Shoppers at Ivy & Shania’s, Verona’s newest boutique, may have noticed an original Forget-Me-Not painting displayed in the storefront’s window. This painting, loaned to the Junior Woman’s Club of Verona by Pinot’s Palette in Montclair, will be displayed at different locations around town as part of a year-long initiative to raise awareness of mental health in our community.
The Junior Woman’s Club of Verona is implementing this public awareness project in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness New Jersey. NAMI NJ was selected as the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Club Special State Project of the year. The Forget-Me-Not is the NJSFWC’s symbol for the Special State Project.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health, 20% of youth ages 13 to 18 are living with a mental health condition, yet, on average, it takes 10 years from the initial onset of symptoms before people receive the interventions they need. NAMI NJ believes increasing public awareness is crucial to getting people struggling with mental illness the support they need to recover. The Verona Juniors look forward to raising awareness in our community, with the help of local businesses and other community partners.
Frank Anthony’s generously hosted the painting in May and early June. Managers of Verona restaurants, businesses or community spaces who would like to host the painting should email [email protected] for more information.
NAMI New Jersey (NAMI NJ) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Through education, support, advocacy and public awareness programs NAMI NJ fosters understanding about mental illness, confronts stigma often associated with mental disorders, advocates for public policies that benefit those affected by mental illness, and promotes research into the causes, treatment and recovery of mental health disorders.
For more information, please visit our website.