks a place to come that is safe.”
COVID-19 has financially affected almost all businesses, and Barber Therapy and Associates is no exception. Many people are seeking help but don’t always have the means to pay for it. The demand for services has skyrocketed, and so have the bills.
Barber has been racking up her credit cards and dipping into savings to make sure rent and staff are paid each month.
“I don’t know how long I would have been able to do that,” she said. “If I didn’t, then my therapists and my team that I have put together would not be able to continue that service and then, where are these people going to go if they don’t have any benefits, and they don’t have any out-of-pocket money?”
Portnoy FaceTimed Barber to let her know her business had been selected for the fund to take care of expenses.
“We’ll get you the money,” Portnoy said. “We will be there for as long as this pandemic lasts month-to-month. We are not going to go away, and we will make sure you are there to provide the services you do.”
Barber said she was “completely blown away” by the call.
In a time of so much uncertainty, anxiety and pressure, the world needs people like Barber and her staff. Thanks to Barstool and donors, their work will continue to have a major impact.
“The money he is providing will go to directly save lives,” Barber said.
Barber said she was nervous to apply for the funds. She had to make a video and explain her business and all they to do to help.
The funds will help her clinics in west Charlotte, Rock Hill and Gastonia.
Cox Media Group
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