News — April 2026

NAMI-SCC Outreach Spotlight: Expanding Mental Health Outreach in the Korean American Community

By Barb St. Clair, Outreach Programs Coordinator

NAMI-Santa Clara County is proud to announce the award of a community grant from the Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) to expand culturally responsive mental health outreach within the Korean American community.

The grant will support NAMI-SCC’s Jeongsin Geongang (“Mental Health”) program, an initiative designed to increase awareness of mental health resources, reduce stigma, and provide culturally and linguistically appropriate education and support for Korean Americans in Santa Clara County and across the Bay Area.

Justin Kim and Sarah Prabhu represented NAMI-Santa Clara County at the Korean American Community Foundation’s evening reception on March 10. They were welcomed as one of the trusted grantee partners who deliver critical services to the Korean American community every day.

We are honored to be awarded a grant to expand outreach within the Korean community in Santa Clara County.

Korean American Community Foundation’s Grantee Reception Attendees, March 2026

Addressing a Critical Need

Mental health challenges affect people in every community, yet stigma and language barriers can prevent individuals from seeking help. Research shows that many Korean Americans experience significant psychological distress, but cultural stigma around mental illness often discourages people from discussing mental health concerns or accessing services.

Through this grant, NAMI-SCC will expand outreach efforts to ensure that Korean Americans and their families have access to trusted information, support, and community resources.

Expanding Community-Based Outreach

Funding from KACF-SF has allowed NAMI-SCC to:

• Hire and train Korean-speaking outreach staff
• Provide culturally tailored presentations and workshops on mental health awareness
• Partner with Korean churches, community organizations, and cultural groups
• Expand Korean-language support groups and education programs
• Distribute information through Korean-language media and community locations

Outreach presentations will help community members recognize warning signs of mental distress, understand treatment options, and learn how to support family members experiencing mental health challenges.

Building a Stronger, Healthier Community

Faith communities and trusted cultural organizations play an important role in the Korean American community. NAMI-SCC’s Outreach team will work with Korean community leaders to increase mental health awareness and provide tools to support those who may be struggling.

Through these efforts, NAMI-SCC expects to reach 250–300 Korean American participants annually, helping more individuals and families access resources, reduce stigma, and build supportive community connections. This new grant will strengthen NAMI-SCC’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to culturally responsive mental health support.

For more information or support, contact the NAMI-SCC Helpline at 408-453-0400 option 1 or visit our offices during weekdays. To schedule a presentation, contact jkim@namisantaclara.org at 408-453-0400 ext. 3201.

back to top

Upcoming April 14 General Meeting

Dr. Jacob Ballon: Medications for Schizophrenia

Dr. Jacob Ballon is our April 14 General Meeting presenter. Dr. Ballon will discuss the current pipeline of medications for schizophrenia, discussing medications in clinical trials at the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University along with other programs. He will touch on the different mechanisms and how that may make for fewer, or at least different, side effect profiles but also why these medications may work well with existing ones. He will also talk about ongoing clinical trials at Stanford and how to participate. He will take general questions, as well.

Dr. Ballon, M.D., M.P.H. specializes in the treatment of people with psychotic disorders including schizophrenia. He is the Co-Director of the INSPIRE Clinic at Stanford which provides interdisciplinary care for people experiencing psychosis. He is also the Co-Division Chief for General Adult Psychiatry and Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Ballon completed his residency at Stanford in 2009 and a Schizophrenia Research Fellowship at Columbia University in 2011.

Click here to know more and register for general meeting on April 14.

back to top

NAMI-SCC Installation of Board Officers 2026-2027

Our Board Officers for 2026-2027 are:

President: Uday Kapoor
Vice President-Outreach: Beverly Lozoff
Vice President-Spanish Outreach: Juan Perez
Vice President-Communication and Media: Moryt Milo
Vice President-Legislation: Dolly Sandoval
Treasurer: Scott Whelton
Secretary: Peter Newman

NAMI-SCC’s annual election of Board Officers for 2026-2027 took place online for the first time. Voters were given a link to access a very simple ballot. Installation of officers will take place at the April 14 General Meeting.

