Empowering Education Professionals NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators is a free 1 to 2-hour mental health education in-service for school professionals to help them better understand the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may be early warning signs of mental health concerns in children and adolescents in their classrooms. The in-service also provides tips on how to intervene once the symptoms are recognized and suggestions on how to communicate with the parents and caregivers of the students to achieve the best possible outcome. Our free, on-site presentation is led by a team from your community consisting of a young adult with a mental health condition, a parent and a teacher. The presentation will share how to: Understand the difference between “bad behavior” and symptoms of a mental health condition. Recognize early warning signs. Communicate and partner with families effectively. Link to community services quickly. Create a supportive learning environment for all students. Why Your School Needs NAMI Ending the Silence for Educators 1 in 5 kids experiences a mental health condition, but only 20% of them actually receive services. About 50% of students ages 14+ with a mental health condition will drop out. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. "This program gave me a new understanding of the importance of my role in early recognition of kids with symptoms of mental illness and the urgency of early intervention on their behalf."

About Jessica Russell Jessa is a Captain at Highland Park DPS with 16 years of experience. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in Kinesiology and from Texas Christian University with a Master’s in Criminal Justice. She holds a master TCOLE Peace Officer License, Advanced Structure Fire Certification, and Paramedic License. Jessa has served as a Field Training Officer, Police Academy adjunct instructor, Peer Support Coordinator, and Public Information Officer.

Community Recognition NAMI North Texas Walk Your Way Award In order to continue to provide free mental health services to our North Texas community, peer fundraising is crucial. Nearly 70% of our budget comes from individual and small business contributions, most of which rely on the efforts of our NAMIWalks participants. The Walk Your Way Award recognizes any participant who has gone above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for NAMI North Texas through their role as a NAMIWalks team captain, walker, or both. 2024 | Alpha Xi Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 20 23 | Medical City Green Oaks 2022 | Bonick Landscaping 2021 | Victoria Tortorelli 2020 | Robert Walters Marion Shaw Community Support Award In the words of former NAMI North Texas President Sherry Cusumano, “Marion Shaw was the epitome of integrity and dedication to others." She loved helping others and passionately promoted the importance of building a supportive, nonjudgmental mental health community; a community we fondly refer to as our NAMI North Texas family. In honor of Ms. Shaw, this award recognizes an organization that has gone out of its way to support our office and advocate in the community on our behalf. 2024 | Avance Dallas 2023 | Carrollton Springs 2022 | People Living Active Now 2021 | Patriot Paws 2020 | Beta Theta Pi, UT Arlington Advocate of the Year Award Our Advocate of the Year is a change-maker who shows significant leadership in the mental health community by going out of their way to start the mental health conversation, reduce stigma, and promote NAMI North Texas through their own efforts, above and beyond their commitments as a volunteer. To earn this distinction, the awardee must be a NAMI North Texas volunteer who has contributed significant time to our organization this past year and is not afraid to shout their mental wellness message from the rooftops! 2024 | Selina Sambar 2023 | Annette Addo-Yobo 2022 | Bud Browne 2021 | Claudia Smith 2020 | Alex Andrews Young Adult of the Year Award As we know, 75% of mental illness symptoms present themselves before age 24. Early intervention is therefore key to raising awareness and starting the mental health conversation before it’s too late. Our young adult presenters and Ending the Silence programs are critical components of normalizing this discussion among adolescent students, their parents, and teachers. This award recognizes one of our young adults who has stood out for their dedication to the Ending the Silence program and passion for early intervention. This person has impacted young adults in North Texas through their story and at least four (4) Ending the Silence presentations this past year. 2024 | North Central Texas College Corinth NAMI On Campus 2023 | Kezia Philips 2022 | Isabelle Scott 2021 | Olivia Fan 2020 | Selina Sambar New Volunteer of the Year Award This award symbolizes our continued commitment to our identity as a grassroots community service organization. We cannot do what we do without the support of our community. It is therefore incredibly important that we continue to recruit new volunteers and recognize those who have shown exceptional leadership potential and commitment to our NAMI North Texas family. To qualify for this award, this individual must have started volunteering this calendar year, be a trained presenter, support group facilitator and/or class teacher, and have volunteered for at least five (5) programs in their first year. 2024 | Maurice Maram 2023 | Deondreia Reynolds 2022 | Rebeca Henriquez 2021 | Tracy Green 2020 | Omar Olivarez Dr. Sherry Cusumano Distinguished Service Award The Distinguished Service Award is presented to one of our most active and reliable volunteers. To qualify for such recognition, this person must be trained in two (2) or more volunteer roles and have actively served in those roles for more than one (1) year. The awardee is not only a model mental health advocate, but someone who brings fresh ideas on how to better serve our community. 2024 | John & Joy Bergmann 2023 | Rebeca Henriquez 2022 | Tracy Green 2021 | Kathy Giddings 2020 | Mary Kelley Jerome & Hazel Byers Award This award is named after the late Mr. Jerome and Mrs. Hazel Byers, founding members of NAMI North Texas, former board members of several North Texas mental health organizations (including NAMI Dallas), and true pioneers in mental health advocacy for over 30 years. The recipient of this award is recognized for their lifetime achievement as a mental health advocate and their commitment to the NAMI mission. To qualify for this award, this person must have been part of the NAMI North Texas family for more than ten (10) years and be an active NAMI North Texas volunteer who has held multiple roles in our community from teaching and facilitating core NAMI programs to going above and beyond their role as a mental health advocate at the individual, local, regional, state, and/or national levels. 2024 | David & Cheryl Miller 2023 | Claudia Smith 2022 | Charlene Gaffney 2021 | Rolph Holt 2020 | Madeline Kelley

