This weekend, the Do Good Bus took a group of volunteers to the NAMI Wellness Project house in Needham, MA.
The NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Wellness Project is an organization dedicated to assisting those with brain challenges (including returning veterans) who are dealing with depression, PTSD, ADHD, addictions, anxiety, major mental illness and more.
The organization promotes the therapeutic value of exercise, nutrition and music. They do this in several ways:
- salvaging old bikes and bike parts and rebuilding them to give away,
- giving musical performances at different events,
- collecting and giving away mp3 players and iPods with playlists to help motivate individuals to exercise,
- taking in fitness equipment and clothing,
- providing fitness advice through a monthly newsletter,
- and producing a local television show that helps simplify the world of nutrition and fitness.
The NAMI Wellness Project also aims to help educate the families and friends of individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Their programs have helped to improve the understanding of mental illness, and provide the services and care that those affected by these challenges really need.
Boston Team Building That Gives Back
The Do Good Bustonian volunteer group took part in a major spring cleaning of the NAMI house in Needham and got to spend a few hours getting to know the ins and outs of the non-profit. The large house is very much in need of upkeep and renovation in order to ensure it is livable and functional for those who stay there.
After cleaning and organizing some of the projects, the group got to experience the musical talents of Barry from the NAMI Project on sax and Matt from the Bustonian on drums!
Overall, the day was a huge success. Barry from the NAMI Wellness Project couldn’t thank the volunteers enough, and everybody piled back on to the Do Good Bustonian feeling accomplished and rewarded.
The NAMI Wellness Project is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to contribute to the NAMI Wellness Project, contact Barry O’Toole at 781-444-0750, or email him at BODSQUADFITNESS[at]aol[dot]com.
Is there a non-profit organization close to your heart that you’d like to introduce to Do Good Bustonian volunteers?
