Meaningful work with computers helps California man...

"A case worker at OPCC's Samoshel sat Jones down and asked him a simple question. If there was one thing that Jones could do, what would it be? The answer came easy to Jones. He wanted to become a computer whiz. A decade later, Jones is managing his mental illness, lives in his own apartment at Step Up on Second in Downtown Santa Monica, has a supportive girlfriend and is helping others like him show computers who's boss through a course at Step Up which he manages."

For more on this story, see: "Meaningful work with computers helps California man break free from his mental illness" by BA Haller from the Santa Monica Daily Press.

NAMI Los Angeles County Walk

As of Sunday August 23 there are over 100 Teams Registered for this years walk.

Location: Santa Monica Third Street PromenadeSanta Monica, CA
Date: October 3, 2009
Distance: 5 K
Check-in: 8 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Website: http://nami.org/namiwalks/ca/los

OC NAMIWalks

NAMI OC's 5th Annual "NAMIWalks" Kick-off Luncheon on Thursday, July 30th.

Time: 12:00 - 1:30 at the Dehli Center
505 East Central Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92702

RSVP by July 24 using the online registration form. The luncheon is FREE for all Team Captains, Sponsors or those planning on forming a NAMIWalks Team and are dedicated toward helping make NAMI OC's 5th Annual Walk a great success.

NAMI StigmaBusters

NAMI StigmaBusters is a network of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight inaccurate and hurtful representations of mental illness. Whether these images are found in TV, film, print, or other media, StigmaBusters speak out and challenge stereotypes. They seek to educate society about the reality of mental illness and the courageous struggles faced by consumers and families every day. StigmaBusters' goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice, or unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding, and respect. Each month, close to 20,000 advocates receive a NAMI StigmaBusters Alert, and it is read by countless others around the world online. Send it to your own personal and professional networks.

Numbers do count, so let your voice be heard.

Walk with the National Alliance on Mental Illness... Every journey begins with that first step. In 2009, thousands of concerned citizens in nearly 80 communities across the nation will walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness.

Remember the goals of NAMIWalks
~To End Stigma
~To Raise Awareness
~To Grow

Next Santa Monica NAMIWalks
Location: Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Date: October 3, 2009
Distance: 5 K
Check-in: 8 am
Start Time: 10:00 am