Letter from the Executive Director

Hello, Members and Supporters,

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol

First, to our members: We have new leadership from national on down, and that will help us to understand where we are and allow us to adjust. In order to be the voice on mental health in the state of Mississippi, we will need to adjust and expand. Yes, it will be uncomfortable, and no, it will not be easy. Some things will change, but it will in the best interest of NAMI Mississippi and the individuals we support.

This is not an attack on what we have already built, but a vision on where we need to go and to determine what is worth keeping to make progress. This organization has survived for 30 years by adapting to change to support the state of Mississippi. I know change is hard, but I am ready to lead this organization into growth and to help us become more stable, but we need your help. We have a unique opportunity to strengthen the mental health system, but we must work together. Our past is behind us, but our future starts now and I am extremely excited to be part of this turning point in this historic time.

While we all continue to care for our families, neighbors, and selves during the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that NAMI Mississippi and our affiliates are here for you. This is a time to show the strength and resilience of NAMI Mississippi as an organization. We have to understand the world that we are engaging. We are coming out of where we have been and now we will embrace the new normal. This is bigger than any individual and any one organization. We must know that mental stability is what we are supporting and that is necessary now more than ever. We must build a foundation that cannot be shaken. NAMI Mississippi strives to be stability in a time of uncertainty. We are here to support, educate, and advocate.

We need to lay a new foundation so that changes are not able to shake us. We have some cracks, but together we can work towards fixing those cracks and making the organization stronger. Now is our opportunity to help increase community awareness and understanding of what mental illness is and what it is not; this is our opportunity to increase the circles of understanding and support for those individuals and families experiencing mental health disorders. We pledge to continuously fight stigma and make mental illness okay to discuss.

Now, I would like to ask the community for your help. In order to make this happen, we must have your help. NAMI Mississippi is primarily a volunteer-led organization. The community supports itself through NAMI Signature Programs. I challenge each of you to try at least one program. If you have suggestions, please share them. We need you as an individual to strengthen the foundation. You, the community, are the reason NAMI Mississippi exists and you are the reason we must evolve and overcome.

Sincerely,

Sitaniel J. Wimbley,

Executive Director