Belief in a Different Approach

"A job-oriented program creates confidence and self-esteem and puts the patient in a position where he is finally doing something on his own and making a difference in his life," Sylvan says.

Sylvan's belief in this approach is so strong that he made a visionary philanthropic gift through the Sylvan C. Herman Foundation to establish the new residential treatment facility in Rochester. Mayo Clinic recognizes the Sylvan C. Herman Foundation as a Philanthropic Partner.

Sylvan's involvement in mental health care was inspired by one of his sons, John, who lived with a serious mental illness. Sylvan was desperate to help his son, but he felt powerless as he saw John go down a path that many people with mental illnesses have followed. John experienced a mental health crisis; he was treated in an intensive setting; he moved to a residential care setting for rehabilitation; and finally, he returned to his parents' home.

Then, the cycle would repeat.

The transition from intensive and residential services back to a home environment never seemed to prepare John to reintegrate into a healthy daily routine, Sylvan says. He would struggle with his medications, and sometimes with substance abuse. Before long, he would experience another crisis.

Sylvan dedicated himself to making a lasting change that would prevent other families from going through the same experience.

"At that point I decided I was going to do something about mental illness," Sylvan says.