In 2024, No Shame On U continued its mission to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health conditions, ensuring that individuals seek the help they need, families and friends provide proper support, and lives are saved. This report highlights our programs, outreach efforts, and the impact we’ve made over the past year.
IMPACT REPORT
a message from our executive director
Wendy Singer, MS Executive Director Wendy@noshameonu.org
As we look back on 2024,
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in this milestone year for No Shame On U. Celebrating a decade of reducing the stigma of mental illness, we’ve made tremendous progress together—from empowering young leaders through our Teen Board to launching impactful mental health workshops and digital resources that are reaching more people than ever before.
One moment that truly reinforced the importance of our work was hearing a program director’s powerful words about how our resilience training initiatives are transforming lives. It was a reminder of why we do what we do—because everyone deserves support, understanding, and the tools to navigate their mental health journey.
As we look ahead, I invite you to join us in continuing this vital work. Click here to hear more on the incredible impact we’ve made, the inspiring stories behind the numbers, and how you’ve played a crucial role in creating a world where no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
1,000s years countingworth
256,000 Individuals Engaged Mental Health Conversations Sparked
50% Rate of Annual Growth in Programs
53 Podcast Interviews with Advocates and those with Lived Experience
28 High Schools Represented by Teen Leadership Board
3,400 Supported by Parent Crisis Handbook
92%
Survey Respondents say No Shame On U Improved Their Well-Being
10,000 Campers Impacted by Training
124,000 Social Media Followers
89% Survey Respondents say No Shame On U Helped Them Support Others
to share
No Shame On U develops and shares evidence-based resources designed to foster a positive, practical, and solution-focused approach to supporting mental health.
Please check out our resource library
Thank you to the FOUNDATIONS that supported us in 2024: Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation Crown Family Philanthropies
Chicago Charitable Foundation Jewish United Fund Mental Health Initiative with JCFS Chicago Masonic Family Health Foundation
Thank you to the Sponsors of the May 2024 Mental Health Awareness Event: A Conversation with Major General Gregg F. Martin, USA (Ret.)
teen corner
Teen Leadership Board
In May 2024, the No Shame On U Teen Board took center stage at our Mental Health Awareness event by organizing an impactful activity fair, an interactive event promoting mental health literacy that offered tools to reduce stress, build resilience, and foster community connections. They led mindfulness exercises, creative arts, self-care strategies, and a resource corner with mental health tips. This fair capped a year of learning and collaboration, strengthening the Board’s mental health advocacy and leadership. Their efforts empowered peers and underscored the vital role of youth voices in reducing stigma and promoting acceptance.
Service Learning Projects
The No Shame On U Teen Service Learning Program empowers teens to champion mental health through education, creativity, and engagement. Participants build resources that reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and spark dialogue. In one notable project this year, viewable here, teens developed educational videos to foster awareness. These projects underscore youth advocacy, reflecting No Shame On U’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of mental health champions.
Resilience Initiative for Teens
This year, we implemented the Youth Resilience Initiative with JCFS Chicago, teaching teens coping strategies, mental health awareness, and the importance of resilience and self-care. Through interactive sessions, participants gained practical tools to navigate challenges, build trust, spot warning signs, and offer support. Equipping youth with these skills lays a foundation for lifelong well-being and stigma-free communities.
public programs
Our public events are truly transformative! They bring together impactful stories, expert insights, and meaningful community connections to foster hope and break the stigma of mental illness. Here’s a glimpse into some of the engaging titles and descriptions from our programs in 2024.
Breaking Barriers Through Storytelling: An Evening with Major General Gregg F. Martin
In May 2024, No Shame On U hosted an impactful Mental Health Awareness Event at Evanston’s Levy Senior Center, co-sponsored by the center and drawing over 200 attendees. The highlight of the evening was a conversation with Retired Two-Star Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, a 36-year U.S. Army veteran and leading advocate for mental health awareness. Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at age 58, General Martin recounted his remarkable journey, including leading over 10,000 soldiers in Iraq while grappling with undiagnosed mental health challenges. In a thought-provoking conversation with Board-Certified Psychiatrist and No Shame On U Advisory Council Member Dr. Neil Fialkow, General Martin shared powerful insights into managing Bipolar Disorder, the critical role of community, and embracing gratitude even amid life’s greatest challenges. General Martin’s memoir, Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness, along with his vulnerability and authenticity, showcased the transformative power of personal storytelling to overcome barriers and spark hope.
Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times On College Campuses
In response to rising mental health concerns among college students, particularly following the campus protests and unrest in the spring of 2024, No Shame On U and Rebecca’s Dream, an organization promoting mental health awareness and understanding, co-hosted a webinar for parents and college students alike, titled “Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times On College Campuses.” Clinical psychologist Dr. Joe Novak and Dr. Anat Geva, Director of Strategic Initiatives for No Shame On U, shared evidence-based coping strategies to help students manage stress and build resilience. These strategies include prioritizing self-care through sufficient sleep and regular exercise, maintaining a nutrient-dense diet, moderating social media use, engaging in collective activism, and connecting with supportive on-campus communities. Drs. Novak and Geva emphasized the importance of distinguishing between physical safety and identity safety, encouraging students to find environments where they can authentically express themselves.
Feed Your Mind
As part of our commitment to mental health education, No Shame On U hosts free monthly virtual lunch-n-learn sessions that offer valuable insights and practical strategies. Below are key highlights from our 2024 Feed Your Mind sessions. Click here to view them.
What’s Up with the Winter Blues: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Dr. Sally Weinstein, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago, explored how short, cold winter days can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in millions of Americans. Listeners departed with fresh insights and a toolkit of resources to better navigate and manage SAD.
Introducing SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions This session introduced SPACE, an evidence-based model developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz and presented by Moriah Bracken, LCSW, designed to empower parents with strategies to reduce childhood anxiety without requiring the child’s direct participation. Participants walked away with innovative techniques for setting boundaries and fostering their children’s emotional resilience.
Managing Anxiety During Uncertain Times: Tips and Tools for Coping with Current Events No Shame On U Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Anat Geva examined how global stressors—from political turbulence and climate change to overwhelming media exposure— contribute to chronic anxiety and affect overall health. Attendees acquired a diverse set of coping techniques, ranging from mindfulness practices to community engagement, aimed at restoring balance amid uncertainty.
The Gut-Mind Connection: How Nutrition Can Help with Anxiety and Depression Nutrition expert Meg Bowman revealed how gut health and mindful eating can positively impact mental well-being. Attendees left with practical advice for integrating these nutritional strategies into their daily routines.
Professional Development Programs with No Shame On U
This past year, No Shame On U provided professional development sessions for law firms, Fortune 500 companies, and educators, addressing anxiety, stress, and burnout. Our evidence-based workshops empower participants with tools to foster resilience, prioritize mental health, and build supportive environments—aligning with our mission to destigmatize mental illness. We highlight recognizing burnout, building resilience, and cultivating recognition to boost morale and productivity.
discover the No Shame On U blog
Get inspired by real stories of advocacy, resilience, and hope. Here’s a snapshot:
Despite Federal Law, Many Insurance Companies Refuse to Pay for Mental Health Care
Mark Karlin exposes how treatment restrictions leave many with high out-of-pocket costs.
Running for a Cause: A Mental Health Marathon
Jack Simanek’s journey shows how marathon training mirrors life’s challenges and builds community.
The Ripple Effect of Gratitude
July Bayasgalan reveals how daily gratitude transformed her battle with depression into a journey of mindfulness and connection.
real stories, real impact: No Shame On U podcast
Hear authentic conversations of healing and transformation:
Every Cave Has an Exit
Professor Bryna Siegel Finer shares her inspiring battle with treatment-resistant depression.
Mattie, Milo, and Me
Anne Abel recounts how the unexpected bond with her dogs sparked profound healing.
Turning Point
Navy veteran Tim Graves discusses his courageous journey from addiction to empowerment.
Explore these stories and more on our blog and podcast— your next spark of inspiration is just a click away!
Meet Sophie and Follow Her Transformative Journey with No Shame On U
My name is Sophie, and I’m a junior at Highland Park High School. I’m thrilled to share that this is my second year on the No Shame On U Teen Leadership Board—last year as a member and this year as a mentor. This organization has not only given me a space to grow but also a platform to embrace my own mental health journey and support others in theirs.
