14 · NAMI MISSISSIPPI
N
AMI Four Rivers has been active in Natchez this Fall. On September 25, we hosted our first NAMIWalks on the Bluff. Y’all Means All Natchez sponsored our walk and a local sorority hosting their own walk joined with us. October 21-23, we celebrated “The Weekend” with Y’all Means All Natchez. This fun and inspiring event benefits NAMI Four Rivers and NAMI Mississippi. The mission of Y’all Means All Natchez is to foster an atmosphere of hope by participating in an open way in community improvement activities while providing help in the form of funding for mental well-being services. Y’all Means All Natchez is deeply committed to Natchez and our region. We have all chosen to live here. As successful and impactful members
of this area, we believe that active involvement in the betterment of our community through activities such as community engagement, local improvement projects, and civic pride events, are the best ways to reach LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel isolated and helpless. Y’all Means All Natchez is donating the profits from “The Weekend” to us. In 2019, they gave Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex $20,000. They hope to double this gift to NAMI this year. It is an awesome opportunity and responsibility to make a difference. Leslie Jordan and Mrs. Kasha Davis headlined the events, which included Drag Bingo and the Battle of the Belles and Beaus. Along with many in Natchez, Sitaniel Wimbley, NAMI Mississippi Executive Director, and Megan Nelson, NAMI Four Rivers Affiliate President, were able to join us. We made connections with others
who support NAMI including a friend from NYC whose brother leads a Connection Support Group for LGBT individuals. At the end of October, Heather Schrock, Secretary/Treasurer of NAMI Four Rivers, and Emily Fox spoke to the Kiwanis Club and found more support. They hope to speak to other groups and continue to spread NAMI‘s message. NAMI Four Rivers’ Family Support Group is now meeting on the third Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. We have been meeting by Zoom and this has helped bring the support group to more family members in our Southwest Mississippi area along with others in the state. In December, we hope to be able to host our support group in person at Merit Hospital in Natchez again and, technology willing, be able to have our Zoom family join with us virtually. - Submitted by Emily Fox
Natchez NAMIWalks with local sorority on the Mississippi Bluff.
Emily Fox, Ms. Kasha Davis and Heather Schrock
John Grady, Sitaniel Wimbley, Emily Fox, Heather Schrock, Jason Dauphin
Sitaniel Wimbley, Josalyn Royale, Emily Fox
