Members of the Leadership Austin Program visited Gerard Academy on Nov. 8 to learn about services offered through Gerard’s residential treatment program and community-based mental health clinic.

Gerard Academy Executive Director Karen Wolf gave the group a historical tour of the campus, located on the site of the former Hormel mansion and estate, and described Gerard Academy’s Bridging, Short-Term, and Residential Treatment programs for boys and girls, ages 6-18, who are struggling with emotional and behavioral issues.

The group also toured the Gerard Community Mental Health Services outpatient clinic, which provides affordable and accessible mental health resources for children, young adults, adults, families, and couples in Austin and the surrounding communities.

Leadership Austin is a community-based program that develops leadership in Austin and connects individuals through a series of programs that provide engagement opportunities.

The group’s objective is for members of the Austin community to become better leaders through increased knowledge and observation of Austin’s people, businesses, and groups.