News — July & August 2026

NAMI HelpLine: A Beacon of Hope

By Jeanette Langdell, HelpLine Coordinator

Ashley [name changed] was taking care of her sister with bipolar disorder while her parents were out of town. The sister became manic, wasn’t taking her meds, and was trespassing on the neighbor’s property. The County’s TRUST team had provided some initial support, but Ashley wanted her sister back in treatment and wanted to know what to do. The NAMI-Santa Clara County HelpLine staff provided Ashley with information about involuntary treatment, the AB1424 form, and Assisted Outpatient Treatment. Ashley called the HelpLine two more times to say her sister was in the hospital; she had questions about the AB1424 form. She called a fourth time with questions about conservatorship; the HelpLine directed her to our website for a wealth of information. Fast forward to three months later: Ashley called the HelpLine to report that her sister regained insight after being stabilized on medication. Her sister is doing great, and she wanted to thank the HelpLine for our guidance and support.

• The NAMI HelpLine team assists thousands of callers like Ashley every year. Our team offers compassionate listening and information on a multitude of mental health resources including:
• Information on NAMI support groups and education classes
• Understanding mental illness and its effect on individuals, families, and friends
• Learning how to access mental health treatment, including no/low-cost options
• Strategies when a loved one lacks awareness of their illness Information on community resources, such as legal services, financial assistance, housing, social support and activities, and more!

Our HelpLine Specialists have lived experience with mental illness. Help seekers feel understood—often for the first time—and experience a renewed sense of hope after speaking with someone who really “gets it.” If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, our HelpLine is here for you! Call or come in today! HelpLine is available M-F 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. 408-453-0400 x 1; in-person support M-F 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at our office.

“They were very patient and understanding, and I felt like I gained a whole support system through a single phone call. Thank you! (HelpLine Caller)”

We are currently recruiting volunteers for the NAMI-Santa Clara County HelpLine team: the warm, compassionate frontline that helps connect others to hope, resources, and support. If you’ve completed (or are in the process of completing) a NAMI education course and want to give back, we need your help! For details, go to https://namisantaclara.org/volunteer-helpline-assistant-position/

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Proxy Parent: A Private Solution to a Public Dilemma

By Moryt Milo

The one burning question for parents with children who have a mental illness is “Who will take care of my child when I am gone?” Should it be a sibling, relative, or third party? Who will handle the finances, medical needs, public benefits, and day-to-day support? The answer is vexing and complex.

Twenty years ago, this daunting question brought members of NAMI California and the Los Angeles Mental Health Association together to create a solution. They founded the Proxy Parent Foundation to become the “trust protector for family- generated” Special Needs Trusts (SNT) to make sure loved ones with a mental illness and others with brain disorders had a stable future without them. The founders created the PLAN of California Master Pooled Trust which accepts first-and third-party Special Needs Trusts and conservatively invests and manages the individual’s finances.

The nonprofit describes itself as a “Private Solution to a Public Dilemma.”

As it grew, the foundation expanded to capture the other critical piece of the puzzle—Personal Support Services. This includes assistance with housing, medical care, budgeting, and relationships.

“A Personal Support Specialist, or Proxy Parent, steps into the shoes of a loving family member and acts as a caring advocate and friend,” said Carol Larkin, Director of Client Relations at Proxy Parent Foundation.

Larkin, who has spent four years at the foundation, said the nonprofit has been fortunate in finding people committed to life-long relationships with the beneficiaries.

“We have had several Personal Support Specialists who have outlived their beneficiaries and in spending time with them it was like losing a family member they said,” added Larkin, who has more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, including a background spanning foster youth services, supportive housing, and community partnerships.

To read the full story, click here.

To watch the complete presentation, go to www.youtube.com/@NamiSantaclaraOrg.

To learn more about Proxy Parent Foundation, click here.

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NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026

Get ready to lace up for a cause that truly matters! We’re thrilled to invite you to NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026.

DATE: October 3, 2026 at 9:00 A.M.

LOCATION: History Park in San Jose

WALK MANAGER: Jen Larson, jlarson@namisantaclara.org

This is more than just a walk—it’s a movement to support mental health for all. Flex your hope muscles and join the vibrant event that’s measured in smiles, stories, and strides. Together, we’ll put the unity in our community and power NAMI-Santa Clara County to victory for everyone living with mental health challenges.

If you haven’t already registered for this amazing event, you can do so by visiting https://www.namiwalks.org/siliconvalley

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NAMIWalks Kickoff Event

Ready to walk for a cause?

Join us for our NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026 Kickoff Event.

WHEN: July 31 at 11:30 A.M.

WHERE: NAMI office—1150 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose

To RSVP for the kickoff event, please click here

Come share a meal with us, learn all about the Walk, and discover how you can support the vital services NAMI provides to our community. Whether you’re a team captain, participant, or sponsor, we’ll help you build excitement and hit your fundraising goals. We’ll also be hosting an exclusive tour of our office. Come see where the magic happens!

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Twilight Trails with NAMI-SCC

Get ready for an unforgettable evening. Join us at “Twilight Trails with NAMI-SCC,” a vibrant community celebration in partnership with Bay Area Ridge Trails!

