PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SUPPORT … Numerous booths were set up throughout the event area in order to give support and resources to those who may need it.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The NAMI Walks event was held at Northwest State Community College this past weekend. On Saturday, June 15th, participants who registered to for the event came out to spread awareness and give support the NAMI cause.
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. According to the organization, NAMIWalks is all about the people, with hopes to inspire individuals to reach out to one another, one authentic story at a time, to form a community of hope.
The event is also described as a walk with no finish line, only countless new beginnings for the people being served by NAMI’s free programs.
For our local NAMI, this was the first year this event was held. Wendy Jennings explained that, with it being the first time, no one knew what to expect.
“With this year being our first, we didn’t know what to expect. We set a goal of making $10,000 from sponsorships and donations. As of last night, we hit $15,000.”
NAMI … NAMI representatives stand for a group picture during the NAMIWalks event at Northwest State Community College. Pictured are Heather Galbraith, Kelly Tietje, Wendy Jennings, Jillene McMichael, Lori Robison, Mary Alice Nagel, Sarah Hankinson.
Over 145 people signed up to come be a part of the day’s event. In addition to the walk, tables were set up to spread resources from those who partnered with NAMI.
One such partner was Active Minds, which is a mental health organization located at Northwest State Community College, which had members present to help.
Altogether, the day ended up being a success. “It has been phenomenal. We’ve had a great team that has been able to put this all together. It’s just been incredible.”
“We have far exceeded our goal. I know that we are just one out of the 150 other NAMIs across the country, but it’s great knowing that this is coming from Northwest Ohio.”
“The outpouring of support has been amazing. The community took a great step forward for mental health today,” said Jennings.