NAMIWalks Recap

NAMIWalks Recap

by Jill McFarland and Sam Hensley

On September 23, a team of nine Good Shepherd parishioners (along with their dogs), gathered to walk in the 2017 NAMIWalks Austin 5k – a fundraiser promoting awareness for the National Association for Mental Illness.

Several Good Shepherd parishioners work closely with NAMI, a national mental health organization which provides no-cost resources and programs to individuals in need of mental health treatment and support, and their passion for the organization led us to our involvement with the walk. In 2016, NAMI Austin’s programs reached more than 100,000 people in our community through its “Ending the Silence” presentations to teens, family, peer-to-peer and basic classes, and connection and family support groups.

Not only was the walk a chance to raise fund and awareness for NAMI, but it also provided an opportunity for parishioners from both campuses to meet, spend time together, and learn about one another (all while sporting the brand new The Hill t-shirts!) After an hour, we were hot and tired, but mainly just happy to know our contribution would help so many in the Austin community. 2017 marks the first of hopefully many years Good Shepherd will walk in support of NAMI, and we look forward to lacing up our shoes again next year.

Please take a moment to watch the video below and enjoy a glimpse into this wonderful event and cause!