The end of April and all through May, we connected with so many people and communities! We can’t wait for what the summer brings!
Cam’s Club 5K
On April 27, our Executive Director Alane Swain, Board Vice Chair Cathy McCabe, and Board Member Lisa Pappas attended a moving memorial walk hosted by Cam’s Club on Wofford College’s campus in honor of Cameron Pappas, Lisa’s son who died by suicide in 2015. He was a rising senior at Wofford.
As an act of deep vulnerability and unwavering love, Lisa spoke to current Wofford students and families, encouraging open dialogue and reminding them that vulnerability is a strength. The event included a cookout, silent auction, and live music – including a Dave Matthews Band song in tribute to Cameron’s favorite band.
Lisa is a recent recipient of MHA’s Bailie Award, along with Wofford senior Lily Reihs, who founded Cam’s Club in Cameron’s memory. The organization is proud to support their advocacy and efforts to reduce stigma, promote mental health, and work to ensure no one endures the same heartbreak.
Whenever you hear a DMB song, take a moment to think of Cameron—and let it be a reminder to check in on someone you care about.
Talking & Touring
Even in the busy lead-up to our Be Kind to Your Mind event, we stayed grounded in our mission of advocacy, education, and service.
During the last week of April, our Executive Director, Alane Swain, with board member, Maggie Gainey, toured New Day Clubhouse and learned more about the vital support they offer adults living with mental illness – from housing and meals to employment help and creative therapies.
Alane also teamed up Bethany Baynard from Body and Mind Peak Performance to talk stress management and breath work with members of Wofford’s Panhellenic community – an important reminder to check in with ourselves and others, especially during high-stress seasons.
Local Mental Health Fairs!
Even during such a busy day with BKTYM, board member Lisa Pappas took the time to proudly represent MHA-Spartanburg at the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center Mental Health Fair on May 3! The event had a fantastic turnout, with over 150 community members engaging in meaningful conversations and accessing a wide range of wellness resources. We’re grateful to be part of a community that shows up for mental health.
On May 17th, Lisa represented MHA-Spartanburg at the Cherokee County Mental Health and Wellness Outreach, hosted by Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center and United Way of the Piedmont! While we primarily serve Spartanburg County, we always welcome opportunities to support organizations in Cherokee and Union Counties!
Be Kind To Your Mind
What an incredible kickoff to Mental Health Month – thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and shared in the day with us! We celebrated our community, our advocates, and our mental health!
Art & Mental Health
Board members Maggie Gainey and Bailie recently took part in Spartanburg Art Museum‘s Art Walk. During the evening, Walt’s Waltz recognized SAM as an official Stigma-Free Environment – an effort led by Susan Crooks in honor of her son, Walt. His portrait, “Gentle Giant” by Nick Burns, is currently on display alongside the powerful works of Bailie and David Linn as part of the “Transcendence” exhibition.
Learn more about Stigma-Free zones here: www.waltswaltz.com/ww-stigmafree-zones
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, participated, promoted, or invited us to be part of these important conversations. Together, we are advancing mental health awareness and building a healthier future for all!