Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance

I'm proud to be part of SARDAA as the only organization that advocates solely for patients and families impacted by schizophrenia and related disorders. These illnesses are incredibly difficult for everyone. SARDAA understands that impact and has created practical and important supports for patients and families. A few of the very useful supports are a warm line for families to call, and weekly support phone calls for both patients and (separately) families and caregivers. SARDAA advocates for the reclassification of schizophrenia, a desperately needed change, to move this illness out from under behavioral health and putting it on a par with other chronic brain illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The FFS calls are a life-saver to those of us with a loved one suffering from schizophrenia. We share our journeys and receive much needed support on our difficult road.

Thanks for helping life's.... One of a kind, Please don't stop doing this great works.

SARDAA is an amazing organization as stated by others and myself.

No other organization devotes as much time and effort towards educating society and supporting the patient/family about schizophrenia as does SARDAA. Even NAMI refers many cases to this organization. They are members of the American Brain Coalition, participate in meetings with the NIMH, and very involved in setting national policy.

From grass-roots to a world wide organization with the mission of educating and supporting those with Schizophrenia and related disorders, their families and friends, this nonprofit meets a societal need, previously unmet. The organizational leader is a person with phenomenal energy and unwavering commitment who inspires others to volunteer in support of the mission. The stigma of mental illness will often prevent others from seeking help but this organization is open, welcoming and accepting to those in need. Barriers are removed and needs are met. When it seems there is no other avenue to meet needs, there is SARDAA

My experience of volunteering with the organization has been enriching and satisfying. The core team are fully invested in the cause, which I find truly inspiring. All volunteers are treated with friendly respect and I look forward to being a part of the NGOs endeavours in future as well.

This is a great organization who works so hard to help support those with schizophrenia and also to help others understand how to provide support. Thank you for all the work you do!

I recently started serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for this organization. I have been absolutely floored by the level of commitment each of the volunteers has for SARDAA. The internal structure is thoughtfully laid out in a way that adds to ease of communication and teamwork. This trickles down to the team of volunteers that help implement the organization's mission in powerful ways. And most importantly, this provides an impactful experience for the population of people living with schizophrenia and their loved ones. SARDAA provides support through Schizophrenics Anonymous, conference calls for caregivers and family, and experiences aimed at educating the public.

These are wonderful people bringing wonderful change to the way we think about mental illnesses.

The Walk Houston has been partnering w/ SARDAA for 4 years. I am just amazed at the high level of commitment to their clients & to creating a #PositivePublicDialog on talking about mental illness. We need a lot more of this.

I have been participating in SARDAA events for the past three years because I have several friends with related disorders. SARDAA is an amazing network of high intellect individuals who have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives to be a productive part of society and an inspiration to others. There have been numerous testimonies from members about the effectiveness of SARDAA in saving their lives and changing it for the better. I wish there was a way to elevate awareness of the power of this group and the resources they have to share.

I have been volunteering with this organization for one year and i am amazed at the number of individuals living with a schizophrenia related illness and their family members it has impacted. SARDAA offers a lifeline to hundreds of people throughout the US and I am excited to continue supporting this essential work.

I have done volunteer work in the past for mental health organizations, and this one is the one that stands out to me as a shining example of effectively reaching out to those with mental illness. I believe it does a world of good and deserves to be noticed and praised for its efforts.

I have never seen a nonprofit with such great leadership, and I have volunteered for many nonprofits in my lifetime. Their hard work and passion is a daily inspiration and motivates me to do everything I can to support their mission. As the volunteer webmaster, social media manager, and newsletter editor, I feel honored and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. I know this nonprofit will grow quickly and help many more people because of their excellent management. I am excited to be part of that.

As someone with a family member struggling with schizophrenia, I find this organization to be very valuable. They offer a broad range of services and support groups for people impacted personally by mental illness, and for professionals helping those who suffer from schizophrenia. The volunteers and board members are incredibly experienced and dedicated individuals. I also haven't come across another group in this field that is international in its reach.

