Episode #86. Jared here. I go way back with Jamie. When I moved to Pomona in 2014 I was starting over with friends and community. I spent the better half of 2013 in a hospital and I was on the road to recovery. Jamie and Tri-City helped me build a foundation. At the time that I met her in 2015 I joined Courageous Minds which Jamie was the leader of. It was program dedicated to helping those that struggle tell their stories and find their voice. It led to speaking in schools and talking to parents and teachers and students about mental illness. We were able to reduce stigma by being brave. Jamie has been such a faithful friend over the years and I am so glad we got to talk.

Jamie's BIO:

Jamie Holes is an advocate for social inclusion and breaking down the stigma that separates us from one another. She understands stigma from a professional as well as personal perspective. Jamie was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. She grew up in a family that accepted but didn’t understand or talk about mental illness. When her own son was diagnosed at age 6 she started on a journey of advocacy and helping others. Jamie has worked in the helping profession for 27 years. She has a background in substance abuse treatment program management in residential as well as outpatient services. She later moved into working as a mental Heath professional focused on prevention and early intervention. She is passionate about teaching individuals how to take their lived experience and share it with others.  The process of telling ones story is a powerful part of helping to break down community based stigma.

Other info:

You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you need support and someone to talk to.

Call 800-273-8255

Or visit online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/