Rob Jones: Attending MHA's Wake Up for Wellness event in 2017 was truly a turning point in my life. It was there that I found that much-needed help and understanding. Hearing the stories of others and knowing I was not alone on the journey, empowered me to find help for my brothers and myself. I immediately joined their 1933 Society and later became an MHA Storyteller, then a Board Member. I’ve learned that power comes from being honest, and vulnerability makes you strong. I hope you'll join me by considering an investment in this life-saving organization.

Mary Ellen Ezarsky I am so very passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns affect every family; 1 in 5 of us. MHA's mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. No more so than now, with this unprecedented time that is upon us. I don't believe there is anyone who is not experiencing some sort of mental health challenge, and people who have never experienced unfamiliar anxiety or depression are now aware of how many others feel during "normal" times. It is more important than ever that we keep this essential non-profit up and running, so they can be of help now, and in the future. Please join MHA on May 14 from 8-9 am to experience the virtual Wake Up For Wellness event. RSVP at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/MHA/MaryEllenEzarsky AND PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING, whether you are in the Charlotte area or not. As with the corona virus, mental health challenges know no boundaries, no matter your age, gender, race or economic status. But education also transcends those boundaries. We see you and we need you!

Amy Campbell Pratt: Courage is Contagious! It has been my honor to have been a former board member, volunteer and video creator for MHA for over 9 years. During my time with MHA, I've met some amazing, courageous people, especially while working behind the camera producing MHA videos. It's been my long time commitment and involvement with MHA that has given me the courage to tell my own story... finally... to admit actually... even to myself... that my depression and anxiety had seriously impacted my life for many years. Facing my own stigma associated with mental health, finding the courage from other MHA storytellers and telling my story, created a huge shift in my life. The sky didn't fall and I found my superpower instead of a my label. I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family and their mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. Please JOIN me in supporting this amazing organization. Mental Health Matters. We See You! We need you! Together.... Let's break the last great stigma of the 21st century.

Tim Beyer: Hi friends! As you may know, I serve on the board of MHA because mental health effects so many people in our community, especially today. Our mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. We need your support now more than ever.

Tina Carusillo: I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family. I wish I had known more when Nick was struggling. MHA and their dedicated people's mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. And a big push to remove the stigma of mental illness.

John and Haley Cheek We are passionate about the work of MHA because it provides critical local education and support programs related to mental health issues. These issues are often misunderstood and carry with them stigmas that prevent people from seeking out the help they need.

MHA Central Carolinas Annual Fundraiser Through my work in the healing tradition of yoga therapy, I am well aware of the importance of offering many different ways of supporting our mental health community. MHA is involved in many important initiatives in our community which support mental health consumers, caregivers, as well as medical and psychological professionals. I hope we can all support the MHA in its work to assist our mental health community. Thank you!

Lisa Adams I have served as a licensed mental health counselor for many years and have come to recognize that few people's lives are untouched by the impact of mental illness and/or trauma. So many people suffer in silence due to the stigma associated with mental health challenges, some have no access to care, are uninsured, or go untreated. The Mission of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas aligns with my continued passionate pursuit to offer the hope that so many desperately need by serving and supporting persons struggling to maintain mental wellness. I am excited to be a Board Member of MHA of Central Carolinas, an organization focused on creating a healthier community for all, through advocacy, education and prevention programs.

Ashley Smith Addressing our mental health is more important than ever now. Join me in supporting MHA as we provide services to those who need them most. Together we can make a difference.

Tiffany Morgan I'm passionate about the work of MHA because they have given me a platform to help normalize the conversation around mental illness. Please visit this page again on Thursday, May 14th to participate in MHA's virtual Wake Up for Wellness Breakfast. A 30 minute video will be posted. Pnd please RSVP if you would like to receive a reminder about the event as well as information regarding our post-event gathering via Zoom.

Christa Newkirk As a current board member and mental health advocate, I have seen up close how mental health truly effects everyone within our community. Breaking the stigma, providing resources, and offering hope especially today is important in seeking mental wellness for all. MHA has been a leader in carrying out this mission in the Central Carolinas and beyond.

Missy Willis: Missy Willis: As most of you know, I lost my middle brother to suicide in 2008. His distress, struggle, and death have inspired me to speak up about the connection between early childhood experiences and mental wellness. Since 2017, I have been a volunteer storyteller for MHA to help break stigma and to encourage hard conversations. I have not only had the opportunity to share how the loss of my brother has impacted my life but have seen time and time again the positive impact MHA has had on our community. Their work to put hope and healing back into the mental wellness equation is humbling. I hope you will join me in supporting this life-changing organization. In this unprecedented time, their work is more valuable than ever as they connect individuals, families, and organizations to the necessary resources and tools to combat suffering. Huge gratitude for your support. Love, Missy

Terry Albanese This is not my picture. It's my brother, Dom, who passed away after a life-long struggle with mental illness. I whole-heartedly believe in the work of Mental Health America to support the most vulnerable in our community - those struggling with mental illness. My brother, who passed in 2017, suffered from schizophrenia. I have friends whose family members died by suicide. I've had my own personal struggle with depression over the years. I bet you have struggled at times, too, or you certainly know someone who has. MHA has helped me to see that we must work to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness for all of us. I ask you to help those in our community who will benefit from your gift to Mental Health America. This is especially important during COVID-19 where social isolation impacts our mental wellness even more. Will YOU help me to reach my goal of raising $1,500? Every little bit helps and I thank you for your support!

