Presented by Lynne Benjamin, President, NAMI Farmington Valley at the Annual Meeting – May 22, 2025
Lynne Benjamin, President of NAMI Farmington Valley, shared her annual report at our 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 22. From community events to education, support groups, and advocacy, it’s been a year filled with growth, gratitude, and impact. Below is a visual and written summary of the highlights shared in her presentation.
President’s Report – Introduction
Lynne Benjamin, President of NAMI Farmington Valley, shared her annual report at our 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 22. From community events to education, support groups, and advocacy, it’s been a year filled with growth, gratitude, and impact. Below is a visual and written summary of the highlights shared in her presentation.
One Degree of Separation
One of the year’s most impactful events was the One Degree of Separation comedy show at Avon High School. Thanks to the Avon Greater Together Community Fund, this free public event raised awareness around anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention through storytelling and humor. Special thanks to the planning committee and Chair Lori Shield for making it all happen.
Spring Speaker – Dr. Susan McNamara
This spring, we welcomed Dr. Susan McNamara for a presentation at the Avon Public Library: “Why Are You Anxious?” Her thoughtful talk explored the neuroscience and human experience of anxiety, offering practical tools and a deeper understanding of a condition that affects 1 in 3 adults. We’re grateful for her time, expertise, and compassion.
Family-to-Family Classes
Family-to-Family remains one of our most transformative programs.
- In the fall, Mary and Jen led a powerful session at UCC Church in West Hartford.
- In the spring, Peg and Peter guided another group at West Avon Congregational Church.
These volunteers generously share their experience, empathy, and knowledge to support families navigating mental illness. Thank you to our facilitators and host churches for making this work possible.
Support Groups
At the heart of NAMI Farmington Valley is connection—and our support groups embody that. This year, we expanded access and deepened impact across the region:
- Southington: Dan and Amy launched a brand-new Family Support Group at First Congregational Church.
- Avon: Peg and Mary continue to foster a safe space at the Senior Center.
- Simsbury: Marisa and Polly offer compassionate support at the Senior Center.
- Newington: Pat and Peg lead with strength and empathy.
- NAMI CAN (Virtual): Ed and Grace support parents and caregivers across the state.
- Out of the Abyss (West Hartford): Grace and Skyler provide peer support for individuals living with suicidal thoughts.
We are deeply grateful to each of our facilitators and community partners. These groups truly save lives.
Community Events
We were out in the community all year—sharing resources, making connections, and raising awareness. Just a few of the places we showed up:
- Avon Pride Block Party
- Newington Waterfall Festival
- Race for Avon Public Schools
- One Degree of Separation – Bristol
- Teen Wellness Fair – West Hartford
- Wise Mental Health Day – Southington
- Hartford Corrections Wellness Fair
And many more! Thank you to all who staffed tables, handed out flyers, or simply helped spread the word.
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
We’re proud to support CABLE (CT Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement) and its CIT training program, which equips officers to respond to mental health crises with compassion and care.
This year:
- We sponsored 4 local officers to attend training.
- We were a Bronze Sponsor of the Believe 208 Run for officer mental health.
Special thanks to Grace Grinnell, NAMI FV Board Member, CABLE Board Member, and CIT Instructor, for leading this crucial work.
NAMI On Campus – University of Saint Joseph
The next generation is stepping up!
At the University of Saint Joseph, the NAMI On Campus club—advised by Lynne Benjamin and Sheilla Garilli—hosted a Self-Love Event and participated in campus-wide wellness activities. Club members also joined our affiliate at NAMIWalks, showing strong advocacy and solidarity.
Honoring Grace Grinnell
This year, Grace Grinnell went above and beyond in every direction:
- Delivered 19 Ending the Silence presentations
- Co-led 23 sessions of Why We Didn’t Tell You alongside Val and Steve
These programs reached hundreds of students, parents, and educators—sparking honest conversations and saving lives. Grace, thank you for your tireless dedication and heart. We are endlessly grateful.
NAMIWalks Connecticut
What a day of unity and hope!
At this year’s NAMIWalks CT in New Britain, our affiliate showed up strong with 3 walk teams:
- NAMI Farmington Valley raised $2,000
- Cracked but Not Broken raised $1,950
- Hope Wins raised $325
Together, we raised over $4,000—and showed the world what it means to walk forward together. Thank you to all who donated, walked, and cheered us on! 💚
As Lynne concluded the evening, she previewed the upcoming launch of a new NAMI Farmington Valley mobile app developed by board member Alex Walls—an exciting tool to help the community stay connected and informed.
She also expressed deep thanks to everyone involved in the affiliate’s success this year and shared her hope and energy for the year ahead.
