Sharing Hope

Sharing Hope is a transformative program from NAMI aimed at addressing mental health issues within Black, African American, and African Ancestry communities. Recognizing the unique challenges these communities face, such as trauma from racism, discrimination, and isolation—especially in places with limited racial diversity like Vermont—Sharing Hope offers a safe, non-judgmental space for people to come together and share their experiences. This initiative strives to foster healing and support by providing accessible, affordable resources and services that are culturally responsive. 

Through a three-part conversation series, participants engage in discussions on mental health and wellness, guided by facilitators who share similar lived experiences. This allows individuals to feel seen and understood while learning about mental health resources and support strategies. Partnering with local organizations, Sharing Hope seeks to empower individuals, reduce stigma, and create lasting change in mental health care within minority communities.

Oftentimes, in Black American and African American Communities, Mental health issues can be seen as taboo, and sometimes, in New American families, it can be an experience that is invalidated.  

Unfortunately, minority communities are often overlooked, especially in Vermont, as they make up such a small percentage of the population.

For Sharing Hope Vermont, regardless of how large or small the community is, the urgency stays the same.

We also acknowledge the issues that Black People, African American People, African Immigrants, Caribbean Immigrants, and others face are uniquely theirs. Mental Health issues stem from many causes. The Black/African American community faces trauma from racism, discrimination, and isolation – especially in an area with limited racial diversity like Vermont (data from the 2020 Census shows that Vermont tied with West Virginia for 3rd least diverse state/territory).

With this in mind, NAMI Vermont recognizes the importance of coming together in a shared effort to create a designated opportunity for Black and African American people to speak on their experiences in a non-judgmental, safe space.

Therefore, our organization is currently seeking volunteers to become Sharing Hope facilitators. By joining the Sharing Hope program, you will have the opportunity to bridge the gap that too often exists for members of these communities.

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative and how you can get involved, click the button below.

That only ⅓ of Black adults who are in need of Mental Health services receive it?

About 5% of Black adults experience serious mental health issues, like severe depression, schizophrenia, or other conditions that significantly disrupt daily functioning.

In partnership with local organizations such as the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), we hope to foster a more effective and productive space for all who participate.

Accessibility due to a lack of health insurance can also raise issues for an individual seeking or not seeking care.

NAMI started the Sharing Hope Series to help address the need for an accessible, free (affordable), safe space for all people to utilize. We here at NAMI VT believe all people who are looking to receive mental health services deserve that. We believe that everyone looking for a safe space/discussion to freely and openly speak about their experiences with a group of people who understand them should be granted that. 

It’s Time To Take The Narrative Back.

NAMI Sharing Hope is designed to introduce discussions on mental health and wellness through a three-part community conversation series grounded in the sharing of sacred stories and guided dialogue on mental wellness and support.

The Three Conversations

Sharing Hope is a three-part community conversation series for, by, and about the African American/Black community, in which sacred stories are shared through community conversations prompted by videos and guided by a facilitator who helps participants understand support strategies and community resources. 

• Community Conversation #1 – Using the provided videos as a discussion prompt, this first question asks, “How do we know when we are well?”

We found it important to start with this because it sets the scene for a discussion on mental wellbeing, and allows for people to tell their own story on how it feels when things are not feeling quite right.

• Community Conversation #2 – Invite a clinician who represents the community to take part in the second community conversation to demystify some of the processes of finding support and to answer group questions on mental health and wellness. 

Here at NAMI Vermont, we acknowledge and value the feeling of shared experiences, and as stated before, the experiences of Black, African American, and New American communities are entirely unique, so it would be difficult and possibly counterintuitive to have a facilitator who does not identify with the racial/ethnic group in which this project is centering. The reason for this is that a Black/African American individual living in Vermont will likely have similar experiences to the group, and with that, not only a more comfortable experience but less time feeling the need to explain oneself. This may also even limit the feeling of isolation and help others to feel seen and completely and authentically understood in a way a member of a different racial or ethnic group may not be able to offer.

• Community Conversation #3 – Have a discussion on how to find local mental health services and resources and connect them with local NAMI for help and support 

Of course, our primary focus is to provide others with support, not just in the short term. While discussions about Mental Health and Mental Illness are scarce in these communities, we intend to encourage conversation and get others thinking about ways to continue it for themselves, their families, or even their friends.

To learn more about the program or to request a Sharing Hope series at a specific location, contact [email protected]. If you would like to become a Sharing Hope facilitator with NAMI Vermont, please fill out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!