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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with it comes a slew of all around the country. Staff, members, family, friends, and more all come out for this great event that draws thousands to walk in support of the ones they love. Thank you to the ɫ��ɫ San Diego team for getting a big group together and supporting a great event that makes a big difference in the communities we serve!

If you have any photos or stories from your local NAMI walk and want to share them on T-Net, send them to the communications team at .

If you’re in the Bay Area, don’t forget the Bay Area NAMI Walk is on Saturday, May 30th in Golden Gate Park!

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Submitted by: Jody Rodriguez
BOM at San Bernardino FACT

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Earlier this month, the San Bernardino and programs had their annual staff retreat. Under the leadership of our administrator, Debra Evans, we got to spend the day on Catalina Island. The day started in Newport Beach where we boarded the Catalina Flyer for a quick trip to the island. Once there, we had a team building exercise that was not only fun, but very educational. We completed an adventure quest that took us around the island looking for clues and retrieving answers to a list of questions. We had lunch at a local restaurant and then took a fun submarine ride around the island where we were able to encounter the local marine life and learn more about the beautiful island.

In 2015, ɫ��ɫ celebrates 50 years of services and supports to people with serious mental illness and complex needs. We started with a single program back in 1965. Today, ɫ��ɫ has more than 85 programs serving nearly 34,000 people each year. We have grown and evolved over the years, but our purpose has always remained the same: to help people with serious mental illness realize their full potential, and reclaim their health, hopes, and dreams. Learn more about our past, our present, and our hopes for the future in our special .

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Submitted by: Teresa E. Thomas
Clinical Director of Garfield Neurobehavioral Center

For the past two years, has partnered with a local middle school in East Oakland to bring in entertainment for the residents. These middle school students read poetry, play piano, sing, show art work and write personalized letters to our residents. Garfield staff speak with the students about healthcare careers and working with people with mental illness.

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“Dear all amazing staff members of GNC,

I just want to say thank you all so much for letting me enter your workspace and the resident’s home. The field trip was such a cool and fun thing I never thought I would do. Some things I learned was that people that have disabilities, disorders, illnesses, etc…can be funny like Robert Y, David, etc…they can have fun, and they are super cool people. Another thing I learned was that the residents don’t stay home all day. They get to go out to the A’s game, they’re fed well, they’re taken care of, and they’re cared about by everyone. One thing I loved while we were at GNC, was when I talked to Robert Y. He is a very cool person! Another thing I loved was when David was dancing to a song. I loved it. I will never forget about this amazing and fun trip. This trip is definitely the highlight of middle school. Thank you all again for welcoming me. I loved it!”

Submitted by Susie Guerra
Administrator of Discoveries

The team is involved in many community events throughout the year. A few ago, TLC of Downey, an agency that refers clients to us, was having their annual 5k walk/run, so I suggested we join in (thinking all the staff would laugh). To my surprise, the Discoveries team all signed up, made a banner, and designed a t-shirt! Staff even trained for it, so now we have staff jogging time frequently, and they want to do more 5k’s. One staff member registered for her first 1/2 marathon in October!