NAMI Faith Leaders and Mental Illness

Faith communities can be an incredible source of strength and support for individuals and families dealing with a mental illness diagnosis, so NAMI has developed an intentional outreach designed to give faith leaders more information about mental illness and about programs offered by NAMI, its affiliates, and other agencies.

We’ve had two luncheons so far, with over 40 faith leaders in attendance, and our next luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, May 21st from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at the NAMI office at 1150 S. Bascom Avenue, S.J., 95128.

If you are interested in attending, please email or call our FaithNet coordinator, Reverend Cindy McCalmont. Email: cmccalmont@namisantaclara.org.Phone: 408-453-0400 Ext. 3035. The deadline for RSVPs is Monday, May 18th.

To Save a Life: Film and Panel

To kick-off national youth mental health awareness week, local church groups, under the leadership of St. Christopher Parish in San Jose, with the support of NAMI Santa Clara County, have rallied together to organize a special screening of To Save a Life.  This event is available FREE to all in our community.

To Save a Life is the story of all-American teen Jake Taylor, who seems to have it all. But after a childhood friend’s death, Jake’s world turns upside down, and he is forced to make a decision that could change his life forever. To Save a Life is about making unexpected choices and sacrifices, while having the courage and determination to persevere against all odds.

At some point, every teen has to decide: “What’s my life going to be about?” The film dares to bring that question into their world, encouraging them to answer it with boldness, honesty and compassion.

To Save a Life has started a movement all across the country. In communities just like ours, groups are working together to make an organized effort to reach local teens in crisis. Groups like ours are dedicated to offering every teen the opportunity to see this film and hear its powerful message of hope.

The film will be screened from 7 until 9 pm, and a panel will follow from 9 until 9:30 pm. Panelists will include:

  • Jim Britts, To Save a Life Film Producer and Youth Pastor, New Song Community Church, Oceanside, CA
  • Dave Cortese, Board President, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
  • Pattie Cortese, Trustee, East Side Union High School District
  • Dawn Brown, Development Manager, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Clara County.
  • Anne Ehersman, Executive Director, Project Cornerstone

Special thanks to CineLux Almaden Plaza for donating use of their theatre.
The official trailer for the film can be viewed here:

An interview with producer Jim Britts can be viewed here:

All are welcome!