Rachel Pappert Docekal, MBA, Ed.D
Substance Use Prevention, Advocacy And Recovery Support
Rachel Pappert Docekal, MBA, Ed.D recently stepped into the role of CEO for the Hanley Foundation. Still, she’s been involved with the nonprofit professionally for years in fundraising and growth.
She believes deeply in the mission of Hanley Foundation to combat drug and alcohol addiction through lifesaving prevention, advocacy, treatment and recovery support.
“I lost my grandmother due to alcohol addiction and I learned at a very young age that addiction had dire consequences,” she says.
Docekal leads the organization to bring prevention and support to families in new ways. Through evidence-based youth prevention programs and assistance, Hanley Foundation has served more than 340,000 parents, caregivers, teachers and students statewide over the past five years. Through grants, the Foundation offers its services free of cost to schools and families.
“For in-school prevention programs, we know kids are smart and dynamic and they have access to more information than ever before,” Docekal says. “We ask questions and combat myths. When kids learn more, they make better choices not to use drugs and alcohol.”
In Lee County, Hanley Foundation’s alternative to suspension program reduced the number of students being referred to one of its alternative schools for alcohol, tobacco and other drug use offenses, allowing the county to close the school.
“After our sessions, most students don’t start or continue to use,” Docekal says. “We have an amazing senior leadership team and plan to grow our programs throughout Florida to reach more people and partner with more school districts.”
The Foundation also provides essential financial assistance for those who cannot afford substance use treatment.
“In 2022, we served 400 people through quality six-to-nine-month recovery treatment and follow up with wrap-around services to make sure they are guided once they are done with treatment,” Docekal says. “This is not just a job — it’s an honor to change lives.”
Docekal has lived in South Florida for 23 years. She’s on the board of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the board of Mounts Botanical Garden, the past chair of Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and involved with ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival and Suncoast Community High School.
Hanley Foundation, 700 S. Dixie Highway, Ste. 103, West Palm Beach, 561-268-2355, hanleyfoundation.org
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