Dick has been with NAMI since its inception over 25 years ago--back when it was called ADMIT (Advocates for the Mentally Ill). Dick has served on the Board of Directors since 1990 and currently volunteers 125 hours a month at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Dick identifies himself as a Volunteer Advocate, but he is much more. Dick is an activist who has personally -- through unrelenting, persistent advocacy -- brought about changes to the community mental health system.
According to Executive Director Chris Michaels, "Dick offers distraught families great emotional support and comfort through education about mental illness and the service system. He exudes empathy and understanding through shared experiences retold over the phone and in person. Dick offers hope that treatment works and recovery is possible by freely sharing his knowledge and personal experiences."
We at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania are honored to have Dick as part of our organization, and what better reason to celebrate than on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Happy Birthday to our friend and fellow advocate Dick Jevon!
No comments:
Post a Comment