Sherry’s NAMI story is one of resilience and passion for change. Her mother, a college professor, took legal custody of a brilliant student who became the fourth in his family to face serious mental illness.
Despite his kindness, talent, and beauty, the system failed him, leading to his tragic loss by suicide.
For Sherry, this painful experience fuels her commitment to make things better.
As NAMI’s longest tenured employee and current Director of Programs, she stands on the shoulders of those who built this organization, determined to ensure the legacy of advocacy, support, and systemic change continues.
“I don’t want people to forget how we got here and who we are.”
NAMI is a community dedicated to making sure no one is left behind.
Together, we can work for a better future for all those affected by mental illness.
“NAMI became my home, a place where people understood.”
10 years ago, Angelo faced a reality no parent is prepared for — his son Nicholas experienced his first psychotic break. Despite Nicholas’ achievements and dreams, mental illness struck, leaving the family feeling devastated and unsure where to turn.
In Angelo’s words: “It’s indescribable — the trauma and devastation, not just for Nicholas but for the whole family. We didn’t know where to go or what to do.”
Then, Angelo found NAMI. He joined his first family support group and found the community, education, and advocacy he desperately needed. Today, he’s a proud facilitator of that same group, helping others navigate the journey he’s walked.
NAMI provided hope. NAMI provided family.
If you’re struggling or know someone who is, visit NAMI to find the support you need. You don’t have to go through this alone.
“NAMI saved my life.”
Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but Christina’s story is a testament to the power of support, hope, and connection.
When she faced her own mental health crisis, struggling to care for herself and her family, NAMI provided:
- The knowledge to understand what was happening.
- The support to know she wasn’t alone.
- The hope to start healing.
No one should face mental health struggles alone.
If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, reach out to NAMI – it could change your life, too.
“Mental health affects the whole family – not just one person.”
Carla shares a powerful reminder: while one family member may be visibly struggling, it’s essential to watch for signs in everyone else, too.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs—a lesson she learned the hard way.
With NAMI’s programs, families gain the tools to spot these signs early, providing resources and education to prevent struggles from going unnoticed.
This knowledge can make a world of difference for families facing mental health challenges.
“It feels like home”
When Marisa was searching for help for her daughter, she hit a brick wall—until she found NAMI.
At NAMI, she wasn’t met with endless paperwork or roadblocks. Instead, she was welcomed with open arms, given the support she needed, and connected with a community that understood.
Now, her daughter is thriving, and Marisa is paying it forward—sharing her story so that others know they are not alone.
Mental health is real. Help is out there. And support should feel like home.
If you’re looking for a place to start, NAMI is here for you.
