NAMI Central Iowa

10/18/2026

Message from our President/ CEO
💚💙 FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART… THANK YOU! 💙💚
As I sit here reflecting on our 3rd Annual NAMIWalks Central Iowa, my heart is filled with so many emotions, but above all, an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

There are moments in leadership when you realize that what you’re building is so much bigger than yourself. Today was one of those moments.

To every individual who walked, volunteered, donated, sponsored, encouraged, or simply believed in our mission — THANK YOU.

To our incredible Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, vendors, and community partners, I cannot begin to express how much your support means to me. You gave your time, your talents, your resources, and most importantly, your hearts. None of this would have been possible without you.

Today wasn’t simply about walking.

It was about the person silently struggling with their mental health.

It was about the family desperately searching for answers and support.

It was about those navigating recovery, those grieving someone they’ve lost, and those who are still finding the courage to ask for help.

It was about reminding every single person that YOU MATTER. YOUR STORY MATTERS. AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

As President & CEO of NAMI Central Iowa, I have the privilege of witnessing both the heartbreak and the extraordinary resilience within the communities we serve. This work has changed me in ways I could never fully put into words.

And today reminded me why we keep showing up.

Together, we have raised $11,465 so far! While we have more work ahead of us, every single dollar represents hope, opportunity, education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families throughout Central Iowa.

And the beautiful thing? Our fundraising continues for another 60 days! Our impact doesn’t end when the walk is over.

I also want to share something personally.

Leadership teaches you to celebrate victories, learn from challenges, and recognize that success isn’t always measured by numbers. Sometimes success is found in a conversation, a warm embrace, a shared story, or someone finding the courage to say, “I’m not okay.”

Those moments are priceless.

I am deeply grateful for the people who continue to stand beside me and believe in the work we’re doing. Your encouragement, kindness, and unwavering support mean more than you may ever know.

We may walk for one day, but we stand together for mental health every single day.

From my heart to yours, thank you for believing in NAMI Central Iowa. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for being part of something bigger than all of us.

Our work continues. Our mission remains strong. And together, we will keep making a difference, one person, one family, and one community at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

President & CEO, Roxanne Petersen
NAMI Central Iowa

💚 Because hope starts with us, and no one should ever have to walk their mental health journey alone. 💙

10/17/2026

⏰🎉 THE CLOCK HAS STRUCK MIDNIGHT… AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS?! 🎉⏰

💚💙 IT’S OFFICIALLY WALK DAY!!! 💙💚

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!!! 🚨👟

In just 9 SHORT HOURS, our feet will be hitting the pavement, our hearts will be full, and our community will be coming together for the 3rd Annual NAMIWalks Central Iowa! 🎉

We’ve planned, we’ve prepared, we’ve laughed, we’ve stressed (just a little 😉), and now it’s time to WALK THE TALK!

👟 We’re walking for HOPE!
💚 We’re walking for HEALING!
💙 We’re walking for those who are struggling!
💚 We’re walking for those we’ve lost!
💙 We’re walking to remind EVERYONE that they are NEVER ALONE!

Tomorrow’s to-do list? Oh, it’s simple!

☕ Grab your coffee ☕️ from our amazing coffee vendor!
👟 Lace up those walking shoes!
👕 🍁🍂Dress in those fall layers!
💚 Bring your friends, family, and BIGGEST smiles!
🎉 Get ready to make some NOISE for mental health!

CENTRAL IOWA… ARE YOU READY?! 📣

Because in 9 hours, we’re not just taking steps…

WE’RE MAKING A STATEMENT! 💚💙

Let’s fill those sidewalks with LOVE, HOPE, COMMUNITY, and PURPOSE!

LET’S WALK, CENTRAL IOWA!!! 👟🎉

10/15/2026

In Our Own Voice is one of NAMI's most powerful programs. Join us THIS saturday, October, 17th to hear the personal and powerful stories of those with lived experience.
NAMI In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a free, peer‑led public education program from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that changes attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about people with mental health conditions by sharing personal, lived experiences of recovery.
Purpose and Impact
Dispel myths and stigma by showing real stories and lived reality.
Educate community members, professionals, and the public about mental health in a relatable way.
Encourage dialogue — audience members can ask questions, fostering deeper understanding
Highlight recovery as a real possibility, showing that people with mental health conditions have hopes, dreams, and goals

10/15/2026

We are now just 3 days away! Come join us!

