View this email in your browser

Happy Summer! Although most people think of Summer as fun, laid-back, relaxing, social, it may not be that way for everyone. Bathing suit season can trigger body image concerns and eating disorders; increased social engagements, or lack thereof, can trigger anxiety; fireworks displays can be triggering for individuals suffering from PTSD, especially veterans. Please stay in tune with precipitating symptoms and stay in touch with your mental health professionals. Inform your loved ones ahead of time what your symptoms may look like, so they can be aware and know how to get you help. Ask the same of your loved ones. Set up a list of coping skills for yourself and keep them handy. Know you can call or text 988 in crisis, for yourself or others. Contact NAMI Westchester to get involved in our support, education or advocacy programs and initiatives. We are here for you and you are not alone.

Warmly,

Marie Considine

Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month, observed every July, honors the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, an advocate for mental health awareness in marginalized communities. This month highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities, promoting education, support, and resources to combat stigma and improve access to care.

Campbell understood that mental health isn’t just about individual healing — it’s about community transformation. She knew that when those who have been unseen and unheard share their truths, they create ripples of hope that reach far beyond themselves. Her vision was radical yet simple: creating spaces where cultural wisdom meets modern understanding, where lived experiences become guideposts for others walking similar paths. This month serves as a call to address disparities in mental health treatment, foster inclusivity, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to seek help and advocate for their well-being.

NAMIWalks Westchester

We’re 83% of the way to our NAMIWalks 2025 goal—and we need you to help us reach it! Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your support stays right here in Westchester County, helping us keep our vital mental health programs available to the community at no cost. Together, we can cross the finish line and ensure that everyone who needs help can access it.

Please donate today to help us reach 100% of our goal—the deadline is July 10th!

Thank you for helping to make NAMIWalks Westchester 2025 a great success. Our work is not possible without friends and supporters like you.

Shoutout to Our Top Teams and Fundraisers for NAMIWalks Westchester 2025!

A huge thank you to our outstanding teams and top fundraisers who have gone above and beyond to support mental health in our community. Your dedication is making a real difference!

Linden Hill Social Emotional Learning Fair

Georgie D'Avanzo, Outreach and Development Associate at NAMI Westchester, recently attended the Social-Emotional Learning Fair at Linden Hill High School, a therapeutic support school in Hawthorne. The event provided an opportunity for students and staff to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and social-emotional well-being.

Georgie was able to connect with attendees, share valuable resources from NAMI Westchester, and support the school’s efforts in promoting mental health awareness and emotional resilience among students. It was a great experience to be part of such an important event dedicated to nurturing the emotional well-being of young people.

Have an upcoming event? If you'd like us to table or join your event, click the button below to get in touch—we’d love to hear from you!

Westchester Children's Association Third Annual Commissioners' Conversation on Children

WCA hosted the highly anticipated Third Annual Commissioners' Conversation on Children at the Greenburgh Public Library. This year’s event brought together County Commissioners from Westchester County government departments that serve youth, including Depts of Health, Social Services, Community Mental Health, Probation, Westchester County Youth Bureau, and Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network, with nonprofit Executive Directors including NAMI Westchester's Marie Considine.

The discussion centered around current issues impacting children across Westchester County, with a particular focus on data that underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges. From mental health to social services, attendees were provided valuable insights into the state of child welfare and the collaborative efforts underway to improve outcomes for youth.

African American Heritage Festival

Carleen Ybarra, a board member of NAMI Westchester, attended the African American Heritage Festival at Kensico Dam to connect with the community and share information about the vital resources NAMI Westchester offers.

Carleen engaged with festival attendees to raise awareness about the mental health services available in Westchester County, emphasizing how NAMI supports individuals and families facing mental health challenges. Her presence at this vibrant community event helped to further NAMI’s mission of providing education, support, and advocacy at no cost to those who need it.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about NAMI Westchester’s programs and how we’re working to create a healthier, more informed community!

