In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI Contra Costa thanks you for attending our 2025 NAMI CC In Motion Countywide Mental Health Awareness Resource Fair held on Saturday morning, May 17, at Todos Santos Plaza Park.
Community partners joined us in sharing mental wellness resources, such as information about various county programs, and about how each organization supported those impacted by mental illness and behavioral health challenges. Their presence encouraged community members to explore various local resources.
Chief Executive Officer Gigi Crowder, L.E. and NAMI Contra Costa Board President La Tanyua Brown-Thompson gave a warm welcome and introduced this year’s theme: Building Mental Health Friendly Communities for All. This mental health awareness and stigma reduction event was family-friendly and included a stroll for health. Incredibly, many family members and peers walked in a loving embrace, fighting against stigma and for change. The event also included a kid’s fun zone with activities for children of all ages. NAMI CC staff MC’d the event and got the crowd on their feet. Everyone danced to NAMI CC’s very own live band, the NAMI CC Sounds, and spent cherished memories with old and new friends all morning. Jesse Robbins (Concord) and Kenneth Robinson (Antioch), our Leave No One Behind (LNOB) program representatives, spoke about how their plans at NAMI CC addressed the needs of the unsheltered. The Peaceful Warriors Drumming Circle encouraged attendees to participate in rhythm with community medicine, led by Luis Marroquin.
We honored and distributed several 2025 Change Agent Appreciation Awards on Saturday for Individuals/and other Entities Making an Extraordinary Difference in Improving Mental Health Outcomes for our residents in Contra Costa. Upon acceptance, they each took a moment to share what the honor meant to them. The award winners were also acknowledged on the Thursday before the event at our annual virtual Change Agent Appreciation Awards ceremony.
Following the award distributions, doves were specially release for those who lost loved ones living with mental illness. This dove release was conducted in the loving memory of a peer, Joseph Martino. Joey not only had many hobbies but also a long-time struggle with mental illness. Yet even in the face of his challenges, Joey was well-loved by all who knew him.
To conclude the event, we had a catered Italian warm lunch meal in Joey’s honor specifically for the unsheltered and attendees. NAMI CC supporters found happiness, inspiration, networked through friendship, and gained a sense of belonging through gathering for a common cause.
