NAMI (San Diego) - Volunteer Spotlight - January 2018
David Almada is an incredible NAMI San Diego Volunteer! David discovered NAMI San Diego through our NAMI Walk in 2015 and was excited to hear about our need for volunteers with computer skills. For the past two years, David has been a Computer Instructor Aide for our former Tech Café program, helping individuals learn how to use computers for their own personal development. In this position, David said that he is most proud of “teaching older adults how to communicate via email with family, friends and their community.” Thanks to all of David’s selfless work, he was also recently presented the San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA) Altruism Award in recognition of his work with the former Tech Café!
As David transitions to new opportunities with NAMI San Diego, we are also excited to recognize all of the work he has done with our organization. To any prospective new volunteers, consider this quote from David: “Volunteer in a position where you have a strength and passion. If you are happy, you will not stop!” In his free time, David volunteers with his dog at a local veteran’s home and attends the local Dignity Church for LGBTQI Catholics! NAMI San Diego would like to thank you, David Almada, for everything you have done for the San Diego Community!
“Teachers are those who use themselves as bridges, over which they invite their students to cross; then having facilitating their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”
-Nikos Kazantzakis
If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer programs, please contact:
https://namisandiego.org/about/newsletter/
ABOUT NAMI (As Of 2-22-2018):
The National Alliance on Mental Illness in San Diego (NAMI San Diego) is the community’s voice on mental illness. They are a part of grass-roots, nonprofit, national NAMI organization, and also an affiliate of NAMI California. NAMI San Diego was founded in 1978 by family members of people with mental illness.
They have a threefold mission:
-Support people with mental illnesses and their families by helping them find coping mechanisms for their daily struggle with brain disorders.
-Educate people who have mental illness, their families, and the general public about mental illness with the goal of dispelling ignorance and stigma.
-Advocate for more research and an improved system of mental health services across the nation.