NAMI Collier puts the Fun in Fundraising and improves Mental Health for Adults and Children

Our mission at NAMI Collier is to provide mental health support, advocacy, and education that inspires resilience and strengthens communities. NAMI Collier makes a positive impact on the community’s social, emotional, and behavioral health by both raising awareness and providing direct services – managing a comprehensive array of no cost programs and support groups for all ages from infants to seniors and veterans.

NAMI Collier is a place where people find hope through support, companionship, learning opportunities, compassion and connection. Whether they come to us for themselves or to support a loved one, we offer a place where they are heard, respected, and given hope and a supportive hand to guide them through life’s challenges. We are like a compass, providing navigation to programs that support people with stability and support. We provide programs for all ages with our unique combination of local roots and a national network of support. We meet needs for housing, food, and mental health support with impact. We help to improve the community’s social, emotional and behavioral health by raising awareness and putting boots on the ground.

Our many NO COST programs for the community include:
• Children’s Mental Health Program (HUGS), screens, assesses and educates children ages 2 months to 22 years old experiencing developmental, social, emotional or behavioral difficulties. The program, a blueprint partner for Naples Children Education Foundation; founders of the Naples Winter Festival(NCEF) as part of their children’s mental health initiative in Collier County, screens more than 2,000 families while providing care coordination services to more than 952 children and their families. The addition of a Child Psychologist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst eliminated a minimum of 8-18 months for evaluation and diagnosis at zero cost and without a waiting list.

• Sarah Ann Life Skills & Support Program, which includes structured activities, occupational training, life skills and supportive employment.
• A six-week resiliency program where families work with NAMI Collier staff to learn and practice resiliency strategies. The families leave the weekly sessions better prepared to cope with their own stressors and to support friends and family dealing with social, emotional, behavioral or developmental difficulties.
• NAMI signature support groups and classes.
• Crisis Intervention Training for the community’s first responders.

As the need for services continues to rise with expanding population and mental and behavioral health challenges like the pandemic, hurricanes and national violence, nonprofit NAMI Collier County continues to expand programs and services to meet the community’s needs. “NAMI Collier County thrives on community support and partnerships, empowering the people we serve to navigate complex systems and make meaningful progress. With our partners and donors, we can overcome overwhelming obstacles by advocating for the most vulnerable people in our community by supporting their social, emotional and mental wellness.”, said Beth Hatch, CEO.

On March 14, 2025, we hosted our largest annual fundraiser at Arthrex One. Hope Shines: A Touchdown for Mental Wellness was a casual, philanthropic evening that included guest speaker Joe Theismann. Patrons enjoyed delicious tailgating food stations, heartwarming NAMI Collier participant stories, a halftime performance by the Naples High School Drum Line and an uplifting, interactive speech from Joe Theismann. Through the communities’ unwavering support and the finesse of auctioneer, Lydia Fenet, NAMI Collier raised $541,000. The proceeds will be used to provide ongoing mental health wrap around care to the children, families, seniors and veterans that we serve.

Visit www.namicollier.org to learn more about NAMI Collier’s programs. You can help ensure NAMI Collier’s no cost services continue to bring hope to those who need it most with financial support through general donations, event sponsorships and NAMI Collier’s Ambassador Circle of Hope Program. Please call 239-260-7300 to request a tour of our NAMI Collier facility.