Many of you know her as the smiling face that greets you or the voice that takes your call at Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network. Her upbeat attitude and inviting smile always ensures you feel welcome. Marilyn Grant is one of those people that just makes you feel right at home.
NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties is fortunate to receive some of her generous spirit and infectious energy. As a valued member of our dedicated volunteer team, Marilyn’s ongoing commitment and support enhances our continued abilities at offering exceptional education, support and outreach within Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
Marilyn first became committed to NAMI after the unfortunate loss of an extended family member to suicide. Since joining us, she has helped to support various programs like our monthly Speaker Series, NAMI FaithNet and Family to Family. Most recently, her efforts shined in helping orchestrate our NAMI FaithNet – All Faith Breakfast and Resource Fair. This inclusive event sought to connect local faith leaders to further educate and promote awareness of mental health, as well as the initiatives of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties.
Beyond her dedicated efforts at NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties, Marilyn just truly has a passion for life and radiates that in all she does. Recently, I had a chance to sit down with her and learn a bit more. In addition to volunteerism, Marilyn is dedicated to her faith and church community. As a lady on the move, she stays active by walking outside and enjoying Zumba. In her “Marilyn time” (her self described downtime,) she enjoys seeing friends, happy hour and eating out. She is also a faithful devotee to the guilty pleasure of Judge Judy. To summarize a life well lived, Marilyn says “I enjoy having a good time and being around others who do too.”
In closing, I asked Marilyn what drives her passion for mental health. She replied, “I hope one day everyone feels comfortable to talk openly about mental illness and they have someone they can talk to in a time of need.” Wouldn’t that be a wonderful step forward? Until then, NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties remains committed to building awareness and reducing stigma.
Thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers, today and everyday, especially you Marilyn Grant. We celebrate YOU! Below are a few words shared about Marilyn from other NAMI volunteers…
“Marilyn embodies compassion and respect. To me, these are things that NAMI A/D strives for in all of their programs. To say ‘thank you’ feels insufficient; but sincerely, thank you Marilyn for your warmth and presence. You are a true and faithful servant.”
-Linda Martin
“Marilyn Grant has served on FaithNet for NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties since it began three years ago. While our progress in connecting with faith communities has sometimes been frustratingly slow, Marilyn’s faith and optimism have been a gift to all of us! Marilyn was initially reluctant to be a presenter, but has now successfully presented FaithNet informational programs to pastoral care teams on two different occasions. At our recent FaithNet breakfast, Marilyn provided a warm welcome to all our guests!”
-Sheila Brockmeier
“Marilyn has volunteered for our affiliate for several years and has been especially involved in our NAMI FaithNet outreach efforts, helping to make faith communities more welcoming to people with mental illness and their loved ones. She always has a smile on her face and something positive to say!”
-Gina Moore
Want to learn more about our programming or get involved at
NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties? See our Volunteer Opportunities here:
http://www.namiadco.org/about/mental-health-volunteer/