Team Rise and Shine’s Fundraiser for NAMIWalks Westchester at Ice Cream Social

Elizabeth Buonamici, Team Captain of Team Rise and Shine, hosted a fun and refreshing ice cream fundraiser at Ice Cream Social in White Plains to support NAMIWalks Westchester. Guests cooled down with delicious treats while supporting mental health awareness.

Thanks to the generosity of Erin and Pam, owners of Ice Cream Social, 20% of proceeds were donated to NAMIWalks Westchester. Leslie Waltzer Pollak, Director of Development at NAMI Westchester, joined the event to thank attendees for their support.

A heartfelt thank you to Elizabeth and everyone who helped make this event a success—your efforts make a real difference in our community!

Stop Gun Violence Conference: Beyond the Bullet - Healing Communities, Saving Lives

NAMI Westchester was proud to sponsor the Stop Gun Violence Conference hosted by the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. The event brought together community leaders, advocates, and residents to discuss the impact of gun violence and how we can work together to heal and save lives.

As a sponsor, NAMI Westchester was able to table at the event and share valuable resources with attendees. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with others in our community who are committed to making a difference in the fight against gun violence and supporting mental health.

Re-entry Rethought: How Medicaid Can Strengthen and Reduce Recidivism Webinar Hosted by SAMHSA

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where: Virtual

Jails and prisons are de facto mental health providers for the millions of people with serious mental illness and substance use disorder moving through the criminal justice system every year. Following new guidance, states are leveraging Medicaid to improve re-entry. During this presentation, learn about the risks people with mental illness and substance use disorder face in the days and weeks after incarceration. The session will also discuss policy changes and how states are planning to use Medicaid to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism for people who become involved in the criminal justice system.

Family & Friends Webinar

Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual

Join us for NAMI Family & Friends, a 90-minute no-cost seminar that informs and supports people who have loved ones with a mental health condition

Participants learn about diagnoses, treatment, recovery, communication strategies, crisis preparation and community resources. Webinar leaders have personal experience with mental health conditions in their families.

There is no cost to attend; donations to support such programs are graciously accepted. You will receive a Zoom link after registration.

Family-to-Family 8-Week Mental Health Course

Option 1: Mondays, September 8 - November 9, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at NAMI Westchester Office

Option 2: Saturdays, September 13 - November 1, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., meets virtually

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. The class not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

NAMI Westchester Support Groups

Connection Support Group for People Living with a Diagnosis:

In-person sessions

• First Tuesday of the month at the White Plains Library
• Second Thursday of the month at NAMI Westchester Office

Virtual session

• Fourth Thursday of the month

Parents & Caregivers of Adolescents and Young Adults:

In-person session

• Fourth Thursday of the month at Croton Free Library

Virtual sessions

• Second Thursday of the month
• Fourth Wednesday of the month

Family and Friends Support Group:

Virtual sessions

• Third Thursday of the month

If you are interested in joining, please call Susan Palmer, Program Administrative Assistant at (914) 592-5458.

NAMI Westchester Presentation Programs

• Ending the Silence
• In Our Own Voice
• Sharing Hope
• Mental Health Awareness

These presentations are upon request, please call Terry Brennan, Program Coordinator at (914) 592-5458.

NAMI Westchester Educational Programs

• Family-to-Family Class
• Family and Friends Webinar

Registration for both of these programs are above.

Need Resources, Support Groups or Education Classes?

Call NAMI Westchester's Helpline at (914) 592-5458.

Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We are here to help!

Need Help Right Now?

Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Call the Westchester Crisis Prevention & Response Team at (914) 925-5959 or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741 for 24/7, confidential, free crisis counseling.

To speak with a NAMI Helpline specialist, call 800-950-NAMI (6264),

open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Follow and Connect via Social Media

To ensure that these emails land in your inbox and do not go into spam, please add info@namiwestchester.org to your email address book or safe senders list.