Get Involved Engage Want to bring mental health awareness to your community? Invite NAMI North Texas to speak at your next event, workplace, school, or organization! We offer engaging presentations on mental health basics, suicide prevention, and how to seek help, tailored to your audience. Our team brings lived experience, professional insight, and stigma-free conversations to every visit. Request a Visit Connect Become a member of NAMI North Texas or join our mailing list to receive the latest newsletters, updates, and to learn about mental health events in North Texas. Sign Up Volunteer Your Time Ito ay isa sa mga pinakasimpleng paraan upang matulungan ang aming layunin. Naniniwala kami na ang pinakamahusay na paraan para maging matagumpay ang aming mga inisyatiba ay ang aktibong pakikilahok ng komunidad. Ito ay isang madali at mahusay na paraan ng pag-aambag sa mahusay na gawaing ginagawa namin sa NAMI North Texas. Makipag-ugnayan sa anumang mga tanong tungkol sa kung paano mo maaaring I-volunteer ang Iyong Oras ngayon. Become a Volunteer Intern With Us Internships follow the academic calendar and are offered in fall, winter/spring, and summer. View Open Positions Make A Donation Make a donation, financial or otherwise! Non-financial donations include office equipment and/or supplies, furniture, etc. Donate

Sharonda Young Calderon ShaRonda Young Calderon is a mental health advocate that lives in the DFW Metroplex with her three children. In June of 2018, ShaRonda lost her husband, Deputy Homero Calderon, to suicide. Homero, an 18yr veteran of the Dallas County Sheriff Dept, suffered with PTSI. ShaRonda has used the traumatic loss of her husband as a catalyst to educate and spread awareness of mental health and suicide prevention within the law enforcement community. 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 .

Kilalanin ang Aming Koponan Kasey Smith, BSW, MBA Executive Director Amya Waldrop Programs & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Juliana Lawley Fundraising & Donor Engagement Coordinator Claudia Smith Office Support & Spanish Programming Kilalanin ang Aming Koponan Lee Pierson President Khadijah Ibrahim Vice President Phyllis Finley Secretary Michaela Himes Treasurer Courtney Jaimes Sharonda Young Calderon Monserrat Mata Officer Carlos Henderson Alyse Ferguson Brittany Waymack Jennifer Wadsworth

NAMI's Ending the Silence program is a trio of engaging presentations to help schools and organizations serving youth and their families address mental health. Ending the Silence is a powerful tool in raising awareness, improving understanding and reducing stigma. It delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. Please click on the links below to read more about each presentation and request Ending the Silence for your group. ETS for Students ETS for Educators ETS for Families REQUEST ENDING THE SILENCE PRESENTATION Ending the Silence delivers a message of hope and recovery, helping to end stigma and empower safe, open communication around mental health conditions. Questions? Contact Olivia Frolichstein at Olivia@naminorthtexas.org or 214-341-7133