Courtney Jaimes Courtney is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. Courtney has worked with a variety of populations, including homeless adults, adult survivors of relationship violence, sexual assault, and/or sexual, abuse, as well as perpetrators of relationship violence. For the last several years, Courtney has worked in higher education and is currently the Associate Director of Counseling & Advising at North Central Texas College. Courtney is married and has 3 children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and yoga.

Mohammad 'Pasha' Rahman Vice President Pharm D., MHA, FACHE Pasha Rahman is the Director of Pharmacy Services at Medical City Green Oaks Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Medical City Green Oaks Hospital is dedicated to inpatient psychiatric care, and has multiple outpatient programs and locations in North Texas. Bilang isang dating propesyonal na manlalaro ng football, mayroon akong access sa mga mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip. Ang NFL at ang NFL Players Association ay nakipagtulungan upang lumikha ng isang mapagkukunan ng kalusugan ng isip para sa mga dati at kasalukuyang manlalaro upang humingi ng tulong sakaling kailanganin iyon. Ito ay isang libreng serbisyo sa amin at sa aming pamilya. Ginagamit ko ang mga mapagkukunang iyon kapag kinakailangan o kahit na para lamang mag-check in upang makipag-usap tungkol sa kung nasaan ako sa buhay at kung ano ang nangyayari. Noong nakaraang linggo, sinimulan ng NAMI North Texas ang isang programa sa pagsasanay upang magbigay ng ganap na kumpidensyal, walang gastos, walang stigma na network ng suporta sa kalusugan ng isip para sa pagpapatupad ng batas (at kalaunan ang lahat ng unang tumugon at kanilang mga pamilya). Sa pamamagitan ng disenyo, tinutugunan nito ang mga pinakakilalang dahilan kung bakit ang mga unang tumugon ay madalas na hindi humingi ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip; panlipunan at propesyonal na stigma, takot sa pagbaba ng posisyon o pagkawala ng trabaho, kawalan ng kakayahang makahanap ng tagapagbigay ng serbisyo na may kakayahang iugnay ang paulit-ulit na trauma na naghihikayat sa pangangailangan para sa isang propesyonal sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang programang ito ay magiging isang ganap na kumpidensyal na unang hakbang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, na ginagawang mas madali para sa mga unang tumugon na humingi ng tulong. Ang mga Peer Supporter ay magsisilbi ring tulay sa mga propesyonal na serbisyo sa kalusugan ng isip. Sila ay sasanayin na kilalanin kapag ang isang kapwa opisyal ay nangangailangan ng higit sa kanilang sinanay na mag-alok at tulungan silang kumonekta sa isang therapist, psychiatrist o iba pang propesyonal na serbisyo na may karanasan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga unang tumugon. Palagi kong iginagalang ang tagapagpatupad ng batas, at oo, kahit na sa ilalim ng ilang mahihirap na kalagayan, dahil mayroon din silang mga pamilya at ang kanilang priyoridad ay magbigay ng serbisyo sa komunidad, at protektahan at pagsilbihan. Timmy Newsome Pangulo ng NAMI NTX Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa aming Overwatch Peer Support Program (OPS) , makipag-ugnayan sa aming Direktor ng Mga Programa at OPS, Christopher Payne .

