Rachel Gillis, LCSW, BCD
Chief Executive Officer
C.O.P.E. Center, Inc.

I have told many people over the years that I literally grew up in COPE Center.  When I came to work for the Walton County Guidance Clinic in 1976 the world seemed different than it is today.  We began as a community liaison agency to the state hospital, emergency services and school-testing site.  Since that time the worldview of the mentally ill and substance abusing person has changed to a more tolerant and caring approach.  A person who has problems in their life generally wants the same things everyone wants: a life style that is peaceful and as typical as possible.  Most people want to live in communities and share a common sense of oneness with their neighbor.  Overall, in Walton County, there is a sense of caring and understanding for anyone who has a need, regardless of their need.

The staff and Board of Directors of COPE Center follow an ethical standard which directs them to focus on providing quality services with integrity and giving the consumers respect and honor as individuals. We believe that from time-to-time we all have difficulties in our lives.  Asking for a little help is not out of the ordinary.  We hope that those who ask us for help come away with the belief they have been helped by a person who is qualified, knowledgeable and cares about them.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve the mental health and substance abuse needs of the community.  Please feel free to contact our office if we can be of assistance to you, or those you care about.