Our Board of Directors consists of officers and members at large. Officers are listed above. Members at Large, appointed by the Board president, are Jillian Wang, Hogan Shy, and Gayatri Shah. One additional person rounds out our Board: Past President Navah Statman.

back to top

Upcoming NAMI-SCC Education Classes

Please contact the NAMI-SCC Helpline to find out about our education classes that are free for participants.
Call 408-453-0400 option 1.

• • Family-to-Family will begin in April in both English and Spanish.
  • Peer-to-Peer will start in April in both English and Spanish
  • The Provider course will begin on April 10. Please see the flyer below for details.
  • For Chinese Family-to-Family (offered through Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities), go to NAMI Family to Family.

To learn more about all our classes, visit: www.namisantaclara.org/classes/classes-2

back to top

NAMI-SCC In-Person Family Support Group Is back!

As a loved one of a person with mental illness, you face unique challenges: complex family dynamics, social isolation, and often unpredictable aspects of the illness. It can be overwhelming. Through NAMI Family Support Group, you can find hope and support by connecting with others who face similar challenges. You will gain support from peers who understand your experience as well as insight into the challenges and successes of others. We invite parents, spouses, siblings, friends, and caregivers.

Why you should attend:

• Improve coping skills and discover your inner strength.
• Find hope in knowing that you are not alone.
• Learn from the collective knowledge and experience of other participants.
• Gain support in a confidential setting.

If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. NAMI is here for you.

Join us the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at the NAMI-SCC office: 1150 S. Bascom Av. Suite 24, San Jose, CA 95128

Call 408-453-0400 option 1 for more information.

back to top

Upcoming Virtual Event: Mental Health Movie Screening and Panel

Join NAMI-Santa Clara County for a virtual screening of the movie “Anxious Nation” and a live panel discussion on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. (PDT).

“Anxious Nation” (2022) is a documentary film directed by Laura Morton and Vanessa Roth that explores mental health in the U.S., focusing on its impact on children and young adults (ages 10-26) and their families.

After the virtual movie screening, a live panel will discuss the film and youth mental health.

While tickets for “Anxiety Nation” are available at a minimum of $10, we invite you to contribute more if you’re able. Proceeds from this event will help support NAMI-SCC’s Ending the Silence (ETS) program, which brings mental health education and awareness to youth in our community.

ETS reaches students directly in schools, helping them recognize the signs of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and learn how to seek help for themselves or a friend.

Together, we can ensure more young people have the knowledge and support they need.

Reserve your spot at www.donorbox.org/events/920781/steps/choose_ticket

back to top

Registration Now Open for the 15th Annual Behavioral Health Community Heroes Awards

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, join us for a community celebration with refreshments and resources as we recognize our Behavioral Health Community Heroes and celebrate:

Hope in Every Step: Honor the Journey to Healing

DATE: Friday, May 8, 2026  |  2:00-4:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 353 W. Julian Street, San Jose

Seats are limited – register today!

Registration closes on April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

For additional info or help with registration, please contact BHB@hhs.sccgov.org

Registration Link: Register HERE!

back to top

NAMI National Convention (NAMICon) 2026

Registration Now Open

Get ready to experience an immersive three days of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation.

Meet Us in Atlanta

Join us May 28-30 at NAMICon 2026 where awareness meets action. Where education fuels advocacy. Where community strengthens hope.

This year’s theme—Advancing Connection, Community, and Caring—reflects what makes this moment so important.

In a time when so much is impacting mental health, NAMICon 2026 is creating space to come together, learn from one another, and move forward with purpose.

From people with lived experience, caregivers, and providers to young leaders, policymakers, faith leaders, and mental health champions from across the country—NAMICon 2026 will unite us for bold conversations, deep connection, and action that transforms communities.

