2023 featured nonprofit: National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Seattle
Each year, the UWCFD spotlights a nonprofit organization doing amazing work to make our communities – locally, nationally and globally – healthier and more resilient.
We are excited to announce that the 2023 featured nonprofit is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Seattle. Through empowerment and encouragement, NAMI serves as a safe place for all who are impacted by mental illness, and lead individuals in living life to its fullest.
The 2023 UWCFD campaign kicks off October 11, 2023. Discover ways to get involved here!
NAMI is a mental health organization that addresses gaps and unmet mental health needs within the local community of Seattle through education, support, referral, and outreach.
“NAMI Seattle is thrilled to partner with the University of Washington Combined Fund Drive to end the stigma of mental illness,” said Jeremiah Bainbridge, Development Manager at NAMI. “The mental health needs in our community are greater than ever and your support provides invaluable services like support groups, education and skills classes, and anti-stigma presentations to ensure individuals and families affected by mental illness have hope and a supportive community.”
The largest grassroots mental health organization in the country, NAMI reminds those impacted by mental illness that they are not alone.
Jeremiah continued, “This work truly is life-saving and life-changing. With your support, we can end the stigma surrounding mental health and create a world where those affected by mental illness can live fulfilling and vibrant lives.”
NAMI Seattle hosts free peer-led support groups that are peer-led and are for both those struggling with mental conditions and their loved ones. These groups facilitate connections and uplift these individuals throughout challenging seasons of life.
Additionally, NAMI offers Family-to-Family, a free eight-session educational program that educates loved ones of those struggling with mental health conditions, as well as the Friends & Family Seminar, a free four-hour seminar that informs individuals on how to best support their loved ones throughout their struggles with mental illness.
Learn more about NAMI Seattle’s impact through stories, newsletters & reports, and the NAMI Seattle blog.
In addition to providing support groups and educational programs, NAMI also hosts engaging events that advocate for mental health awareness all throughout Seattle. This May, they hosted their first Stigma Free Seattle event, a celebration of mental health and unity against mental health stigma through interactive activities, community art, and inspiring stories.
Each year, NAMI Seattle joins with other NAMI alliances for NAMIWalks, a 5k event that celebrates recovery, combats stigma, raises funds, and promotes awareness for mental illness.
Get Involved
The UWCFD looks forward to bridging a connection between the UW community and NAMI Seattle through shining a light on areas where help is most needed. Here are some ways to get involved:
Become a member: Join NAMI Seattle as a member and become one of thousands advocating for services, support, and respect to the millions struggling with mental health conditions. Membership helps make the voices of NAMI Seattle heard in important conversations regarding mental health support nationwide.
Volunteer: Make a difference by giving time and talent to NAMI Seattle through volunteer opportunities.
Advocate: Become a change-leader in your community by advocating for areas of improvement within the mental health and behavioral care systems.
Donate: Support NAMI Seattle’s mental health programs through a one-time gift or payroll deduction through the UWCFD (charity code 0320832). Your generous gifts allow participants to join programs at no cost, keeping mental health support accessible to all.
Prefer to support the work of NAMI in your area? NAMI has UWCFD-member organizations in Whatcom County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Thurston County, Yakima, the Tri-Cities and a statewide office.
Past UWCFD featured nonprofits include Doctors Without Borders, Low Income Housing Institute, Northwest Harvest, Summit Assistance Dogs and Be The Match. Each organization has enjoyed increased visibility as a result of being featured, as well as a boost in one-time and annual donations from UW employees.
Additional CFD organizations addressing mental health:
American Society for Suicide Prevention (charity code 0316143): a national organization with chapters in all 50 states that is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.
The Trevor Project (charity code 1479131): The Trevor Project offers life-saving, life-affirming programs and services to LGBTQ youth that create safe, accepting and inclusive environments over the phone, online and through text.
University of Washington Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention (charity code 1482199) Forefront, a nonprofit based out of the UW School of Social Work, advances innovative approaches in suicide prevention.
Mental Health America (charity code 1479381): seeks to improve the health and quality of life for nearly 70 million adults and children impacted by mental health problem annually.
Mental Health Housing Foundation (charity code 1480575): develops and maintains housing for low-income individuals who are disabled as a result of lifelong mental illness.
Give an Hour (charity code 1482035): works to harness the expertise and generosity of volunteer mental health professionals to provide no-cost mental health care to those in the veteran and military communities, those affected by natural disasters, and those affect by man-made disasters.
Born this Way Foundation (charity code 1482977): supports the mental health of young people and works to create a kinder braver world through high impact programming, youth led conversations, and strategic partnerships.
Bridgeways (charity code 1478773): offers services that promote quality of life for individuals living with mental illness in a manner that facilitates growth, independence, and a sense of community.
Sound Generations (charity code 0316444): Promotes the emotional, social and physical well-being of seniors, their families and caregivers by providing information and services such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers, home repair, transportation, community dining, and healthy aging.
