One year ago, NAMI Utah faced an unexpected financial calamity that forced the mental health organization to temporarily pause many of its programs. Now, NAMI Utah is telling a story of resilience as leaders have stabilized finances and reestablished much-needed programs to help people in the state who are dealing with mental illness. 

Interim Executive Director Robin Holcomb, along with the NAMI Utah board, staff members and volunteers, has restructured the foundation, renewing its commitment to Utah’s mental health community. The accomplishment was recognized on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day.

“For 15 years, NAMI Utah has been a lifesaver and life changer for our whole family,” said Norm Younker, a volunteer teacher and former participant. “I can’t imagine trying to navigate a family member with a serious mental health condition without NAMI Utah’s help.”

Described as a “year of strength, community and hope,” the past 12 months have been the toughest since the organization was started 40 years ago. NAMI Utah’s free programs include education courses and peer support groups, a crisis Help Line, suicide prevention trainings and community events like Snack-and-Chat and the annual NAMIWalk.

Additionally, federal budget cuts earlier this year were made to lifesaving services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, placing a bigger burden on NAMI Utah resources. More than 4,000 individuals have been helped by NAMI Utah in 2025, with family members and community advocates reflecting and sharing its core message of belonging and inclusion. 

Faced with the financial crisis, the response from the community was swift and powerful. Volunteers, families, donors and advocates rallied to ensure that mental health support would remain accessible to all through NAMI Utah.

With donations ranging from $6 to $50,000, people in Utah stepped up to keep essential mental health programs operating. Today, the organization stands as an example of what is possible when a community rallies behind a just cause. 

NAMI Utah Programs Manager Mia Moncur reflects “James Baldwin said, ‘The world is held together by the love and the passion of a very few people.’ I am so blessed to work for an organization made up of those very people.”

The foundation’s leaders envision a world where people struggling with mental health issues are allowed to live without stigma or shame, supported by a loving community. They believe, educating the public about the prevalence and devastating effects of mental illness builds compassion and empathy. 

NAMI Utah strives to uphold its values of hope, inclusion, empowerment, compassion, collaboration and education through resources and programs that enrich the lives of its members and their families. 

As the holidays approach, NAMI Utah invites supporters to help sustain the momentum by contributing to the organization. With nearly 20% of Utah residents grappling with mental illness, the holidays can be difficult for those dealing with mental health disorders. Donations help ensure they have access to mental health support, education and legal resources. 

For information on how to access NAMI Utah’s free services, visit namiut.org or call 801-323-9900.