Behind our Helpline, programs, events, and support groups at NAMI GC, there's a team of remarkable individuals whose dedication and compassion make it all possible. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we're taking a moment to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes through our 'Why I Volunteer' campaign. These are the stories of our volunteers—many of whom have faced their own mental health challenges or have supported a loved one through theirs. Their journeys are not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of volunteering in promoting mental wellness and building supportive communities. Join us as we honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers and the profound impact they have on our organization and those we serve.

John Rice:

I volunteer because it’s a way to give back to the community. More specifically, I waited way too long to get help. Part of that might have been my personality, but a lot was the stigma. Now that I’m comfortable with myself and my mental illness (general anxiety and OCD), I hope that by telling my story I can encourage others to get help for themselves or a friend/loved one sooner.

It’s not a dramatic story, but when I’m standing up in front of the room telling my story, it’s very reaffirming to see the heads nodding and smiles. It feels like a form of acceptance and gives me hope that perhaps they relate to what I’m saying, which could lead to action being taken for themselves or someone they know.

Rachel Bhagat:

My name Rachel, and I'm a college student. I just started as a volunteer at NAMI Greater Cleveland but have been volunteering at the NAMI St. Louis chapter for years. I come from a family where mental health discussions are stigmatized, so volunteering with NAMI helps me impact my community by opening dialogue about mental health and destigmatizing seeking help.

Karen Jarr:

When I started volunteering at NAMI, I was a social worker in the mental health field. I realized my clients and their families needed more than what I was able to offer through my agency. I have been part of NAMI for almost 25 years. It is still true; folks need more than what the professionals can offer. So, I still volunteer.

Anonymous:

I volunteer at NAMI Greater Cleveland to bring meaning and purpose to my life by using my lived experiences, skills and talents as an Ohio licensed Certified Peer Recovery Supporter and Certified Family Peer Supporter. I do this much like we did by caring for our mothers during the last years of their lives in our home and parenting six adopted sons coming from backgrounds like mine - physically, sexually, psychologically and emotionally abused by those charged with loving them. As Viktor Frankl said, "You are responsible for overcoming (your past) by rising above it, by growing beyond yourselves, by changing for the better.” I follow Frankl’s advice by giving my suffering a positive meaning through service to those who have also been hurt by life, paraphrasing Harold Kushner. And volunteering gives me a purpose for living another day with the traumatic noise coming from a decade of abuse by my father and other males and without alcohol after decades of drinking starting at age 12 when my father served me a first drink. Volunteering turns the tragedy of my childhood into a triumph of the human spirit resulting in a peaceful existence of no longer listening to the tapes of my father telling me I am a failure and going to end up in jail. Instead, I “master my fate” and “captain my soul."

Maggie Kubovchik:



I have been on the speaker's bureau of NAMI for about 2 years. I decided to take the opportunity to tell others of the journey of my brother Dan through the symptoms, diagnosis and management of schizophrenia. There were so many challenges for him, and I hope that his story will increase compassion and understanding towards anyone dealing with a mental illness.

Michael Trzcinski:

I cannot imagine any volunteer experience being more rewarding than that which I receive from my participation in NAMI's Inform and Inspire Hospital Program. I consider it an honor to represent NAMI, a prestigious organization, and a privilege to be able to go into a behavioral health unit of a hospital and interact with peers. I communicate those resources which are available through NAMI (to help in recovery), and to share my personal story. The best part of the volunteer experience is when our peers ask questions, and a dialogue ensues. Also, we receive sincere thanks and appreciation from those involved. A handful of times over the years, there have been rounds of applause for my partners who told their story of recovery. Sometimes, we have a participating peer who is disruptive and/or hostile, which makes the meeting very stressful and draining. These situations end up being managed, and I still walk away from the meeting feeling that this program provides a very good service. 

Volunteering also helps in my recovery. I receive insights from others' experiences and feel that I’m part of a community and not alone. When there are a lot of people with mood disorders, I proudly say that I feel that I’m part of a special club, like a fraternity or sorority. I even look at attending a support group meeting where someone else is facilitating being a volunteer.

Volunteering inspires me. Eight years ago, after three years of volunteering in NAMI’s Inform and Inspire Hospital Program, I was motivated to write and publish a book. Had it have not been for my volunteer experiences with NAMI, I would never have written the book.

Here is how I found out about NAMI: Eleven years ago, I thought it might be a good idea to volunteer. I didn't want to give out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or stack boxes at a food center. I thought that I should volunteer where my experiences would have an impact. Then it dawned on me that I have significant insight into the suffering and years of recovery from a mood disorder, and that sharing my experiences with others who are in a similar situation would be a good idea. I contacted Cleveland Volunteers, who find connections for individuals with organizations in the Cleveland area, and asked if anybody would be interested in my volunteering. They said they would call me back. They did, and that is how I found out about NAMI. 

Thank you, NAMI, for enriching my life.

Joshua Abraham

Honestly, the extent of my volunteer involvement is limited to a few events and meetings. However, I volunteer for NAMI because I wouldn't have been able to understand how to manage my bipolar without NAMI. I plan on paying that forward and continuing to support NAMI's mission. I've met some great people at NAMI and they all want to help.

The first 1.5 years of my diagnosis were challenging because of the initial denial, loss of friends, losing my job, figuring out the right medication, and really just starting from square one. I tried to find resources or identify people who have overcome a similar diagnosis, but all Google gave me was Kanye and Vincent Van Gogh. 



After my 2nd manic episode, I was placed in the mental health spa. It was the lowest point of my life. Through NAMI's speakers bureau, Jeff Meyers visited us and shared his story. I was inspired by his ability to manage bipolar and succeed professionally. For the first time, I believed it was possible to find the light again. After I was discharged, I found Jeff on LinkedIn and asked him to get lunch. We met, had a good conversation about living with bipolar, and it helped me start to build healthy habits. 

NAMI has an impactful mission, and I'd like to help/inspire people trying to navigate the same or similar conditions, just like how others helped me. Things have turned around for me since - I've been fully employed for 1-year, enrolled in law school, and completely sober for 4 months. 

Trinese Crawford

I volunteer because the support group helped me during my time of need. I love the community Outreach program and the NAMI walk. I just want to be a part of making a difference in the community and someone's life.

Thank you to all the incredible volunteers who generously shared their heartfelt stories with us. Your courage and passion are truly inspiring and remind us all of the power of giving back.

If you've been moved by these stories and are interested in joining our volunteer family, we'd love to hear from you! Every contribution makes a difference, and together we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by mental illness.

👉 Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities with NAMI Greater Cleveland.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of NAMI Greater Cleveland. Your dedication and support mean the world to us!

Warmest regards,

The NAMI Greater Cleveland Team