On December 5, 2024, Gould Farm’s longtime friend, former staff and former board member, Virgil Stucker, was honored as the first recipient of the Sigurd Ackerman MD Memorial Award from Silver Hill Hospital during their annual conference, The Long Course of Care: Interfaces of Multiple Systems and Stakeholders. The recognition celebrated Virgil’s extraordinary contributions to the field of mental health and his lifelong dedication to creating therapeutic communities that transform lives.
Virgil’s presentation at the conference, titled Long-Term Residential Programs and Family Involvement, resonated deeply with the audience. He eloquently highlighted the distinction between symptomatic improvement and the holistic, long-term outcomes of living a fuller life. His approach emphasizes educational and vocational achievements, interpersonal relationships, and the transformative power of safe, nurturing environments.
To watch Virgil’s full presentation, click here.
A Legacy Rooted in Gould Farm
Virgil’s journey as a champion for mental health began serendipitously in 1974 when he worked as an orderly in a psychiatric hospital. This pivotal experience ignited a lifelong passion for creating environments where individuals with mental illness could find healing and purpose. His tenure at Gould Farm—America’s oldest therapeutic community—solidified this mission.
During his 14 years at Gould Farm, Virgil, under the mentorship of Kent Smith, helped steward the Farm’s legacy while pioneering new initiatives, including the creation of Gould Farm’s Boston Program. His work didn’t stop there; inspired by the Farm’s model, he, his wife Lis and their four children co-created similar nonprofit therapeutic communities partnering with a lead philanthropic couple in each case. These included Gateway Homes in Virginia, Rose Hill Center in Michigan, and CooperRiis in North Carolina. Virgil’s efforts were driven by his belief in fostering environments where individuals could “ignite dreams” while managing the symptoms of their diagnoses.
The Gould Farm Perspective
At Gould Farm, we have long witnessed the profound impact of Virgil’s vision. His emphasis on community, kindness, and meaningful engagement mirrors our core values. We see daily how structured, supportive environments help guests regain confidence and reimagine their futures. Virgil’s call to prioritize vocational skill-building, family involvement, and relationship-centered care continues to inspire our work and the broader field of therapeutic community care.
Highlights from Virgil’s Presentation
In his presentation, Virgil underscored several key principles of therapeutic communities:
Kindness and Safety: Creating environments where residents feel secure and valued.
Work-Like Experiences: Providing pre-vocational opportunities that foster a sense of contribution and capability.
Comprehensive Care: Offering expert psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and holistic health services, including nutrition and exercise.
Family Inclusion: Engaging families in the recovery process to prepare for reintegration into community life.
Virgil’s presentation also emphasized the need for long-term residential care to go beyond symptom management, focusing instead on helping individuals achieve sustainable, fulfilling lives. His vision is both a roadmap and a call to action: to create more therapeutic communities that address the complex needs of individuals with mental health challenges.
Honoring a Lifelong Mission
At the age of 72, Virgil reflects on a life driven by philanthropy, creativity, and community. His work has touched countless lives, including those of the guests and families who have walked through Gould Farm’s doors. He continues to advocate for the expansion of therapeutic communities nationwide, challenging us to build systems that prioritize healing, dignity, and hope.
Join the Conversation
We encourage you to explore more about the Silver Hill Hospital conference and its discussions by visiting their blog post here. Together, we can advance the mission of fostering psychosocial wellness and creating environments that inspire resilience and transformation.
Thank you, Virgil, for your vision and unwavering commitment to building communities that heal. Gould Farm celebrates this well-deserved honor and your continued impact on the world of mental health.
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