10/13/2026

👟👟Same Community. Bigger Impact 💚💚

Let’s get excited, Central Iowa! Every step we take helps raise awareness, fight stigma, and remind individuals and families that they are not alone.

https://www.namiwalks.org/centraliowa

10/13/2026

We are just 5 days away from our mental health/ su***de awareness walk. It’s not to late to sign 🆙 just click the 🔗 below ⬇️ and join an existing team or create a team of your own. You can also Register individually for 🆓! Come join us in community for mental health awareness. We look forward to seeing you there! 💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💛💜💚💜💛
https://www.namiwalks.org/centraliowa

10/12/2026

💚 NAMI Central Iowa Walks Welcomes God’s Way Ministries for Men! 💚

✨ Recovery is possible. Hope is real. And no one has to walk the journey alone. ✨

We are honored to welcome God’s Way Ministries for Men to our 3rd Annual NAMIWalks on October 17th!

This ministry brings a powerful message of hope, healing, and recovery, reminding us that no matter where someone’s journey begins, a brighter future is possible. What makes their message especially meaningful is that the founder brings the power of lived experience—a firsthand understanding that recovery is not just something we talk about, but something that can be lived.

Their story and mission remind us that our past does not have to define our future, that healing is possible, and that with support, connection, faith, and determination, lives can change.

At NAMI Central Iowa, we believe every person deserves compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to discover hope. By bringing voices of lived experience into our community, we help break down stigma, build connections, and remind individuals and families that recovery is possible.

Join us on October 17th as we walk together for mental health, recovery, and a community where no one has to face their struggles alone. 💚

🙏 Thank you, God’s Way Ministries for Men, for sharing your message, your mission, and the reminder that hope can lead to a new beginning!

Community & Action = Impact!

10/12/2026

☕ “A Latte Hope for a Stronger Community!”

☕💚 WELCOME TO OUR NAMI WALK 💚☕

We are so excited to welcome our wonderful coffee vendor to the 3rd Annual NAMI Central Iowa Walk on October 17th! 🎉

There is nothing better than bringing our community together for a meaningful cause, and a little coffee makes the day even sweeter! ☕ We are incredibly grateful to have you join us in supporting mental health awareness, hope, and the families and individuals we serve throughout Central Iowa.

🚶‍♀️💚 WALKERS, DON’T FORGET TO STOP BY FOR YOUR COFFEE FIX!

Before you hit the trail, during your walk, or while connecting with friends and fellow supporters, come grab a cup of coffee, recharge, and enjoy the incredible community spirit that makes this event so special!

Every step we take helps raise awareness, break down stigma, and remind people that no one has to walk their mental health journey alone.

☕ Brewing Hope, One Cup at a Time!

Let’s come together, sip some coffee, celebrate community, and make an impact!

💚 Community & Action = Impact!

10/12/2026

🍖 “Good BBQ, Great Cause, Stronger Community!” Join us this Saturday, October 17th at Ada Hayden Park!

We are excited to announce 📣 our partnership with Rebel Chick BBQ 🍗! This delicious food truck will be joining us at our 3rd annual NAMI Walk, October, 17th🥳 Nothing better than BBQ & Fall 🍁🍂🍁🍂
Be sure to grab your friends, co-workers and family, don’t forget the fur babies
🐾🐾🐾🐾 and join a team or create a team of your own and enjoy delicious food.
You can click the link in the comment section to join NAMI walks 2026.

10/12/2026

🎶 A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR DJ SPONSOR! 🎶

At NAMI Central Iowa, we believe that when a community comes together, incredible things happen! 💚

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing DJ Sponsor for supporting our 3rd Annual NAMIWalk. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of providing hope, education, advocacy, and support to individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions.

Just like music brings people together, your sponsorship helps bring our community together for a cause that truly matters. Every contribution helps us create a stronger, more compassionate community where no one has to face their mental health journey alone.

Thank you for investing in our mission, standing alongside the families we serve, and helping us turn awareness into action!

🎵 Together, we’re creating harmony, hope, and a healthier community!

💚

We are excited to announce 📣 that Mojo Productions will be joining us again for our 3rd annual NAMI walk! We are so excited and grateful for this business! The way they give back to communities and the compassion these owners have for Mental Health. Katie, one of the owners, will be joining us on October, 17th providing all the good Jams! 🎵🎼🎶🎵🎼🎶.