NAMI Friends and Family,
I can hardly believe I’m writing this for my last newsletter as the Executive Director at NAMI Seattle. 5 years has flown by!
We really kicked some butt this year and I feel so fortunate to close this chapter on a high note. In 2016, we implemented our youth education program, Ending the Silence, and we have some big news.
Last month, we found out we secured a three year grant from Kaiser Permanente of Washington, in partnership with NAMI Washington and NAMI Eastside, to support Ending the Silence and NAMI on Campus in King County. This is huge! And wait, there’s more: NAMI Seattle received a two year grant from the Norcliffe Foundation earlier this year, also to support our education and outreach efforts to youth and young adults. Early intervention and youth education is a top priority, and our hard work is paying off. We could not be more excited to continue growing this aspect of NAMI programs, and to forge closer relationships with NAMI affiliates in our region. We are stronger together.
With our big news comes big goals. In 2017, we reached about 1,000 students with Ending the Silence presentations. In 2019, we aim to reach more than 3,000 students across King County.
This is ambitious. And that’s just year one! Over the course of three years, our goal is even bigger: more than 10,000 students. I’m starting to sweat a little just thinking about it. But I know you – we! – are up to the task. We have the power to educate and connect with more than 10,000 students over the next three years.
We just need YOU.
It takes two volunteers to make one presentation. It takes 20 new volunteer leaders to reach 3,000 students.
So, are you in? You can apply to become a presenter right here.
Together we change lives.
It has been an honor to be on this journey with all of you.
Sincerely,
Ashley Fontaine
Executive Director