On May 10th, the NAMIWalks Greater LA County Mental Health Festival brought together mental health advocates, service providers, families, and community members at the Los Angeles State Historic Park for a vibrant day of advocacy, community, and celebration. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, the event blended purpose and fun—featuring music, food trucks, interactive workshops, and a resource fair—all to support local mental health initiatives.
Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) proudly participated as a Silver Sponsor, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to raising awareness, building community, and standing against the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.
NAMIWalks is a fundraising initiative that supports the work of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a nonprofit dedicated to education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. More than a walk, the event is a family-friendly festival that helps sustain vital programs such as early intervention, peer specialist training, multilingual outreach, and county-wide advocacy.
As part of the festival, SMRS hosted a resource booth with information on substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our team shared materials on residential, outpatient, and prevention programs, along with guidance on accessing care, managing recovery, and supporting loved ones. This presence helped bridge the gap between mental health and substance use services—key to delivering integrated, compassionate care.
In addition, SMRS also brought participants and residents from outpatient and residential programs to attend the event, providing a meaningful opportunity to connect, engage, and feel part of a larger movement. Walking alongside thousands of advocates was a powerful reminder that recovery is supported, shared, and strengthened through community.
In the weeks leading up to NAMI Walks, our SMRS programs embarked on a heartfelt journey beyond traditional event sponsorship. They creatively engaged in fundraising efforts that not only supported NAMI but also provided staff members with invaluable opportunities to get creative and work as a team for a great cause. Each program assembled its own fundraising teams and organized a variety of activities, including car washes, rummage sales, bake sales, taco fundraisers, and more. These initiatives were more than just fundraising; they fostered meaningful connections among residents and participants, allowing them to practice collaboration and experience the profound satisfaction of giving back to their community as well. This collective effort exemplified the spirit of compassion and support that lies at the heart of our mission.
The 2025 NAMIWalks Festival was a celebration of resilience and community. For SMRS, it was a chance to walk alongside partners, participants, and advocates in a shared mission to support recovery and wellness for all. We’re grateful to be part of this journey—and we’ll keep walking, together.
