NAMI Sacramento

NAMI Sacramento has been a part of my life since 2011, when I found out that there was an organization in my area that actively worked towards increasing access to mental health support in the community, and who actively advocated for services and stigma-reduction at a time when I needed all the support possible. Over the years I have grown from passive donor and NAMIWalks team leader to volunteer, trainee (peer support groups, classroom presentations, provider education), president of the local NAMI on Campus club, and finally, board member. From free support groups and education classes, to presentations and active outreach to inform the community of the importance of mental health and mental illness support, NAMI Sacramento has shown itself to be a leader in the grassroots efforts of improving the lives of those with mental health conditions and their loved ones.

NAMI Sacramento does so much vital work in the community - providing support groups and education for those with mental illness and for those who love them. The staff and volunteers at NAMI Sacramento really care about the people they serve and about supporting those with mental health challenges. I love that NAMI Sacramento supports the homeless community, provides outreach to schools and has a CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) program. I appreciate that NAMI Sacramento is out in the community spreading real information and helping those who might otherwise feel isolated and alone.

Talk about being real! NAMI-Sacramento is probably the best board I have been on. First of all, NAMI is a nonprofit that mainly consists of people with lived experience--this means people who have been through the difficulties. And these are the difficulties that the organization helps others deal with. Second, the group is excited about helping others, and always looking for new ways to expand their services to those in need. They may not be a big group or have lots of money, but their heart is truly in the right place. Third, the executive director really does do the work of an ED. He spends time in the community, he sets up events where NAMI-Sacramento can help out, and (most importantly) he listens when others talk. If what you want is ego-boosting, it is probably not the best place for you. But if you want real, and to really help those in need, please apply.

I have found NAMI Sacramento to be a great agency to be a consumer of their services. I first got involved with NAMI Sacramento because I was in denial about my mental illness. I took one of the many classes they offered, and it totally changed my viewpoint of life. I have been able to embrace my mental Illness since I got involved with NAMI Sacramento. I am a presenter, group facilitator and trainer for them. I love the fact that they are another support system for me and have helped my family to recognize that I have a mental illness.

I am so grateful to have become a part of NAMI Sacramento, without their help I do not beliece I would have been able to complete my educational goal of earning a Master's degree. They are an agency that encourages self-care for me, and have allowed me to remain active as I regain my confidence following a loss in my life.

I love the fact that NAMI Sacramento provides services to the community at no cost. Our goal is to education and provide others the opportunity to know that Mental Illness is not a death sentence, it is an illness and the individual is not their illness.

I'm a HUGE fan of NAMI Sacramento, which is largely due to its leader: David Bain. David attends all local events related to mental health. All of them! I don't know how he keeps up with everything. He also helps the community at large learn about NAMI and the resources available to them. He is actively involved in advocating for better mental health care services, educating the community, and providing support for families. I've personally watched him take time to talk with people who are struggling, and he gently guides them to the resources they need. Sacramento benefits greatly from NAMI in our community. It's a resource I frequently recommend and support.

David Bain, executive director of NAMI Sacramento, is a treasure in the community. No one is more sensitive to the needs of those affected by serious mental illness and their families.

NAMI Sacramento is an organization that advocates for those with mental health issues and their families to help them with services and education, work to educate local law enforcement regarding mental health issues, and work toward breaking the stigma associated with those experiencing mental illness. NAMI has helped countless families and consumers with peer support. As a law enforcement officer, I refer members of the public to NAMI Sacramento on a regular basis. I believe in this organization, and they have helped officers throughout Sacramento tremendously. They are an intrigual part of the mental health/law enforcement relationship.

NAMI Sacramento has taught me a lot and help me felt a sense of community while taking their peer-to-peer class. Since my initial involvement in 2013, I have evolved to volunteering in leading support groups and even leading the peer to peer group that got me so involved and connected with NAMI in the first place.

Hello, my name is Mykel Gayent, and I have been an active volunteer and member for the past 5-6 years. I started out by attending my first Peer-to-Peer class, and after completing that class I attended other non-profits' classes that along with what I learned through NAMI Sacramento, they helped me develop a solid recovery plan. About a year later I began volunteering for outreaches on a limited basis but about three years ago, I started regularly attending outreaches and taking courses such as the NAMI California Mental Health 101 presenters’ course, NAMI Sacramento's Connection Recovery group Facilitator and Home Front Facilitator courses. I am in the middle of completing the NAMI In Our Own Voice training. In December 2018 I was selected to become the NAMI Sacramento's FaithNet Coordinator, FaithNet is a network of support consisting of NAMI members and friends dedicated to promoting caring faith communities and promoting the role of faith in recovery for individuals and families affected by mental illness. At present we are working with a local Del Paso Height's church with the intent of starting Peer Connection and Family-to-Family Recovery groups. Since my affiliation with NAMI Sacramento I have been able to maintain my personal recovery on a day-to-day basis, I also have a great network of fellow volunteers that I can call on for support. I highly recommend NAMI Sacramento as an organization that can positively enhance the quality of life for a person living with mental health issues or conditions.

I have been a member of NAMI Sacramento for about five years now, and a volunteer for about four. I have a family member who went into crisis about six years ago, and i kept looking for someone to help me help him. After a couple of people i knew recommended i look into NAMI, i learned about the support groups and family to family class, i enrolled in the F2F, and then joined as a volunteer.
I now cofacilitate a family support group once a month and answer our help line calls once a week. Better understanding of the illnesses, support, and recommending NAMI's services to other families in similar circumstances has helped me to help myself and others.
Our director and other volunteers are actively involved in civic events to reduce stigma and better the services for people experiencing mental illness and their loved ones. All on a shoe string. Whatever you can share would be well used! Bonnie