Dear NAMI Greater Cleveland Family,

As spring begins to blossom, bringing new life and fresh beginnings, we at NAMI Greater Cleveland are equally inspired to renew our commitment to mental health advocacy, support, and education in our community. This March, our newsletter is brimming with opportunities, updates, and stories designed to uplift, inform, and connect us all more deeply.

In this edition, we spotlight crucial programs and events tailored to meet the needs of those we serve, including families, individuals living with mental illness, and the dedicated professionals and volunteers who support them. From engaging workshops to empowering support groups, our aim is to provide resources that resonate with and enrich our community.

As we continue our journey together, let's embrace the promise of spring as a metaphor for hope and renewal in our collective quest for mental wellness. Your ongoing support and participation make all the difference, and we’re excited to share this month’s highlights with you.

Thank you for being a vital part of our NAMI Greater Cleveland family. Here’s to a month filled with growth, learning, and connection.

Cordle captured the world's attention with his profound commitment to accountability and change, notably through his viral video confession "I Killed A Man." His journey from confession to advocacy has sparked conversations on responsibility, redemption, and the power of a promise. Join us on May 1st to hear Cordle's compelling story of transformation and the lessons we can all take from it. For more about his journey, read his story on CNN. Don't miss this inspiring event!

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kari Kepic, our exceptional Support and Education Coordinator, who recently marked an incredible milestone of 16 years with NAMI Greater Cleveland! Kari's journey with NAMI began in 2002 as a dedicated volunteer, facilitating support groups and education programs. In 2008, she took on the role of NAMI’s Information and Referral Specialist, showcasing her passion for supporting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.



Since assuming her current position as Support and Education Coordinator in February 2020, Kari has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment. Over the years, she has earned numerous credentials, including certifications for leading NAMI's signature programs like Family to Family and facilitating Family Support Groups. Kari's dedication, expertise, and compassionate spirit have greatly enriched our NAMI community.

We're excited to share the impact of our recent NAMI In Your Own Voice Program hosted at the Cleveland Heights Police Academy. Participants were asked to reflect on the information that resonated with them the most and outline three actionable steps they plan to take for themselves and others facing mental health challenges.



Here's a glimpse of the feedback we received:

Increased Awareness and Understanding

"First, I will take more time to notice mental health/illness in myself and others."

Educational Commitment:

"Second, I will educate myself on the matter."

Shifting Perspectives:

"Third, change my view and attitude towards mental health."

The impactful insights didn't stop there. Attendees also expressed gratitude for the eye-opening experience:

Breaking The Stigma:

"Learning how much people actually struggle with mental health and what they go through. Also, seeing a lot of them live in denial instead of getting help. I will encourage someone to go talk to someone and not be scared or embarrassed."

Expanding Understanding:

"The information that not everyone's mental health is to the extremes that you would think. Opened my eyes to a lot of different types of mental health."

Empathy Through Stories:

"The presenters were very knowledgeable, and their stories hit home. NAMI is a great program that people should know about. These things are needed in the world."

We want to thank the Cleveland Heights Police Academy and everyone who participated, shared, and embraced the transformative power of understanding and empathy. Your commitment to breaking down barriers surrounding mental health is truly commendable. Let's continue to journey together.

LEAP Workshop

Join NAMI Greater Cleveland for the LEAP Workshop (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) based on Dr. Xavier Amador’s book I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help.

This 3-hour workshop will be facilitated by Megan Rochford, LPCC-S, MBA, Director of NAMI Helpline Operations at NAMI National.

Struggling to help someone with serious mental illness accept treatment? Learn the #1 reason people refuse help–anosognosia–and how to create trusting relationships that lead to treatment and recovery!



The LEAP workshop is intended especially for family members of individuals with serious mental illnesses that include episodes of mania or psychosis.

Mental Health Considerations for Young Adults & College Students

Young adulthood—or the period between the ages of 18 and 25—is a time of significant personal growth and change. Many individuals may be continuing their education, starting a career, beginning to explore serious relationships, and becoming more independent and differentiated from their family of origin. The changes and decisions that often define this period of life can feel challenging, stressful, and overwhelming for everyone. This is also the time when many people start experiencing mental health symptoms, as most serious mental illnesses present by age 25 or earlier.



Join NAMI Greater Cleveland for Mental Health Considerations for Young Adults and College Students on Wednesday, March 13 at 12pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Mackenzie Varkula, D.O., a psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health and a board member with NAMI Greater Cleveland and NAMI Ohio, this presentation will provide an overview of the mental health considerations related to development and transition in young adulthood, including adjustment to college and employment, with a focus on strategies for coping with mental health in academic settings. The presentation will also briefly review mental health conditions that tend to manifest in individuals by the age of 25.

Creative Path to Wellness Series presents Harnessing in Healing with Rebecca Quella, the Program Coordinator at Hope Meadows

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an innovative approach to mental health treatment. Historically, the use of horses in healthcare was limited to treating physical ailments or speech and language issues. Current research supports the value of human-animal interaction in treating mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and stress, and access to Equine Emotional Therapy is growing as an alternative to traditional counseling treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. This webinar is for professionals and community members who are curious to learn more about the benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy.

Welcome to our new Staff Spotlight series at NAMI Greater Cleveland! Through this series, we aim to highlight the passionate individuals behind our mission, showcasing the diverse talents and dedication that drive our efforts. Whether they're on the front lines or supporting behind the scenes, it's the people who truly make NAMI GC a cornerstone of hope and support for our community.