A friend of mine has raved about how very well organized and supportive this group has been. It's international outreach is also particularly exceptional.

This organization is so amazing! It helps people internationally deal with the aftermath of diagnosis of a mental illness. There is no other agency that I am aware of that has an international reach. It is quite compelling to hear the testimonies of people who have been helped. I attended their conference in Texas this year and was moved by the stories I heard, people I met, and commitment of their volunteer staff. Hats off to the spirit of the agency for remembering those so often disenfranchised.

I have attended the local SA support group (of which SARDAA is the non-profit host) almost weekly for the last seven years or so. I took some time away from therapy and the support I received from the members of SA was invaluable. Therapy is winding down for me again, but the stability of our group reassures me even in weeks when I'm having symptoms. Working for a drop-in as a Peer Support Specialist for ten years, I know a little bit about hope and recovery. SA provides both for me. It helps that the members are all peers, including our group leader who is a skilled facillitator. Even though I only talk to them once a week, I consider them to be friends. Sometimes my symptoms make leaving my apartment difficult, but SA always makes the effort worthwhile. I credit the group as a big part of my recovery and accomplishments.

I was having a horrible time with my medication co-pay. I wrote SARDAA and just poured out my heart. I wasn't writing for financial help, I just needed to be pointed in the right direction to find help with my meds.
The Chairman of the Board, Linda Stalters, wrote me a personal note. It was compassionate, kind and helpful. She introduced me to a member of SARDAA who has become a mentor and friend. The SARDAA member has gone overboard in helping me.
I will be starting a SA group in the fall in my city.
By the way, my doctor, who is also compassionate, kind and helpful is giving me samples so I don't have to pay the $678.00 in co-pays as I go through the Medicare Insurance Program's 'Donut Hole'.
Warmly,
Andrea W.
Port Charlotte, FL

This organization is incredible. I have a friend diagnosed with Schizophrenia and I contacted this organization and they were absolutely helpful and wonderful.

SARDAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to dispelling the myths associated with those who experience mental health challenges.

I have been working with the Chairperson, assisting in an administrative capacity. During my short time of being associated with the organization, I have witnessed the dedication and never-ending service provided to those who suffer from and who are supporting those with mental health.

It is heart-warming to hear the stories of so many who have over-come the daily challenges that most of us will never know. Their strength to prevail, in spite of their challenges is something that we can all learn from.

People call, email and search to find a personal contact for resources, connection and information. SARDAA answers those requests. After receiving materials one person wrote, “For decades I thought I was alone. Thank you!” SARDAA provides unique opportunities to support people in their journey - augmenting treatment plans and other support systems. SARDAA sponsors Hope and Education to dispel misconceptions and Advocates, eliminating discrimination as well as improving access to care.

My daughter has Bi Polar Disorder and has been hospitalized several times. SARDAA has provided a very useful connection to her and her family to enable her to connect with others who have similar situations and to network with peers. I am grateful for all that they do.

I am a professional with expertise in this field, a volunteer, and a consumer and have worked diligently with SARDAA since the organization began. As a consumer, I needed to get involved. SARDAA provided an avenue for me. I have been presenting my story of living with a mental illness to community members, organization chapters as well as doing the eNewsletter, and advocacy. I have been determined to stay connected to this organization any way I can.

When I started with SARDAA, I was just finishing my Bachelor degree. I was recovering and still very ill. I did not think that going further with my education would be feasible. Now, I am finishing my Masters degree and will be pursuing a Doctorate there after. Its because of SARDAA, my familial support network, therapist, psychiatrist, and friends that I am able to accomplish so much in (what I believe) such a short time.

SARDAA taught me to advocate for my recovery by connecting with self help groups like Schizophrenia Anonymous. In doing so, I have been able to speak for others who do not have a voice.