NAMI Santa Cruz County is the Health and Wellness NEXTie winner for this year. Hello! To get us started, what is NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)?
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI exists on national, state, and local levels, all with independent funding and different functions.
What does the Santa Cruz NAMI do?
We provide education, support, hope, and healing for people affected by mental illness and their families. We advocate for sufficient resources to advance lives free of stigma or discrimination. NAMI Santa Cruz County provides support groups, educational classes, HelpLines, community outreach, and presentations in Spanish and English. We’re dedicated to our values of hope, inclusion, compassion, and empowerment for all people so that families go from despair to a pathway to recovery.
When, how, and why was the Santa Cruz branch founded?
NAMISCC was founded in 1983 in order to help build better lives for people affected by mental illness. It created a space where people with lived experience of having a mental illness, or caring for someone who does, can come together to share their stories, get support, and advocate for better access to quality care, parity, and more mental health care providers. NAMI is a place where people affected by mental illness are empowered to take charge of their mental health and become advocates. What started as a small group of families working out of a garage has grown into a thriving organization with over 20 staff and 40 volunteers.
What has been a big achievement for NAMI?
One of NAMISCC’s greatest achievements has been in response to the challenge of access to equitable mental health support for the Latinx community. To address this, NAMISCC has grown our programs to include Spanish-language equivalents of our educational classes, support groups, Help Line, and community presentations for both people experiencing a mental illness as well as their loved ones. The implementation of culturally responsive and peer-led mental health support programs in Spanish has enabled us to reach even more members of our community who desperately need support.
How does NAMI stay connected to the community?
We stay connected to the community by meeting people where they are! Our Mobile Outreach Team regularly visits local farmers markets, food banks, schools, and other places in both North and South County where folks might not know about NAMI and the services we offer. Our incredible volunteer base also keeps us deeply connected to the lives of our community members and how we can best support them.
How has the city of Santa Cruz inspired and helped NAMI in their mission?
Santa Cruz city officials, namely those from the Behavioral Health Division and County Office of Education, have embraced NAMI’s mission and welcomed us as collaborators on projects to support the mental wellbeing of our community from childhood to adulthood.
As a whole, the generosity and compassion of our Santa Cruz community is a constant inspiration to continue NAMI’s mission. Our work is only made possible by volunteers, and the residents of our city have proven to be champions of compassionate support, hope, and empowerment for people affected by mental illness.
Is there anything NAMI SC aspires for?
NAMISCC aspires for wellbeing for all. Our greatest hope is that people who come to NAMI go from feeling hopelessness and despair to finding connection, hope, and a pathway to recovery. A goal that we continue to work towards is advocating for more providers and services for youth.
What does a NEXTie mean to NAMI?
NAMISCC is incredibly honored to be receiving a NEXTie! This award solidifies the importance of including mental health in the realm of Health and Wellness, and that people affected by mental illness are making an impact in our community that is transforming lives.
How can people get connected with/ get involved with/ interact with NAMI Santa Cruz?
Join our programs! All of NAMI’s services are free, and many are being offered both in person and online. If you or a loved one have a mental health condition, whether you have a diagnosis or not, visit our website (www.namiscc.org) or call our office (831)-824-0406 to learn about all of the ways you can get connected. NAMISCC is only able to offer our programs because of our dedicated and compassionate volunteers, and we are always welcoming new volunteers who want to share their story, support others, and further our mission.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Everyone has mental health, and those who struggle with theirs face stigma that can lead to devastating consequences. If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone, and there is a community of people who have found hope and healing in connecting with others who have had similar experiences. NAMISCC is here for you!
Thanks so much NAMISCC! Get your ticket to the NEXTies to come say hi to them and other movers and shakers being highlighted at this years’ May 17th NEXTies awards! See you there!
