By NAMI Southwest Washington
Coming back this September 25, our community will come together for Give More 24, Southwest Washington’s largest day of giving. Early giving begins on September 11, so please save the date and bookmark our giving page! This year, your donation to NAMI Southwest Washington will go twice as far thanks to the generosity of our partners. The Firstenburg Foundation has pledged $5,000 in matching funds, and Pacific Northwest Fundraising has contributed another $500 in matching funds — meaning the first $5,500 in donations will be doubled. Give early, double your impact!
Your support during Give More 24 allows us to continue offering free mental health programs, support groups, and education to individuals and families throughout Clark County and beyond. Every dollar raised helps us expand access to resources, reduce stigma, and build a community where no one has to walk their mental health journey alone.
A Story of Hope: Maria’s Journey
Maria remembers the day she first stepped into a NAMI Family Support Group. Her teenage son had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and she felt like her world was falling apart. “I was overwhelmed, scared, and honestly ashamed,” Maria shares. “I didn’t know how to talk about what was happening in my family, and I didn’t know where to turn.”
At her first group, Maria listened as other parents and family members shared their stories. For the first time, she realized she wasn’t alone. “Hearing others talk openly about their struggles and their resilience gave me hope. I didn’t feel judged. I felt understood.”
Over time, the group became a lifeline. Maria learned practical skills to support her son, but she also found healing for herself. “The support group changed my life. It gave me the strength to keep advocating for my son, and it reminded me that my own mental health matters, too.”
Today, Maria is training to become a NAMI support group facilitator herself — ready to give back to the community that lifted her up. “If my story can help even one other parent feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing.”
What Your Donation Supports
When you give to NAMI Southwest Washington during Give More 24, you help fund incredibly valuable resources for people in our community, such as:
Every dollar makes a difference. And this year, thanks to our generous matching donors, your impact will be doubled.
Join Us in Making a Difference
On September’s Give More 24, we invite you to stand with us. Together, we can create a community of compassion, resilience, and hope.
