Our Mission

WeBelong, Inc is a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate a sense of community in Alachua county through initiatives that connect people for the purposes of pursuing mutual interests, meeting community needs, and creating opportunities for celebration and recreation. 

Our Board

President

Eric Dutton is the founder and president of WeBelong, Inc. 

Eric works as a psychotherapist, doing individual, couples, and group therapy at Gainesville Healing House. Through this work, Eric recognized in his clients (and himself) a hunger for a greater sense of community and belonging that psychotherapy couldn’t adequately provide. WeBelong, Inc. was formed to address this need. 

Eric has served on the boards of two other nonprofits, both with a mental health focus: (1) The Sarkis Family Charitable Foundation, where he served on the event planning committee for Stop the Stigma, an initiative that created an annual festival aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and (2) Healing For All, Inc., a nonprofit aimed at reducing the disparities in mental health access. Eric still serves as secretary for Healing For All, Inc. Eric is also a leader in two community-oriented mythopoetic groups: The Gainesville Men’s Center, and The Wild Twin Folk School.

Eric is passionate about cultivating a more connected and supportive community. If you are too, please reach out to him at eric@we-belong-inc.org.

Vice-President

Audrey Sanchez is the Vice President of WeBelong, Inc. 

Audrey is an Art Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Gainesville Healing House who focuses on fostering self-exploration and growth. In her clinical work, she provides a nonjudgmental space for individuals to process emotions, explore trauma, rebuild self-trust, cultivate self-acceptance, and develop healthy, individualized coping strategies that honor each person’s unique journey.

Audrey was drawn to get involved with WeBelong after witnessing how deeply social isolation can impact mental and emotional well-being — particularly for adults navigating life transitions or healing from trauma. She believes in the transformative power of safe, in-person connections and sees WeBelong as a meaningful way to help communities reconnect and thrive.

Prior to her work with WeBelong, Audrey supported community mental health initiatives and led expressive arts workshops designed to foster connection, healing, and resilience. Whether facilitating a therapy session or creating moments of belonging at local events, her work consistently centers on building spaces for authentic human connection.

Audrey believes everyone deserves to feel like they belong — not just in therapeutic spaces, but in their everyday lives. She encourages others to get involved: show up, listen deeply, and help build a more connected, compassionate community. Please contact her at audrey@we-belong-inc.org.

Treasurer

Andrew Henkin is the Treasurer of WeBelong, Inc.

Andrew holds a Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida and has experience working with individuals in times of transition, crisis, and personal growth. He has been involved with organizations such as Gainesville Healing House and the Alachua County Crisis Center, where he supported people navigating emotional challenges and seeking connection.

Alongside his social work training, Andrew is a certified coach with Robbins-Madanes Training, where he is part of the team led by Dr. Cloé Madanes that brings practical and powerful coaching tools to people around the world. In this role, he supports people in discovering new possibilities for growth and change, while also helping expand access to coaching and personal development on a global scale.

Andrew became involved with WeBelong because he values creating opportunities for people to gather, connect, and support one another. He sees WeBelong as a way to build community rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and shared humanity.

Please feel free to contact Andrew at andrew@we-belong-inc.org.

Secretary

Anne Nicole Dela Cruz is the Secretary of WeBelong, Inc.

Nicole (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working in crisis intervention with people in our local community who are struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or any other emotionally-charged crisis situations. 

Nicole became interested in the mission of WeBelong after connecting with other board members about how we can combat the complacency of isolation for adults and foster opportunities that encourage feelings of excitement and interest that build the foundations of connection. Through her professional and personal experiences, she has seen how much of an impact seeing others and being seen can have on our engagement with our own lives.

Nicole supports any act, big or small, that creates the change you want to see. She believes that anyone with the courage to be genuine and meaningful can have incredible outcomes as long as we open ourselves up to the possibilities. Please feel free to contact Nicole at nicole@we-belong-inc.org. 

Community Liaison

Elliot Schmidt is the Community Liaison of WeBelong, Inc.

Elliot (he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working in crisis intervention with people in our local community who are struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, or any other emotionally-charged crisis situations. 

Elliot became interested in the mission of WeBelong after seeing firsthand the effects of isolation and loneliness among people of all ages. From Maslow's hierarchy of needs to trauma research and theories of healing, the need for belongingness and social connection is vitally important. 

Elliot encourages everyone to meet your neighbors, volunteer, and get involved in something bigger than yourself. To quote the seminal television series Twin Peaks, "Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just let it happen." Please feel free to contact Elliot at elliot@we-belong-inc.org.