We are looking for Family support group facilitators
We’re looking for individuals to serve as facilitators for our Family Support Groups both in-person & online.
If you’ve completed one of our family education programs and are interested in giving back by supporting others, we’d love to hear from you!
If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact our
Education Manager:
Adela Arce
Email: aarce@namisantaclara.org
Upcoming Mental Health 101
VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS
Dates:
- Thursday August 21
- Thursday November 20
Time: 11: 30 AM – 1: 00 PM
Research Studies
Sensing Schizophrenia Research Study
Click to learn & join
July 2025
It’s Time to Sign Up for NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2025!
Keynote Speaker: Assemblymember Gail Pellerin of California’s 28th District!
Date: Saturday, October 4
Location: History Park San Jose, 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA. 95112
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the cause, now’s the time to register for this year’s NAMIWalks Silicon Valley—our biggest mental health awareness and fundraising event of the year!
We are proud to announce this year’s Keynote Speaker for NAMIWalks Silicon Valley is Assemblymember Gail Pellerin of California’s 28th District!
With a deep personal connection to mental health advocacy and a strong history of service in local government, Assemblymember Pellerin exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion, purpose, and impact. Her dedication to uplifting mental health initiatives and supporting our local communities aligns powerfully with NAMI-Santa Clara County’s mission.
Join us in welcoming Assemblymember Pellerin and walking together toward a future of hope, awareness, and support!
📞 Questions? Contact Kristina Alaniz at (408) 453-0400 ext. 3125 or kalaniz@namisantaclara.org
Let’s Walk for Mental Health.
Register for NAMIWalks Silicon Valley today and be part of something powerful.
NAMIWalks Silicon Valley Kickoff 2025
Join us as we officially kick off the walk season with inspiration, information, and celebration!
This event is open to all—sponsors, team captains, independent walkers, and anyone curious about how to support NAMIWalks Silicon Valley!
✨ Refreshments will be served
🎈 Celebrations will ensue
📋 Details on the walk, fundraising tips, and how to get involved.
WHEN: Saturday, July 19
WHERE: NAMI-SCC office, 1150 S. Bascom Av, Ste 24, San Jose
TIME: 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M.
Let’s walk together for mental health. Register for NAMIWalks Silicon Valley today and be part of something powerful.
👉 Register today and start building your team! https://namisantaclara.org/nami-walks-silicon-valley-2025/
For more information on any of the above, contact Kristina Alaniz at kalaniz@namisantaclara.org or by phone at 408-453-0400 ext. 3125
June 10 General Meeting Recap
Maureen O’Connor Offers a Multi-Disciplinary Vision of Mental Health
By Moryt Milo
When an individual is in the midst of a mental health crisis, time is precious and treatment is critical—finding a hospital bed, doctor, or psychologist oftentimes comes down to luck and luck doesn’t equate to care.
Former Palo Alto University (PAU) president Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., JD, says the problem is because demand far outweighs availability, and the data is telling.
According to the American Psychology Association, almost 60% of psychologists say they have no openings for new patients, and almost 70% maintain a waitlist with an average time of three months for a first appointment. The other troublesome fact is that within the next five to ten years nearly 40% of all psychologists will retire, stretching demand even farther.
“You all are well aware of the provider shortages facing our families and communities,” O’Connor, who served as Palo Alto University president for nine years, told the audience at a NAMI-Santa Clara County general meeting.
Behavioral health provider shortages are at the top of the need list in the Bay Area, California, and the country. PAU is one of those rare institutions that specializes in graduating only students with various degrees in the field of behavioral health.
“Our alums have no difficulty finding a position, there is such a need,” O’Connor says.
Still, it’s important to understand the core disciplines in the field whether it’s a person seeking help for a loved one, friend, or themselves, O’Connor says. Being familiar with the distinct roles of the five major licensed providers in California can help lead to better decision making. These disciplines include psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists (MFTs), licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs).
Thank You to our Donors
NAMI-Santa Clara County is grateful to our many supporters for their continuing generosity. In the last five months, we received the following grants. These grants allow us to continue providing a wide range of programs to the public free of charge. If you know of any organizations that might be interested in funding our programs, please email our Executive Director, Rovina Nimbalkar, at rnimbalkar@namisantaclara.org
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- El Camino Healthcare District $50,000
- The Valley Foundation $150,000
- Intuitive Foundation Grant $25,000
- Archer Family Foundation $5,000
- Kaiser Foundation Hospitals $25,000
- Silicon Valley Community Foundation $20,357
- Aron Family Foundation $5,000
Special acknowledgment to Linda Gagliani, Emmett Cervelli, and Paul Coyne for their donations of $4,000, $20,000, and $5,078 respectively to NAMI-SCC.
A Beautiful Day for Community
2025 NAMI-SCC Annual Picnic Was a Huge Success!
The 2025 NAMI-Santa Clara County Annual Picnic was a joyful and heartwarming celebration, bringing together over 200 community members, volunteers, and supporters at our new location—Emma Prusch Farm Park! The change of scenery was a hit, with guests enjoying both the indoor and outdoor spaces, the friendly farm animals, and the peaceful open-air surroundings.
This year’s picnic was made extra special as we honored Kathy Forward for her 35 years of dedicated service to NAMI and the mental health community. As a fearless advocate and longtime leader, Kathy continues to inspire us with her tireless efforts and unwavering compassion.
From the mouthwatering BBQ to the laughter-filled Egg Toss competition, the day was filled with smiles, stories, and shared memories. Lucky guests took home some great prizes from the door raffle and egg toss giveaways—congratulations again to all the winners!
We are so grateful to everyone who came out and helped us celebrate 50 years of NAMI-Santa Clara County. Events like this remind us that we are stronger together—and there is always hope.
Check out pictures from the day’s festivities. (Click here and open the evite and scroll down, shared photo album, view all).
Bunching Charitable Gifts
Consider bunching charitable gifts to NAMI-Santa Clara County that you would normally make over two or three years into a single year so that you can take advantage of an itemized deduction that exceeds the standard deduction and lowers your taxes.
Learn more here: cnbc.com/2023/06/07/how-to-save-on-taxes-with-charitable-giving.html