Marcella Beam I'm passionate about the work of Mental Health American because we all know that mental health concerns effect every family. MHA's mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. I have had the opportunity to serve on MHA's board for almost two years. Working closely with their leadership and staff, has allowed me to truly see how much they care about our community. I have seen first hand their level of community engagement and collaborations, which is why I continue to stay involved and engaged in their efforts in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties.

Seth Harward: I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family and their mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. I hope you’ll be my guest for Mental Health of America of Central Carolinas’ (MHA’s) 6th Annual Wake Up for Wellness – this year a VIRTUAL fundraising event on Thursday, May 14 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. Bring your own breakfast and come as you are at 8 a.m., to watch the 30-minute event video on this page. At 8:30 a.m., join me and all of MHA’s Virtual Wake Up for Wellness guests on a 30-minute Zoom Post-Video Gathering. We’ll hear more for Executive Director Kathy Rogers and others about the work this incredible non-profit organization has been doing in our community since 1933. Let me know if you can join me for a meaningful hour on May 14! You can reply to this message or use the RSVP button above. If you CAN, I’ll send you the Zoom link and/or a calendar request with details. Thank you for your interest in learning more about MHA and the difference they are making and willcontinue to make, as our community recovers emotionally from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Logan McCloy I'm passionate about the work of MHA because everyone has mental health and more importantly everyone is impacted by the state of their mental health. MHA's mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all through an offering of virtual tools and personal connections designed to promote a sense of hope and mental well being.

Heather McCullough I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family and the mission of the organization focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. I got involved with MHA because I want to help end the stigma around mental illness and also to be a part of the conversation about mental wellness. There is hope. There is help. I see you!

Judy Moore I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family and their mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. Having worked in a hospital setting, I've seen first hand how important it is to meet the mental health needs of the individual in the community before they have a chance to deteriorate to a critical point. MHA does this work every day, providing help and hope! Especially during these times, Mental Health America is accessible to help all members of our community suffering from the affects of this pandemic. The work of MHA is vital to our community. Please consider supporting them through a donation or volunteering.

Shawn Overcash, MBA MHA is one of the very few organizations filling a critical gap in our community's system of health care. As mental health educators, advocates, and guides to additional resources, their work can only be accomplished with philanthropic support. There are few revenues associated with this mission. Your gift is an easy way to make a positive impact on our courts, jails, emergency rooms and larger healthcare system.

Kelli Raulerson: I'm passionate about removing the stigma around talking about mental health so that we can normalize the conversation. MHA plays a critical role in making that happen in our communities. By focusing on creating an emotionally healthier community for all, MHA connects people with help and offers hope.

Lisa Rodriguez I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family. I am honored to support this very special event. Art of Care Counseling is in the fight every day to Cure the Stigma many people have about their mental health and obtaining therapy. MHA and their mission focus on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope.

Rachel Rosenfeld I'm passionate about the work of MHA because I've experienced the difference MHA has made for my school community, my family, and for me. MHA was there for my school community when we lost a student to suicide, teaching QPR to our students, staff, and parents. MHA supported my family every time I needed resources or support for one of my foster youth with behavioral and emotional needs. And MHA was there for me personally, when I lost one of my foster children to suicide. From programs to education to advocacy, MHA is making a huge difference in our community. Here's more about why I support MHA: https://www.mhacentralcarolinas.org/uploads/WeSeeYouRachel1.pdf

Danielle Rogers I'm passionate about the work MHA does because I was once extremely dependent upon the organization. Now that my diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder is almost a distant memory, I'm helping MHA obtain the support necessary to continue changing lives! Join us for Wake Up For Wellness to learn more by registering here: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/MentalHealthAssociationofC_2/default/category.php?ref=418.0.36180013

Kathy Rogers Please join me in supporting MHA so that we can continue our critical mission of offering help, providing hope, and promoting mental wellness in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County. We are building a coalition of mental health champions to eliminate stigma and increase compassion. We See You...We Need You!

Andrea Towner: MHA's mission touches so many lives and I'm honored to work with a team of talented and compassionate advocates. I've been inspired by the resilience of so many individuals I've met over the years. Through my own experience with anxiety, I truly believe prevention works, treatment is effective and recovery is possible!

Guillermo Villar Hi, if you know me, even just a little bit, you know that I'm passionate about mental health and helping people get the help they need to maintain their mental health. Which is why I've been involved with Mental Health America (MHA) for 7+ years. Mental health concerns affect every family and MHA's mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all by connecting people with help and offering hope. Join me in helping MHA keep delivering on their mission this year—especially during these tough Coronavirus times when people are particularly in need of their help. Thank you!

Christian Wagner MHA provides free Mental Health First Aid training to all CMPD officers. This training helps ensure all officers have a basic awareness of behavioral health issues! MHA is a part of our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), which is how I became a part of the organization as a board member. MHA seeks to reduce stigma in the community as well as provide support and advocacy for those living with behavioral health issues.

Karen Walker: I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family. It's good to be a part of this organization that focuses on creating a healthier commuity for all by connecting people with help and offering hope. I would love your support.

Candace Wilson: I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family and our mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope.

Friday Pettit I'm passionate about the work of MHA because mental health concerns effect every family and their mission focuses on creating a healthier community for all, by connecting people with help and offering hope. My hope is you will help support our friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers by joining MHA in reaching the many goals they have to help our community.