For as long as I can remember, my mental health struggles have been a part of my story. I’ve faced severe episodes of depression from a very young age, long before I had figured out who I was or what I wanted to be. For a time, I believed that these struggles would define the rest of my life. But here I am, sharing my story, because I’ve learned that my mental health challenges don’t define me—they’re simply a part of who I am.
It has taken years to find a balance between acknowledging my experiences and not letting them consume me. My journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. On the harder days, it can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found ways to cope—like professional mental health treatment, spending time with my family, writing, or getting creative with crafts. These tools help me find light on the darkest days.
No Shame On U has been a crucial part of my healing process. This organization disarms stigma and creates a more accepting community through resources, events, and teen programs. In 2024, as part of the Teen Leadership Board, I met amazing, like-minded peers, learned about mental health topics and careers, and helped organize a mental health activity fair to spread awareness about healthy coping strategies and building community. It felt incredible to be part of something that made a real impact.
Most importantly, my time with No Shame On U has taught me to validate my feelings and remind myself that, with the right tools and support, I can work through them. It’s easy to blame or diminish ourselves because of our struggles, but I’ve learned that no matter the situation, our feelings are valid.
My story is a reminder that no one is alone in their feelings—no matter how difficult they may seem—and that with support and the right tools, there’s always a path forward.
sophie’s story
2024 Annual Event
In November, No Shame On U hosted its highly anticipated Annual Event, The Power of Storytelling, bringing together a vibrant community of supporters, advocates, and mental health allies. This year’s event celebrated 10 years of breaking stigma and building hope, marking a decade of impact and progress in mental health awareness and advocacy.
highlights from the event
Engaging Keynotes A highlight of our 2024 Annual Event was the keynote conversation between Dr. Patrick Corrigan, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Dr. Jonathan B. Singer, Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. The discussion emphasized storytelling as a powerful way to reduce stigma, fostering empathy, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring advocacy. It left a lasting impact on attendees by promoting open conversations to break stigma.
Honoree Recognition
We were honored to recognize the Ament family for their outstanding contributions to mental health advocacy, highlighting the vision and transformative impact of Miriam Ament, No Shame On U’s founder and Executive Director Emerita. Miriam’s enduring legacy continues to inspire hope and propel the mission to ensure that no one faces mental health challenges alone. Joe Ament, Miriam’s father, accepted the award on behalf of the family, delivering a heartfelt message that underscored the importance of supporting his daughter’s dream to eliminate stigma and provide essential mental health resources.
Community Building With over 300 attendees, the event fostered connections and strengthened the sense of belonging among those impacted by mental health challenges and their allies. A highlight of the evening was the “My Story, One Word” activity, where attendees wrote a single word representing their personal superpower on a canvas banner. This powerful display symbolized the collective strength, resilience, and unity of our community, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.
Medical doctor and artist Vasu Tolia, whose portfolio includes works that aim to destigmatize mental illness, donated a painting in full for our raffle, with 20% of the proceeds from her other works benefiting No Shame On U.
