NAMI Westside Los Angeles Oral History Project
The story of NAMI Westside Los Angeles is a story of people who showed up: families seeking understanding, volunteers sharing experience, and leaders protecting a local source of support.
An evolving oral-history archiveOur history
Long before NAMI Westside Los Angeles had the reach it has today, it was powered by families, volunteers, educators and advocates who understood mental health challenges personally.
These oral histories preserve the voices of people who helped shape the organization—and the belief that no family should have to navigate mental health alone.
A timeline of people and purpose
For many early volunteers, NAMI began with a personal need for information, connection and a way forward. Family-to-Family education became an entry point for deeper involvement and service. In David C. Wright’s oral history, he recalls an early workshop led by Sharon Duna, a dedicated local affiliate leader and Family-to-Family facilitator.
People who came for support began teaching classes, facilitating groups, serving on the board and offering professional skills to help the organization grow. Their experience and commitment strengthened the organization over time.
As the NAMI network across Los Angeles evolved, NAMI Westside Los Angeles maintained its local identity, governance and ability to respond to the community it serves.
What began as volunteer-led work expanded through stronger fundraising, professional staff and a broader range of education, support and advocacy programs.
The Oral History Project records the reflections of people who have helped shape this community. Today, every support group, class, volunteer and family becomes part of what comes next. The archive grows with the community it serves.
Coming soon
As recordings are edited and archival materials are gathered, this page will bring voices, images and documents directly into the moments they illuminate.
Each featured story will include a short, accessible audio or video excerpt—never a long transcript dropped onto the page.
“We want all the NAMIs to succeed.”NAMI WLA oral-history participant
The next chapter
Every class taught, every support group attended, every volunteer who shows up and every family that finds NAMI becomes part of what comes next.
Help preserve the experiences that connect NAMI WLA’s past to its future.
Volunteer your time and perspective to keep this community strong.
Help ensure free mental-health education, connection and advocacy remain available.
Join the people making compassionate, local mental-health support possible across West Los Angeles.
Voices from our history
Short excerpts from the NAMI Westside Los Angeles Oral History Project connect the milestones to the people who made them possible.
Education and connection opened the door to deeper involvement.
David C. Wright · Oral History Project
A reflection on the community and commitment that sustained the work.
David C. Wright · Oral History Project
How expanded capacity created new possibilities for support and education.
David C. Wright · Oral History Project