Register Here!

back to top

NAMI-SCC’s Annual Picnic

You are Invited to NAMI-SCC’s Annual Picnic

DATE: Saturday, June 6, 2026

LOCATION: Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116

More details to follow.

back to top

NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026

We’re thrilled to announce NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026! Of course, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for updates, including fundraising information, website details, and event program.

DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026

LOCATION: History Park San Jose, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112

WALK MANAGER: Jennifer Larson, jlarson@namisantaclara.org

Visit our Walk page for details.

Visit www.namiwalks.org/siliconvalley to register.

back to top

Staff Spotlight: Justin Kim, Korean Community Outreach Assistant

Dae Hyun (Justin) Kim is a bilingual Korean-English community outreach professional with extensive experience serving Korean American seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities in Santa Clara County. With a background in social work and nonprofit program coordination, Justin has spent more than two decades building trusted relationships within the Korean community through culturally responsive outreach, program coordination, and community partnerships. His work has included supporting health and wellness programs, coordinating seminars and events with Korean churches and community organizations, and providing direct support to vulnerable populations. Justin’s deep familiarity with Korean community networks, combined with his experience engaging in sensitive conversations around wellness and family support, positions him to effectively support culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health outreach through NAMI-Santa Clara County’s Jeongsin Geongang (Mental Health) program.

In his free time, Justin enjoys sports. During the week, he plays wheelchair basketball with a team affiliated with San Jose City. On weekends, he plays tennis with the Bay Area Wheelchair Tennis Team. Occasionally, Justin competes in tournaments; last year he was ranked #38 nationally.

Outside of sports, he spends most of his time with his family—his wife and two adolescent sons. His younger son is very passionate about soccer, so the family often spends weekends at soccer games cheering him on together.

back to top

Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

On March 27, NAMI-Santa Clara County hosted a heartfelt Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, where nearly 40 volunteers came together to celebrate their dedication and contributions to our cause. The event was filled with warmth, gratitude, and a sense of community.

Guests enjoyed a couple of fun games and a delicious taco lunch while engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing stories, and reflecting on the impact of their volunteer work. The morning included a special presentation by our Executive Director, Rovina Nimbalkar, highlighting the incredible achievements and milestones from the past year, followed by a surprise visit from our esteemed board president, Uday Kapoor.

The gathering was a true celebration of the spirit of service, as volunteers bonded over their shared commitment to mental health advocacy. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of everyone who helps further NAMI-Santa Clara County’s mission, and we are grateful for their unwavering support.

Thank you to all who attended—your dedication truly makes a difference! We look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank You Volunteers!

back to top

How You Can Support CIT

This tax season, join NAMI California as they work to make a difference in our communities by bridging the gap between mental health and public safety through the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

CIT programs bring law enforcement, mental health providers, family voices, and communities together to improve crisis outcomes through training, collaboration, and education. They enhance safety, reduce arrests of individuals with mental illness, and increase access to treatment and recovery resources.

When families are in need during a mental health crisis, many turn to law enforcement for support. NAMI California works with affiliates throughout the state to ensure these partnerships are effective through CIT programs. The programs create opportunities for law enforcement to learn more about how to safely support those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Help us continue to support and expand this critical work by donating to the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund. When filing your state income taxes this year, simply check the box on line 445 on form 540 that reads “Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund” and donate to the dollar amount of your choice.

You can learn more at namica.org/tax-fund

back to top

Membership Form

To join online, go to www.namisantaclara.org/Become a Member

To make payment via check:

Please address the check to “NAMI Santa Clara County“ and send it by mail to:

1150 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 24
San Jose, CA 95128

NAMI-SCC welcomes your membership.

Memberships are valid for one year.

Your membership and donations are tax deductible.

Tax ID #94-2430956

Learn how to include NAMI-SCC in your estate plan by going to “Get Involved/Planned Giving” on our website.

back to top