Mental Health Sub-Committee of the Social Justice Committee

The Mental Health Sub-Committee of Social Justice provides opportunities for UUCSR members and friends to share information about Mental Health issues, to engage in advocacy, and to promote an environment that reduces stigma and fosters empathy.

The group does this by providing a variety of educational opportunities, promoting understanding of and action on legislative issues addressing mental illness, and hosting support groups at UUCSR organized by the Nassau/Queens affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Such initiatives address the injustice affecting those with mental illness and those who love them.

Activities of the MH Sub-committee during the FY23 that supported goals of the Mental Health Sub-Committee included:

• Presentation of the movie, Orchestrating Change, which addresses the myths about mental illness by showing what living with a mental illness is really like—with both setbacks and accomplishments. The film challenged audiences to reconsider their preconceived notions about mental illness.

• Presentation of the musical program, Tru Story, the “story behind the story and songs” of the new original musical, TRU, created by David Gosz and Leo Fotos. It is an impactful telling of the relationship between an individual and their mental illness and the importance of community support.

• Participation in Beach Fest, a major fundraiser for NAMI Queens/Nassau. UUCSR and member Maria Ceraulo were honored at this event, which was held indoors because of rain, for their consistent support of NAMI/QN.