Frequently Asked Questions What types of services does NAMI North Texas provide? NAMI North Texas is a non-profit organization providing free education, advocacy, and support for individuals and family members affected by a mental health condition. We do not offer any medical or clinical services. We offer helpline support from 9 AM - 5 PM for callers wanting to obtain general information about mental health resources. You can reach us at (214) 341-7133. How can a person reach the NAMI North Texas helpline? The NAMI North Texas helpline is available by phone and email. Individuals seeking assistance can call (214) 341-7133 or email info@NAMINorthTexas.org. If no one is available to take your call immediately, please leave a message, and your call will be returned. Should you or anyone you know require emergency assistance, please dial 911. View our Emergency Guide and 911 Checklist for advice on speaking to law enforcement regarding a loved one with a mental health condition. What type of information is provided through the NAMI North Texas helpline? NAMI North Texas provides basic mental health information, contact information on resources available in Dallas, Collin, Denton and Rockwall Counties, as well as additional information about the education, support, and advocacy services we provide. Who are your services for? Our services are generally designed for individuals 18 years of age or older who have a mental health challenge OR are a family member/caregiver of a person with a mental health diagnosis. We also have programs and services for local companies, schools, businesses, city and state offices/divisions, etc., seeking training and presentations on mental health. What does NAMI mean by "peer"? A peer, in this case, is an individual living with a mental health condition and is in recovery. What does NAMI mean by "family member"? In this case, a family member/caregiver is an individual of a loved one living with a mental health condition. What is a NAMI North Texas support group? NAMI Connection is a free, 60-90 minute recovery support group for people living with a mental health condition where people learn from one another's experiences, share coping strategies, and offer mutual encouragement and understanding. The groups provide an ongoing opportunity to discuss the challenges of living with a mental health condition and techniques for maintaining wellness. All groups are facilitated by peers recovering from a mental health condition. NAMI Family Support Group is a free, 60-90 minute local meeting of caregivers of individuals with a mental health condition. Family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. These meetings are facilitated by trained NAMI members in NAMI affiliates across the country, and participants are encouraged to share actively in the group's work. Support groups are ongoing throughout the year. The current schedule of NAMI North Texas support groups is HERE. Are NAMI North Texas support groups open to anyone? NAMI North Texas support groups are only for individuals 18 and over who live with a mental health condition OR family members/caregivers seeking peer support. What is a NAMI North Texas education class? Peer-to-Peer Education Class is a free, 8-week, peer-directed recovery education course open to any person with a mental health condition. Peer-to-Peer emphasizes recovery from mental health conditions as a feasible, supportable goal and challenges the stigma often wrongly associated with mental health conditions. Family-to-Family Education Class is a free, 8-week course for families, partners, and friends of individuals with a mental health condition taught by more than 3,500 trained NAMI Family members and caregivers of individuals living with a mental health condition. The course dwells on the emotional responses families have to the trauma of mental health conditions; many family members describe their experience in the program as life-changing. Familia-de-Familia Education Class is a free, 12-week course for families, partners, and friends of individuals with a mental health condition taught by more than 3,500 trained NAMI Family members and caregivers of individuals living with a mental health condition. The course dwells on the emotional responses families have to the trauma of mental health conditions; many family members describe their experience in the program as life-changing. NAMI Basics is a free, 6-week, peer-directed education program developed specifically for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents. Education classes are usually scheduled in seasonal blocks (Fall, Spring & Summer). Current courses are listed HERE. Does NAMI North Texas have any more class locations than what is listed on the website? The NAMI Signature Classes (Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, and NAMI Basics) listed on the NAMI North Texas website are currently available for NAMI North Texas. To locate a free education class outside the NAMI Dallas service area, please visit www.nami.org and select the "Find Your Local NAMI" tab. This page will bring up a map of the United States, and visitors can choose a state and city in which a local NAMI affiliate may be located. Can a high school or college student attend a support group or education class for a research project? NAMI North Texas support groups are closed to students/professionals seeking to complete education/employment requirements. This guideline ensures that we protect our participants and maintain a healthy environment without any distractions or feelings of apprehension. However, some education courses may be open to students/professionals. Consent is REQUIRED from the teacher and participants enrolled in the class before visiting. If you are a student/professional and would like to see a class, please contact the NAMI North Texas office first at (214) 341-7133 or via email at info@NAMINorthTexas.org. Where can a person view a complete list of NAMI North Texas services? Click here for a list of services, or view the document below, available in both Spanish and English. Do you have to sign up for NAMI North Texas services? Individuals (family members and people living with a mental health condition) interested in taking a class must register to ensure we have enough material and space. The only requirement to attend a support group is that you are diagnosed with a mental health condition or a family member/caregiver of a person with a mental health condition. All NAMI North Texas services are FREE. Does NAMI North Texas provide housing/residential services? NAMI North Texas does not provide housing/residential services. We encourage anyone seeking housing information to contact Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. Helpful information may also be available at boardinghome.org. Does NAMI North Texas provide transportation assistance? NAMI North Texas does not provide transportation. If you receive services through Medicaid, you may be eligible for The Medical Transportation Program. The Medical Transportation Program sets up non-emergency rides for people who have no other way to get to their Medicaid healthcare visits. This includes people with Medicaid, children who get services through the Children with Special Health Care Needs program, and people in the Transportation of Indigent Cancer Patients program. To get more information about the program, please visit txmedicaidride.net. The toll-free phone number you call depends on where you live: Live in the Dallas area? Call 1-855-687-3255 Everyone else can call 1-877-633-8747 Does NAMI North Texas conduct home visits, welfare checks, or provide home health aide services? NAMI North Texas does not conduct home visits, welfare checks, or provide home health aide services. For welfare checks, contact your local non-emergency police department. Can NAMI North Texas recommend/refer a psychiatrist, other medical professionals, or medical advice? NAMI North Texas does not provide referrals to doctors or therapists or provide any medical advice. Can NAMI North Texas recommend/refer a legal representative, legal services, or legal advice? NAMI North Texas does not recommend legal representatives, legal services, or legal advice. Can NAMI North Texas provide medication needs? NAMI North Texas is a non-clinical mental health organization. We do not have medical staff available to answer any questions regarding medications. Please follow up with your primary care physician or prescriber. In case of an emergency, please dial 911. What other resources does NAMI North Texas have for those seeking help? Please visit our Resource page and our Education & Support page for more information. How can someone obtain a mental illness warrant? To learn more about or obtain a mental illness warrant in the Dallas area, please call 214-653-7485 or 214-653-7418. Mental Illness warrant procedures vary in each county; if you are outside of Dallas County, please contact your local court to determine how to obtain a mental illness warrant. Does NAMI North Texas accept donations? NAMI North Texas accepts in-kind and monetary donations. Donations can be given through our secure online PayPal account, or checks may be mailed to 2812 Swiss Ave. Dallas, Texas 75204. Please call (214) 341-7133 to determine what in-kind donations are accepted. How much are the NAMI North Texas membership fees/dues? NAMI North Texas offers 3 levels of membership: Individual : $40 Family: $60 Open Door: $5 (for persons with a limited income source) Become a member here. Does NAMI North Texas utilize volunteer services? NAMI North Texas is a volunteer-based organization, and we welcome individuals of various backgrounds interested in helping support the mission of NAMI North Texas. Please visit our Volunteer page to learn more. What are NAMI North Texas' hours of operation? NAMI North Texas business hours are Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM.