we are grateful to our annual event sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSOR
Susan & Joseph Ament
GOLD SPONSOR
Miriam Ament & David Forman
Shifra & Rabbi Yitzchok Kolsky
Much Shelist, PC
Linda & Richard Price
Wintrust Bank
SILVER SPONSOR
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Illinois Chapter
Amy & Jonathon Ament
Niva & Jeremy Ament
Linda Haase & Joel Cohen
Dr. Laurie & Andy Hochberg
BRONZE SPONSOR
Anonymous
CHAMPION SPONSOR
Gita & Mark Allan Berk
CreateOn
Nancy & Maury Fertig
Philip L. & Ellen V. Glass
Dr. Sharon Perlman & David Haase
Mosaic Construction, LLC
Orenstein & Associates, PC
Pekin Hardy Strauss Wealth Management
Lloyd Perlow
Debbie & Mark Pershan
Valley National Bank
YRK Chicago Salon
PARTNER SPONSOR
Compass Health Center
Deborah Sher Dubow
Margalit & Jordan Feiger
Linda Forman
Froum Law Group
JCC Chicago
Maureen & Harold Katz
Dr. Heidi & Dr. Jason Kramer
Bonnie Lane, The Family Support Services
Susie & Michael M. Lorge
MISSD - The Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin
Riveredge Hospital
Rogers Behavioral Health
Wendy & Mitch Singer
Skyway Behavioral Health
Temple Beth Israel
Tikvah Center for Jewish Recovery and Healing at Congregation Anshe Tikvah
FRIEND SPONSOR
Laura & David Allswang
AMFM Healthcare
Anita & Nathan Benditzson
Chantal & Ron Blaustein
Lauren & Bruce Bondy
Chicago Properties
CityPads
Janet Cohen
Lauren & Jared El-Mofty
Sheri Young & Dr. Neil Fialkow
Patti & Mike Frazin
GIA Healthcare, GIA Chicago
Gold Counseling, PC
Adina Azulay Goldberg & Hon. Barry Goldberg
Judy & Jeff Graff
Adina & Kevin Greenberg
Diane & Shai Halivni
Julie & Alec Hopmayer
Ida Crown Jewish Academy
JCFS Chicago
Debbie Steinberg & Jordan Kagan
Amy Kaufman
Keshet
La’briut
Leap Center for Anxiety
Levy Law Solutions
Melanie S. Levine, PhD, PLLC
Maggie’s Place at Mishkan Chicago
Majax Consulting
Courtney E. Mayster
Judy Miller, in Memory of Gabriel Miller
Rachel & Hillel Morris
Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology
National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter
Newport Healthcare
Nissa
Oppenheimer & Co, Inc
Sandy Starkman & Larry Pachter
Plena Mind Center
Ronit & Daniel Ripes
Sat Nam Yoga Chicago
Stacey & Bennett Schwartz
Lori & Russell Shapiro
Marion Schmidt & Steve Singer
Solomon Schechter Day School
Miriam & Mort Steinberg
Ann & Howard Tennes
Timberline Knolls
Deborah Shub & Ayal Tovian
Rena Waxman
Yachad Chicago
Ready to take action against the stigma of mental illness?
Get Involved Support those living with mental health conditions by learning how to offer meaningful help. Not sure where to start? Reach out to No Shame On You for guidance.
Attend Our Programs Participate in No Shame On U’s workshops, events, and discussions to become more skilled in normalizing conversations about mental health. For more information, visit www.noshameonu.org
Volunteer With Us Everyone has a valuable skill to offer! Whether it’s event planning, outreach, writing, community engagement, or behind-the-scenes support, we welcome volunteers passionate about destigmatizing mental illness.
Partner With Us Schools, businesses, and community groups can collaborate with No Shame On U to bring customized mental health programs to their stakeholders.
Spread the Word Help us raise awareness by sharing No Shame On U’s resources, programs, and mission with your community. More voices, less stigma.
Make a Donation Your contribution helps us develop evidencebased and innovative resources that support mental health education and advocacy. Donate here
Every action counts. Join us in making mental health a priority and ensuring that no one struggles alone.
STAFF
Wendy Singer, MS
Executive Director
Anat S. Geva, JD, PhD Director of Strategic Initiatives
Jessica Hulten, MA
Interim Director of Outreach
Miriam Ament, MA Founder and Executive Director Emerita
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linda Haase
Amy Kaufman
Shifra Kolsky, Board Chair
Bonnie Lane
Courtney E. Mayster
Hillel Morris
Dan Orenstein
Rebecca Pogonitz
Lori Shapiro
Assistant Vice President, Jewish Education Initiatives, Jewish United Fund Be the Change — Get Involved with No Shame On U!
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Gail Berger Darlow, PhD
Associate Professor, Kellogg School of Management Principal, GBD Associates LLC
Neil Fialkow, MD
Psychiatrist, Private Practice
David Forman
Founding Board Member
Aryn Froum, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Heidi Kalman, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor, The Josselyn Center
Melanie Levine, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Michael Simon, MPP
Executive Director, Northwestern University Hillel
Doug Winkelstein, EdD
4411 N. Ravenswood Ave. Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60640 877-275-7261
NSOU@noshameonu.org www.noshameonu.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, text or dial 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 supports people who call for themselves, as well as those who call in order to support others. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.