On Saturday, May 18, 125 members of the Vinfen community took to the Boston Common to join others from across the state in fighting stigma and supporting programs for individuals with mental health conditions at NAMIWalks Massachusetts 2024.

Nearly 1,600 walkers gathered at the Parkman Bandstand for this popular annual event hosted by the Massachusetts chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) that’s devoted to raising awareness and celebrating recovery. Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle kicked off the event with the ceremonial ribbon cutting, and the participants were off!

Vinfen’s team—organized once again by Will Buckley—included staff from throughout our organization, along with a large and enthusiastic contingent of individuals we serve in our programs, including our Point After, Webster, Atlantic, Haverhill and Plymouth Bay clubhouses, and our group residences for people with developmental disabilities.

The walk was a wonderful opportunity for Vinfen to make new connections, spread the word about the vital work we do, and join Massachusetts’ greater mental health community in supporting NAMI’s mission of providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.