Kicking off our series, we're excited to introduce you to Matt Gesicki, M.Div., a key member of our team whose commitment and enthusiasm embody the essence of NAMI Greater Cleveland. Keep an eye out for the future spotlights, where we'll feature more of our staff, volunteers, board members, and interns, each sharing their unique contributions to our mission of mental health advocacy and support.

Could you tell us about your position at NAMI GC and what motivated you to become a part of the NAMI Greater Cleveland team?

Matt Gesicki: I am the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for NAMI Greater Cleveland. I have been in this role since March 2021. In my role, I am responsible for organizing community outreach and educational initiatives on the topic of mental health to college students, law enforcement, faith communities, healthcare workers, community organizations, and other professionals. I am also responsible for coordinating the peer and family/caregiver volunteer presenters of the NAMI Greater Cleveland of the NAMI Greater Cleveland Speakers Bureau program. I was motivated to join NAMI Greater Cleveland as a staff member because of my personal and family experience with mental illness, my passion for teaching and facilitation, and my professional development toward becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor.

Can you share a project or initiative you've worked on at NAMI GC that you're particularly proud of?



Matt Gesicki: In 2023, I became certified as an instructor for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). MHFA is an 8-hour course offered by NAMI Greater Cleveland to community partner organizations and faith-based groups developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with an intensive and immersive curriculum intended to equip ordinary citizens and community members with foundational knowledge and skills to become "Mental Health First Aiders."

Students graduate from the course with the ability to provide others in their personal or professional lives with nonjudgmental listening, reassurance and understanding, and active encourage to seek self-help and professional help. MHFA is an evidence-based course with a high standard for clinical excellence and can truly be a life-changing and eye-opening learning experience for citizens who do not work in mental health but who want to be more literate about the impact of mental illness on their community and relationships. I am so glad to be a Mental Health First Aid!

Community Meeting on Care Response

From ADAMHS Press Release:

The innovative Care Response Pilot Program is designed to broaden the spectrum of crisis care with a focus on compassion and health by having mental health professionals and peer supporters respond to calls for individuals having a mental health or addiction crisis rather than the police. This collaborative endeavor, spearheaded by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland Department of Public Health, urges Cleveland residents to actively engage in shaping this essential program.

Learn more here.

"In launching this groundbreaking initiative, we recognize that the heart of its success is the community’s buy-in and utilization," said Scott Osiecki, CEO of the ADAMHS Board. "This pilot represents more than a new program; it is a vow to our community to deliver services with empathy, effectiveness, and a keen sensitivity to the unique needs of our residents.”

Dr. David Margolius, Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, echoed this sentiment. "The collaboration ahead is about transforming our approach to care for individuals in crisis. We invite the community to join us, share their voices, and help evolve a mental health crisis response system that reflects the needs, values, and aspirations of Cleveland's residents.”

Election Day is Tuesday, March 19!

Voters will decide on the presidential race as well as races for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Ohio House, Ohio Senate, Ohio Supreme Court and Cuyahoga County.

Early voting schedule: Wednesday, Feb 17 through Sunday, March 17th

Vote by mail due date: Tuesday, March 12th

Absentee ballots must be received by Board of Election by 7:30PM on Election Day

Click here to get a sample ballot.

Visit Home - Cuyahoga County Board of Elections for more information.

NAMI Greater Cleveland is proud to be supported by our Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board.

Issue 26 on the ballot this March, provides about half of Cuyahoga County’s entire Health and Human Service Budget, including funds that go to our Cuyahoga ADAMHS Board!



Money from the Health and Human services levy helps sustain mental health and addiction recovery services like crisis hotlines, crisis intervention services, and prevention programs - and NAMI Greater Cleveland!

Issue 26 on the ballot this March is a renewal levy that will maintain funding for critical Health and Human Services. Cuyahoga County property owners will continue to pay about $9.50 per month on $100,000 of auditor appraised value to fund transitional housing, Meals on Wheels, foster care and more. Learn more about Health and Human Services by visiting https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/

NAMI GC Caring Companion Calls

The Free Caring Companion Calls program offers supportive mentoring and companionship to adult peers, including those living with a mental health condition, as well as friends, family members, and caregivers.



Our Caring Companions are highly trained volunteers who share a lived experience with mental health conditions. Specifically, our volunteers embody qualities such as patience, compassion, empathy, and effective communication.

NAMI GC Parent Advocacy Connection

The mission of the PAC Program is to empower, educate, encourage, and equip families to partner with professionals in promoting access to family-centered, community-based, comprehensive, and culturally competent services. 

PAC is a NAMI Ohio grassroots program that offers trained Parent Advocates with lived experience who reflect the cultural and ethnic make-up of the families they serve. Click here to learn more.

NAMI Frontline Wellness now offers 1-1 Peer Support Leader training materials for: Fire and EMS Professionals, Law Enforcement Professionals, Emergency Room Physicians

To learn more, contact your local NAMI or email frontlinewellness@nami.org

Click here for a list of mental health resources available in Cuyahoga County.

Crisis Text Line (Text 4Hope to 741741) provides free support at your fingertips, 24/7. It is a free, confidential service available via text on mobile devices.

It's time we talked about mental health. Share what's on your mind at OK2Talk.org.

Follow our journey on social media!