The Duvall Initiative
The Duvall Initiative serves as the umbrella for all community-engaged activities led by the Duvall Chair and represents a strategic collaboration between the University of South Florida (USF) and community members and organizations in the Sarasota-Manatee region. Its mission is to strengthen local human service capacities and improve community health outcomes. The initiative is supported by USF through the Evelyn Duvall Endowed Chair within the School of Social Work.
Strategic Priorities
Cross-Sector Collaboration
The Initiative convenes nonprofit organizations, public agencies, health systems, educators, and community leaders to align efforts around shared behavioral health and prevention priorities.
Capacity Building & Technical Assistance
Through consultation, evaluation support, and strategic planning guidance, the Initiative helps strengthen organizational infrastructure, sustainability planning, and service delivery models.
Professional Development & Workforce Strengthening
The Initiative provides ongoing training opportunities for practitioners, peer professionals, and organizational leaders to enhance knowledge, skills, and system integration.
Grant Development & Resource Alignment
Community partners receive support in identifying funding opportunities and strengthening proposals that expand or sustain local services.
Community-Engaged Research
Applied research projects are developed in partnership with local organizations to assess needs, evaluate programs, and generate actionable data that improves service delivery and informs policy.