Bring your friends and family for an action-packed evening featuring a refreshing 4-mile hike, engaging wellness activities, and purchase delicious food for all ages.

Whether you’re hitting the trails or relaxing at our Wellness Fair, you’ll be making a real impact—every registration helps NAMI-Santa Clara County raise vital awareness, reduce mental health stigma, and fund free support programs for our community.

Join us to hike, connect, and champion mental health together!

WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

WHERE: Rancho Canada Del Oro, Morgan Hill

Buy your tickets here

The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, August 21, 2026.

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NAMI-SCC Peer-to-Peer Class

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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 have received the following grants that allow us to continue providing a wide range of programs to the public free of charge:

• • St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church $5,000
  • Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation $5,000
  • KLA Doundation $50,000.00
  • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan $25,000
  • Silicon Valley Community Foundation $21,830.00
  • Farrington Historical Foundation $5,000
  • NAMI National Grant for Long-Acting Injectables $5,000
  • NAMI National Grant for Tardive Dyskinesia $5,000

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

We’d also like to acknowledge those individuals who have donated over $3,000 during this period: Selina Y. Lo $20,000; Mary Sue Albanese $3,071.94; Stephanie Sheldon-Mollinier $3,000; Linda Gagliani $4,000; Art Bik $5,000.

We cannot do our work without your support.

Thank you so much!

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NAMI California Annual Conference 2026

October 8-9, 2026, Anaheim, CA

Book your stay now: Deadline to reserve is Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

Hotel Fera Anaheim (A Doubletree by Hilton), Orange, CA

Special Features at This Year’s Conference!

NAMI California heard your feedback—and they’re excited to bring you an even more engaging and dynamic conference experience this year! Along with returning favorites, they’ve added new features designed to connect, inspire, and celebrate our community.

Here’s a preview of what you can look forward to:

• • Two powerful film screenings
  • An interactive selfie station
  • An expanded Spanish-language track
  • A fun networking mixer (back by popular demand!)
  • More giveaways and name badge swag

You can register for one or both days of the conference using this link: namica.org/conference

NOTE: Early Bird Registration is active through August 15, 2026. Click Here.

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Volunteer Spotlight: Kyo Phu

By Barb St. Clair, Outreach Programs Coordinator

NAMI-Santa Clara County is proud to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of volunteer Kyo Phu. For more than 20 years, Kyo has dedicated herself to reducing mental health stigma by providing education and support within the Korean community throughout Santa Clara County.

As the facilitator of NAMI-SCC’s Korean Family Support Group, Kyo provides a welcoming and compassionate space where family members can learn, connect, and find support. Her commitment has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health challenges while strengthening pathways to recovery.

Beyond her support group leadership, Kyo has played an instrumental role in advancing NAMI-SCC’s outreach efforts. She has provided support resulting in grant funding, assisted with translations and material reviews, and regularly supports community presentations. Her generosity, dedication, and caring spirit have made a lasting impact on both NAMI-SCC and the Korean community we serve.

We are deeply grateful for Kyo’s tireless service and are honored to recognize her as one of the many volunteers who make our mission possible.

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NAMI National Convention (NAMICon) 2026 Recap
Advancing Connection, Community Caring

By Sarah Prabhu, Programs Manager

I had the privilege of attending my first NAMICon this year along with about 1300 other attendees, held May 28-30 in Atlanta with the theme “Advancing Connection, Community, Caring.” It was an inspiring few days of learning, connection, and renewed hope for our mission.

The conference opened with a Wednesday reception where I met NAMI National CEO Dan Gillison, who thanked our affiliate for our work in the community (see photo). Thursday’s plenary, “We Are Enough,” featured TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie in conversation with Dr. Gillison about his mental health journey and the ENOUGH movement, followed by a welcome from Atlanta’s Mayor.

Each day offered three Impact Sessions across six tracks—from policy and crisis response to youth mental health and the science behind care. My husband and I split up to cover more ground. My favorite session, “Improving Crisis Response,” presented by Margie Balfour and Hannah Wesolowski, shared striking data: Since 988’s 2022 launch, suicides are down 11% nationally, and Arizona’s investment in crisis care has cut ER boarding times, psychiatric costs, and police resource strain. Dr. Balfour is part of NAMI’s new Advisory Council of mental health experts, introduced by Dr. Duckworth with a chance for attendees to meet the presenters afterward.

Other highlights included Joshua Bassett’s candid plenary on emotional expectations placed on boys and the importance of self-care and boundaries, and a storytelling session featuring Frank Kosa of The Brain Stories podcast, who spoke on the power and risks of sharing your story.

NAMICon 2026 was a powerful reminder of NAMI’s unwavering commitment to building community and advocating for mental health for all.

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NAMI-SCC Annual Picnic Recap

On June 6, over a hundred NAMI-SCC community members gathered at Emma Prusch Park in San Jose. Together, we enjoyed delicious BBQ and cookies, played our annual egg toss game, and won raffle prizes. During the event special guest Adrian from Respira led us in a guided experience, which explored healing, conscious connected breath-work.

It was a delight to share fun conversations and park amenities together.

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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.

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