Compartiendo Esperanza Cambiando la cultura y ayudando a nuestra gente NAMI Norte de Texas lanzará un nuevo programa en esta área llamado "Compartiendo Esperanza". Este programa de tres días explora el camino hacia el bienestar mental en la comunidad hispana mediante el diálogo, la narración de historias y la discusión guiada. El objetivo es compartir esperanza con nuestra comunidad, unirnos y hacernos conscientes de que no estamos solos en este camino.

About Us Our Services Donate Join NAMI North Texas Work with NAMI Press & Media Public Documents Mission, Vision, & Values Operating Policies & Procedures Bylaws 2019 Impact Report 2020 Impact Report 2020 Form 990 2021 Form 990 About NAMI NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need. NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Local Affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs. Since its inception in 1979, NAMI has established itself as the foremost grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in the NAMI's mission have produced profound changes. NAMI has been the driving force behind a national investment in lifesaving research, parity for mental health care, increased housing and improved access to care. NAMI's awareness efforts successfully address the stigma of mental illness, breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery. NAMI’s signature education programs have served as a beacon of hope for hundreds of thousands of families and individuals. NAMI’s support efforts expand to meet the challenges of a changing world by supporting virtual communities of help and hope to millions through NAMI.org and NAMI’s social media channels. NAMI North Texas was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Texas in 1982. It is a 501-c-3 tax-deductible charitable organization. NAMI North Texas is the local affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI Texas. Here at NAMI North Texas we provide services to Dallas, Rockwall, Denton, and Collin Counties. How We Help NAMI North Texas understands that having a mental health condition not only affects the individual diagnosed, but also those who play a crucial role in the individual's life. We extend our services to: Family members, friends and loved ones Local community Mental health professionals Every entity of an individual's support network should be actively involved in the treatment process. Receiving a diagnosis is only the first step toward recovery. Collaboration, advocacy and education support recovery. Who Can Access Services Here are a few ways NAMI North Texas help individuals and their families affected by mental health conditions: NAMI North Texas provides information, resources and support. NAMI North Texas sponsors speakers and educational and informational programs, provides family and peer education courses and support groups, organizes seminars, and reaches out to the community. NAMI North Texas advocates for improved and equitable services and nondiscriminatory funds at local, state and federal levels for persons with mental health conditions. NAMI North Texas advocates for a community continuum of care, adequate treatment, therapy and support systems. NAMI North Texas advocates for effective new generation medications, supported housing, social and job skills rehabilitation, and employment. NAMI North Texas advocates for appropriate health care and insurance parity.

