Staff and residents/participants from Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) joined NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles on May 16 alongside community members, families, advocates, and organizations to support mental health awareness.
The day was filled with meaningful moments, people walking side-by-side, checking in on one another, sharing stories, and simply being there for each other. It reminds attendees that they are not alone and that even small acts of support and connection matter.
For Patricia Villa, Primary Counselor at River Community Covina, one of the most memorable parts of the day was seeing participants encourage one another throughout the event.
“It was inspiring to see them encourage each other to step out of their comfort zones rather than just sit back,” Patricia shared.
She also appreciated seeing organizations connect and exchange information to strengthen support for the community. For Patricia, mental health awareness is something deeply personal.
“In my culture, mental health was often dismissed with the phrase ‘Get over it,’” she shared. “That has personally impacted me because of past experiences. I’m passionate about raising awareness and helping people understand that mental health is real.”
Patricia added that seeing so many people come together for the same purpose was touching and hopeful.
Elaine Hansen, Program Manager at River Community Covina, shared that connecting with other organizations and learning about community resources were among her favorite parts of the event. But for her, the walk itself always leaves the biggest impact.
“Seeing everyone’s signs and reasons that they walk is always heartwarming,” Elaine shared. “It reminds me how important it is to talk about mental health.”
Elaine also spoke honestly about her own journey and why she continues showing up for the event every year.
“I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to navigate my own mental health challenges, and only when I got clean was I able to understand that I wasn’t broken. I just didn’t understand mental health,” she shared.
She said she walks for people who may still feel unheard or are struggling silently, hoping they find support and services when they need them.
Stepping Stones Program Director Valerie Cruz shared that one of her favorite moments was sitting near the stage and cheering alongside the crowd.
“I really liked the way it was hosted this year and I loved seeing Channel 4’s Annabelle Sedano and Telemundo Channel 52’s Sandra O’Niell.” Valerie shared. “It was nice hearing people openly talk about mental health and seeing the community come together in support of one another.”
She especially appreciated hearing U.S. Olympian Jordan Chiles share her own mental health experience.
“It’s always an enlightening experience to see communities gather in support of one another and in our struggles with mental illness,” Valerie shared. “Support matters.”
Ellen Striverson from the Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence also shared how uplifting the event felt from the moment people gathered together.
“The one moment that made my heart happy was the pet costume contest,” Ellen shared. “Seeing so many people laughing, smiling, and sharing that joy with the community was really special.”
She said the positive energy throughout the event was something you could truly feel.
“It reminded me how powerful togetherness can be when it comes to making mental health a priority, raising awareness, and helping break the stigma around mental health challenges,” she added.
NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles was a reminder that support, hope, and connection still exist and that nobody has to face mental health challenges alone. Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) was grateful to walk alongside the community, offering support, having conversations, and simply reminding people that others are willing to listen, care, and stand beside them.
