NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), a volunteer network of families, consumers, friends, and concerned professionals working together to improve the quality of life for those affected by severe and persistent mental illness, did a beautiful presentation at the Sumpter & Gonzalez offices in September. Athan sent NAMI Austin a letter of thanks and they used that letter in their most recent newsletter:

“The presentation went beautifully. Our staff has been raving about it ever since. Many people have stopped me in the office and emailed me to tell me how great it was. Jason and Nancy presented in a way that was touching but also matter-of-fact in their own experiences. They listened to all of our questions and answered them thoughtfully. Attorneys, like social workers or human service providers, work with and help people. They often come across people living with mental illness but rarely (if ever) receive training on the dynamics of mental illness, how it effects the person, and how to partner with that person to move toward recovery. I would say that the more law firms (particularly criminal defense firms) and criminal justice professionals (particularly probation, judges, and prosecutors) that you can engage to receive this program, the better. There is a great need in the criminal justice system for education, understanding, and empathy for folks with mental illness.”

Labels: criminal law, Mental Illness, Sumpter and Gonzalez

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