Bienvenido a NAMI North Texas, donde brindamos un salvavidas de apoyo y educación para personas que viven con problemas de salud mental y sus seres queridos. Ya sea que esté buscando recursos para usted o para alguien que le importa, nuestras clases gratuitas y grupos de apoyo están diseñados para ofrecer orientación, comprensión y una comunidad compasiva. Explore nuestra amplia gama de programas para aprender cómo puede obtener herramientas valiosas para la recuperación, crear sistemas de apoyo más sólidos y conectarse con otras personas que comparten experiencias similares. Comience su viaje hacia el bienestar mental hoy, porque nadie debería afrontarlo solo. saltar al programa: Grupo De Apoyo Para Familiares De Familia A Familia Un grupo de apoyo para familiares de personas que experimentan problemas de salud mental. 2do sábado grupo virtual 4:00PM-5:30 PM Por Zoom REGISTRARSE 8-semana clases Para todos 11 de julio Sábados a las 11:00 A.M. 11 de julio - 29 de agosto Por Zoom REGISTRARSE "Este programa hizo una tremenda diferencia en mi relación con mi hija. No puedo creer cómo desinformada era sobre la enfermedad mental. Ya me he referido tres personas para la próxima clase."

Intern with us! Each semester, NAMI North Texas accepts a limited number of highly qualified students as interns. We are proud to have mentored interns from multiple schools such as Texas Woman’s University, Baylor University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M, FLAME University, and the University of North Texas. We hope to build a relationship with you and your University in the future as well. We do not provide clinical services, so LCSW and counseling interns will not be accepted. To be considered for our Internships, please complete the application linked below. Once your application is received, we will follow up with you for interviews and next steps. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAM SUPPORT INTERN The Community Engagement & Program Support Intern strengthens relationships with local partners, supports outreach initiatives, and helps deliver programs that make a tangible impact across communities. This role is ideal for college students or emerging professionals interested in nonprofit work and hands‑on community interaction. View full internship description Internship Application

Claudia Smith I have been a member of NAMI North Texas and a teacher of Family-to-Family in Spanish and English for the past 8 years. I had been in the hotel business for the past 37 years, 25 of those in Dallas, Texas. I love my family; they are my support. I love walking my dog and gardening (they are also my therapy). I immensely enjoy my Family-to-Family classes because I am able to pay back all the love, support, and teaching that NAMI provides for me and my family, and also teach families how to understand and help their loved ones suffering from mental health issues.

Together We Can Achieve More If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. NAMI is here for you. NAMI supports and enriches your and your family's unique journey towards mental wellness. Our outstanding peer-led programs provide free education, skills training and support. We invite you to join our movement to ensure better lives for everyone. Together we can make mental health a priority and be part of the solution to solve one of the biggest problems we face as a nation. Mission NAMI North Texas is a grassroots organization that provides education, support, advocacy, and public awareness to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions and their family members. Vision NAMI North Texas empowers North Texans through our ongoing education, support, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. We envision a stigma-free, supportive community where recovery is achievable and mental health services are accessible by all. Komunidad Nililinang namin ang isang komunidad ng pagsasama, halaga, at pagtitiwala. Authenticity Nangangako kami ng transparency, pagiging totoo, at pagiging patas sa aming paglilingkod sa komunidad. Paggalang Pinararangalan namin ang bawat tao at ang kanilang paglalakbay sa pagbawi. Empowerment Sinusuportahan namin ang isang pamantayan ng kahusayan sa aming mga pagsisikap na magbigay ng inspirasyon sa pag-asa at lakas sa puso ng bawat North Texan.

About ShaRonda Young Calderon ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate and suicide awareness educator, that lost her husband Deputy Homero "Omar" Calderon, by suicide, June of 2018. ShaRonda resides in the DFW metroplex and dedicates her time to raising awareness through First Responder trainings and crisis call operator interventions. She currently serves on the board of directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of North Texas. ShaRonda is also a representative of 1st H.E.L.P., currently leading the Blue H.E.L.P Family Division Advisory Committee.