About Grissell Castro Grissell currently the Instructional Associate at the Law Enforcement Academy and the Public Safety Training Center at Tarrant County College. She is passionate about First Responder and Military Mental Health & Wellness and am constantly pursuing higher education at the graduate level to help me help others. Grissell is a Certified Paraprofessional in EMDR for First Responders, a Police & Fire Chaplain, a member of the Overwatch Peer Support (OPS), and hold an Advanced Certificate in Hostage/Crisis Negotiations. I was an advanced Public Safety Dispatcher for almost 7 years, she also hold a Certificate for Emergency Medical Dispatch, and have dispatched for both Police & Fire and was also a Communications Training Officer for Fire Dispatch.

About Todd Gyure Todd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 21 years with 16.5 years of that time spent working in the Patrol unit. For the past 5 years Todd has been assigned to the Garland Police Departments Wellness Unit. Todd is in his 12th year as a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator. Todd is a TCOLE certified mental health officer, a Suicide and Crisis Center of North TX certified telephone crisis counselor, GPD TCOLE 1850 Crisis intervention training instructor, Department of Public Safety certified Officer Resilience Training Leader, FRCPI certified law enforcement suicide prevention trainer, IAFF behavioral health awareness peer support certified, First Responder Stress and Trauma instructor (F1RST), member of Garland Police Departments Critical Incident Stress Management team, founder of The Law Enforcement Mental Health Alliance of North TX, founder of the NAMI North TX Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) program, Associate Producer of the film PTSD911, Mental Health First Aid certified instructor, and a Certified Police Field Training Officer. Todd is passionate about all things brain health for both the public he serves, and the law enforcement/first responder community at large. During his time with The Garland Police Department Todd has earned numerous awards and commendations to include: FOP’s Officer of the year, Garland Police Department’s 2019 Unit of the Year for his work in the wellness unit, Police Commendation Bar, Meritorious Conduct Bar, 2 Life Saving Bars, several Officer of the Month certificates, and a 2022 Mental Health America Prism award winner. Todd has spent that last 19 years as a big brother to Zach Moore. Zach Moore is the only son of Garland Officer Michael David Moore who was killed in the line of duty in 1997. Todd is a past president of NAMI North TX, and still serves on the board of directors. Todd earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of North TX, has two current TX public school teacher certificates, and his Master Peace Officer license.

It's not how far we walk at NAMIWalks North Texas on May 16, 2026 at Grandscape, but how far we've come to make our milestones count. With your support and high spirits, we intend to make an unprecedented impact on mental health in our community. Give your all for Mental Health for All. Join Us Together we can achieve more. At NAMI North Texas we strive to make sure we create a stigma-free, supportive community. Please join us in being apart of the change for Mental Health for All. Register Here Donate If you're unable to join us at the event in person, you can still make a meaningful impact by contributing to ending the stigma through donations. Your support is greatly appreciated! Donate Sponsor To sponsor, fill out our packet! Our Walks Manager will contact you once submitted. For sponsorship details, reach out to Juliana Lawley at juliana@naminorthtexas.org Sponsor Packet Volunteer at NAMIWalks Interested in Volunteering? We’d love to have you on board! Please fill out the volunteer application. We’ll be holding a volunteer orientation prior to the Walk, and all individuals who apply will receive an email with full details once it's scheduled. Thank you for your interest in supporting NAMIWalks and helping us make this event a success! Volunteer Application

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.

Nicole Bowers Secretary Nicole Bowers has worked at Plano Police Department as the Mental Health Coordinator since 2014. She provides follow-up to individuals who have contact with the police due to mental health crises and their family members/support system. One goal of this work is to connect people with resources in the community that can help support the person and their support system and help to mitigate future crises. 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 .

Isaac Padilla Isaac Padilla is the Managing Director and head of Project Management for RGD+B and Lucid, Inc. – sister design companies specializing in residential architecture and commercial architectural branding in Dallas, Texas. Former commercial clients include Ascension Coffee, Dallas Chop House, and Pizza Hut. Prior to his work with this group, he worked at 7-Eleven and served as the Franchising Marketing Manager for the US managing all marketing and advertising efforts for the franchise and business development teams – a role that didn’t exist before he came on board and one he crafted and created for the company. This work led him to travel across the US helping to franchise various 7-Eleven stores and to 7-Eleven Australia where he consulted the local team there on marketing and franchise recruiting efforts. 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 .