Sherry Cusumano, RN, LCDC, MS
October, 2020
Hello, NAMI North Texas members and friends of NAMI! This is my final letter as the President for this publication. I want to let you know that I have been honored to serve as the chair for this incredible nonprofit organization. It is only because of NAMI North Texas that I've had the privilege to know and to work beside so many of you! Please believe me when I tell you that my life has been greatly enriched by this experience. You have taught me a great deal about life, love, acceptance, and courage, and for that, I thank you.
I would like to mention that the board of directors of NAMI North Texas is stronger than it has EVER been, and that the staff is as talented and as devoted as always. I am so enthused about the things we are working on that I plan to continue to work with NAMI North Texas as a volunteer! This means that I will still be able to enjoy seeing many of you in the future. I plan to work with Dr. Guillory as he chairs the strategic planning committee to ensure that we stay committed to the NAMI North Texas mission-to provide education, support, and advocacy for individuals living with mental health conditions and their family members. I will also be working on the nominating committee under the leadership of Timmy Newsome, who is working hard to arrange the kind of candidates that you will have confidence in voting for to serve on your board of directors. In addition to this, I will work under the leadership of Claudia Smith as she chairs the advocacy committee, fighting for the changes that you've brought to our attention. Do you want to work with us on any of these important initiatives? Would you like to teach a NAMI class or lead a support group? What kind of volunteer work would best suit you? There are so many opportunities!
The board will soon elect new officers and I can assure you that everyone being considered is eager, willing, and able to serve. I believe that the foundation of NAMI North Texas is strong, and that we will only get bigger and better from here. Together, we will educate the public and get rid of the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions. We will work hard together to provide what is needed and to make sure that everyone understands that mental health conditions are treatable, and that recovery is possible!
Be sure to tune in for our October meeting where I will talk about public policy. This will be brief and cover a few very basic things. I hope that you will decide to take the NAMI Smarts class so that you can enhance your storytelling skills while working with others to educate our legislators! Remember, there is a legislative session in 2021, and we need your help. If you don't tell your story, who will? Remember to also get out and vote in this upcoming election, as it is so important to make our voices heard! Vote with your conscience as you choose the leaders to best represent us and vote to ensure that mental health is at the forefront of our political discussions. Please tune in as we welcome new board members and allow those of us who are rolling off the board to thank you for trusting us to lead, work, and WALK with you on your NAMI North Texas journey!
Best Regards,
Sherry Cusumano
President of NAMI North Texas
I would like to mention that the board of directors of NAMI North Texas is stronger than it has EVER been, and that the staff is as talented and as devoted as always. I am so enthused about the things we are working on that I plan to continue to work with NAMI North Texas as a volunteer! This means that I will still be able to enjoy seeing many of you in the future. I plan to work with Dr. Guillory as he chairs the strategic planning committee to ensure that we stay committed to the NAMI North Texas mission-to provide education, support, and advocacy for individuals living with mental health conditions and their family members. I will also be working on the nominating committee under the leadership of Timmy Newsome, who is working hard to arrange the kind of candidates that you will have confidence in voting for to serve on your board of directors. In addition to this, I will work under the leadership of Claudia Smith as she chairs the advocacy committee, fighting for the changes that you've brought to our attention. Do you want to work with us on any of these important initiatives? Would you like to teach a NAMI class or lead a support group? What kind of volunteer work would best suit you? There are so many opportunities!
The board will soon elect new officers and I can assure you that everyone being considered is eager, willing, and able to serve. I believe that the foundation of NAMI North Texas is strong, and that we will only get bigger and better from here. Together, we will educate the public and get rid of the stigma that surrounds mental health conditions. We will work hard together to provide what is needed and to make sure that everyone understands that mental health conditions are treatable, and that recovery is possible!
Be sure to tune in for our October meeting where I will talk about public policy. This will be brief and cover a few very basic things. I hope that you will decide to take the NAMI Smarts class so that you can enhance your storytelling skills while working with others to educate our legislators! Remember, there is a legislative session in 2021, and we need your help. If you don't tell your story, who will? Remember to also get out and vote in this upcoming election, as it is so important to make our voices heard! Vote with your conscience as you choose the leaders to best represent us and vote to ensure that mental health is at the forefront of our political discussions. Please tune in as we welcome new board members and allow those of us who are rolling off the board to thank you for trusting us to lead, work, and WALK with you on your NAMI North Texas journey!
Best Regards,
Sherry Cusumano
President of NAMI North Texas