SPRING HILL- Students at Gulf Coast Academy and Gulf Coast Middle School recently made a remarkable contribution to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hernando . Students taking part in the Pay It Forward Project raised $1,431.70 to support NAMI Hernando and those of our community living with mental illness through various fundraising efforts.
In appreciation for their contribution, NAMI Hernando held a pizza party for the students at the Beautiful Mind Center. The students decorated the center for the Holidays while they were there.
“I am so moved by the compassion of these students,” said Joanne Schoch, Executive Director of NAMI Hernando. “They showed an amazing understanding of the importance of mental health and the need to offer support and services to those living with mental illness.”
“Helping out NAMI Hernando was important to me as my mother is affected by mental illness, and I wanted to help out this organization in honor of her.,” said student Gabrielle. “I feel as if many people need to become more aware on mental illness, how it affects families, and especially how it affects those diagnosed with it. The younger generation, including myself, should bring awareness to mental illness, and it all starts by starting at home.”
Gabrielle’s mother stated, “Gabrielle’s participation in the program was wonderful, as it helped many people and their families affected by mental illness in Hernando County. I as her mother fully support her participation in the program to help NAMI Hernando.”