Anthony James "Tony" Rothschild, 71, who ran the Oakland County mental health crisis and advocacy organization Common Ground for a quarter century, died of pancreatic cancer last week at hospice at home in Easthampton, Massachusetts, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Rothschild joined Common Ground as chief executive officer in 1990. At the time, the agency was a small organization based in Royal Oak, known for its crisis hotline and resources for young people struggling with depression and suicidal conditions, the paper writes.
During his tenure, the agency grew from 20 to more than 200 employees and funding grew from $750,000 to $13 million. Eventually, Common Ground merged with the Sanctuary, a youth shelter, and moved to larger headquarters in Pontiac.
Rothschild knew first hand the pain of people battling with mental health.
When he was 21, his father attempted suicide. Sixteen years later, his father killed himself.
Common Ground last week posted this on Facebook:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Common Ground’s former CEO and dear friend, Tony Rothschild. Tony passed last night at the age of 71 in his home surrounded by family, after battling pancreatic cancer for the past several months. Through his 25 years of innovative and enthusiastic leadership at Common Ground, Tony's passion and dedication in helping people inspired staff, volunteers, and friends. He built the organization we see today and has served as a mentor for many of our leaders. Tony was truly loved by all and will be terribly missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts in Tony’s name to Common Ground. Gifts can be designated to “Expressive Arts” to help fund the art therapy program Tony initiated at Common Ground or the “Tony Rothschild SPARK Fund” annual awards that recognize new ideas or programs that further the Common Ground mission.
