NAMI Grand Rapids Area surpassed its fundraising goal by more than 50%

On Sunday Sept. 22, with the support of walkers, business donors, and many contributors who are passionate about mental health for all in our communities, NAMI Grand Rapids Area surpassed its fundraising goal by more than 50%.

Mark Hager, local affiliate treasurer, said “Wow! This is record-breaking fundraising for us.” This summer, the NAMI Walks planning team focused hard on getting business support. “This was a lot of work and a big ask from our local businesses. Mental health in the workplace is a challenging issue, particularly during and since the pandemic. We are so grateful for the generosity of our businesses, partners,” said Ann Saxhaug, NAMI Walks Grand Rapids Area team chair.

This year’s business donors included Affinity Plus, Eagles Club, First National Bank of Coleraine, Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, Hawkinson Construction, Ives Realty, L & M Supply, MDI Cares Council, MN Power/Allete, Paul Bunyan Communication, Rapids Brewing, Rapids Printing, Smoke on the Water, State Farm Insurance/Terry LaValle, Super One South, Thrivent—Jeffrey Hakala/Benjamin Weerts, Thrivent Action Teams, VFW Post 494, VFW Post 1720, Woodland Bank. Please thank them when you visit these organizations.

NAMI uses these funds for educational materials and supplies for community events in the county and virtual monthly sessions on mental health topics free and open to the public on various mental health topics. Shane Troumbly, Public Health Educator and co-chair of the NAMI Education and Outreach Committee says “We expect to host a women veteran panel in November. And in the coming year attract a major mental health speaker to our community. The goal is building awareness and reducing stigma, making it easier for individuals and families experiencing mental illnesses to reach out for help.”

NAMI Grand Rapids Area offers a monthly Family Support Group that is free and confidential, with trained facilitators. October 26, NAMI is offering Hope for Recovery, a 4-hour workshop led by a trained family member with experience with a loved one with mental illness. Participants will learn about mental illness diagnosis, treatment and recovery, crisis management, suicide prevention, and tools for building a healthy relationship while helping a loved one. The workshop is for family and friends of a teen or adult living with a mental illness. During the holidays, NAMI Grand Rapids Area provides gifts to 36 adults with mental illnesses who are hospitalized and 60 youth with behavioral health needs in residential treatment.

Marian Barcus, NAMI Grand Rapids Area board president is awed by the partnerships evident in NAMI Walks. “We’re delighted with the increase in awareness and acceptance of mental illnesses in the communities where we advocate. It’s a medical condition that impacts 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 children. Families, and even employers, can feel comfortable talking about mental health issues, and know they are not alone.”

More information is available at namigrandrapidsmn.org or by calling 218-999-7658. NAMI Grand Rapids Area is a totally volunteer nonprofit, affiliated with NAMI Minnesota.