Ithaca

Here’s to Mental Health Awareness Month!

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, promoting a cause that is dear to Ithaca Beer Co. and The Sophie Fund. The two organizations are partnering this year to highlight the many mental health information and treatment resources that are available in Tompkins County.

Throughout the month, Ithaca Beer will provide its customers with a resource card listing local providers for psychotherapy and psychiatry, addiction counseling, support groups, peer counseling, and sexual violence support.

The card’s flip side contains 5 Simple Steps, a brief safety plan that can help prevent an immediate mental health challenge from escalating. With the card’s QR code, users can download the resources to their smart phones.

“Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall health, and is too often ignored, under supported, and stigmatized,” said Jess Mitchell, Ithaca Beer Co. director of operations. “We welcome hundreds of visitors monthly, giving us the platform to reach our community widely. We are committed to doing our part to connect people with the resources they need.”

In addition to the resource cards, Ithaca Beer will be hosting informational mental health presentations by the Finger Lakes chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County.

Ithaca Beer and The Sophie Fund are also running a mental health awareness campaign on social media, pointing to local resources, breaking the stigma around mental health, and encouraging anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.

The organizations, along with Better Together for Mental Health, will host a special Mental Health Awareness Month gathering for local mental health workers honoring their dedication and impact. The event will take place at Ithaca Beer on May 28.

Scott MacLeod, co-founder of The Sophie Fund, expressed gratitude for Ithaca Beer’s effort to promote mental health in the community.

“Stigma remains an obstacle that prevents many people who are struggling from acknowledging they need help or actually reaching out to loved ones or professionals for support,” he said.

“When a high-profile company like Ithaca Beer steps up to actively help normalize talking about mental health, it makes all the difference. Nobody should suffer in silence when help is available.”

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Walk (or Run) the NAMIWalk on May 3!

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If it’s May, that means it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and honor the providers, caregivers, educators, advocates, and other dedicated souls who aid mental health and wellness in our community.

More than 250 mental health champions including 50 teams and countless individuals will participate in the annual NAMIWalk fundraiser for the Finger Lakes chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It takes place at the Large Pavilion in Ithaca’s Stewart Park on May 3 from 1-4 p.m. This year’s goal is to raise $50,000.

2024 NAMIWalk in Stewart Park

Click here to be a sponsor, become a fundraiser, donate to a team, or sign up to join the NAMIWalk

The event is an occasion for those affected by mental health to share community and draw strength from solidarity. Despite the serious subject matter, the annual NAMIWalk is a joyful event.

The event includes a 1-mile walk, a 5K “fun run,” games in the Kids Zone, massages by Attuned Life, snacks, and music by DJ Anthony. NAMI and other local mental health organizations staff information tables sharing resources available in the local community.

This year’s walk includes a raffle of locally donated items, which include: massages, gift certificates for local restaurants, wine, gift baskets, Science Center tickets, Strong Museum passes, New York Mets tickets, and sporting paraphernalia from local teams. 

“The most meaningful part of bringing people together for a common cause is the sharing of stories. Being vulnerable and open connects people who are experiencing similar hardships, making us feel less alone,” said Sandra Sorensen, NAMI Finger Lakes executive director.

Sorensen, who lost her husband Michael to suicide, said that while raising funds is crucial for NAMI programs, NAMIWalk’s real success is making a huge statement about fighting the stigma that prevents many from seeking help.

“The cause is really near and dear to my heart, as I have a lot of lived experience caregiving for people who have mental health issues. My Michael did not feel safe in talking about or receiving the help he needed for his bipolar disorder because he feared stigma, shame, and professional ramifications,” she said.

The NAMIWalk funds programs such as peer-led support groups for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI operates a HelpLine where experienced volunteers answer calls for support and mental health resources. The number is (607 252-6264).

“NAMIWalks is one of our most important events of the year, helping us raise both awareness and critical funding to keep all of our education and support programs free to the community,” said NAMI Finger Lakes Program Manager Jason Hungerford.

He said that donations have enabled the organization to expand its programming and make a major impact over the past year. For example, he said, NAMI has offered additional Family-to-Family mental health education classes, a Sharing Hope conversation series for people who identify as Black or of African ancestry, and training of 60 additional first responders in NAMI’s Overwatch Peer Support.

Hungerford said that NAMI Finger Lakes aided some 290 individuals through three unique support groups that meet twice a month. The organization has also reached more than 1,300 students and community members through mental health education and awareness presentations like Ending the Silence.

Sponsors of the 2026 NAMIWalk include Segal & Sorensen, Cayuga Health, Tompkins Community Bank, Wegmans, Cornell University, Guthrie, Cayuga Landscape, Excellus, del Lago Resort & Casino, Beginnings Credit Union, Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival, Howard Hanna, and Copper House Coffee.

NAMI Finger Lakes is one of some 600 local affiliates of the national organization, a grassroots mental health organization founded in 1979 dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI says its mission is to educate, support, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.

Cornellians: Join the Campus Walk to Prevent Suicide on April 26!

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Besides finishing up Spring semester, a team of Cornell University volunteers has another goal: getting fellow Cornellians to open up about their mental health and to utilize support resources if they need them.

Students participating in the 2025 AFSP Campus Walk at Cornell

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s fourth annual “Out of the Darkness” Campus Walk at Cornell will take place on Sunday April 26. The committee of volunteers led by chief organizer Cheyanne Scholl includes Cornell staff, students, and faculty along with community members.

“The walk aims to improve the visibility of mental and physical health resources on the Ithaca campus while also reminding all members of campus that they are not alone if they are struggling,” said Scholl.

“As a student-facing manager on campus, I constantly hear about how stressed and overworked these students are and they continue to stretch themselves thinner and thinner,” Scholl added.

“We need to continue talking about mental health and make sure they know where to turn when things feel too big and too hard to manage. The walk benefits campus by starting conversations about suicide prevention and mental health as well as providing a wide array of potential resources to turn to when you need them most.”

Disha, one of the student organizers, stresses the benefits of raising awareness on campus.

“Most people here don’t talk about mental health,” she said. “We aren’t really taught how to stay on top of our mental health nor do people realize how to use the services. People act like they are never sad or upset, even though that’s totally normal. Mental health needs to be talked about more.”

The 2023, 2024, and 2025 Cornell Campus Walks brought participation from hundreds of students, faculty, and staff and raised more than $50,000 for AFSP research and programming. The goal this year is to collect $15,000 in donations.

Click here to register, create a fundraising team, or donate to the Cornell Campus Walk

More than 500 AFSP Out of the Darkness walks are held across the country each year. Besides raising funds, the walks send a message that “suicide is preventable, and no one is alone,” and help build a community around mental health. They show solidarity and bring hope for suicide attempt survivors or loss survivors.

Fundraising or donating are not requirements to take part in the Campus Walk; everyone from the Cornell community and beyond is welcome.

The event starts at 11 a.m. in Barton Hall with Campus Walk check-ins; a mental health resource fair featuring local and campus health providers; yard games; a raffle with donated items from local and campus businesses; a memorial and positivity sticky note wall; snacks including cotton candy and popcorn, and more.

At 12 Noon the kickoff ceremony will commence with speakers, and an honor bead ceremony to commemorate lost loved ones and lived experiences. Speakers include Nambita Sahai, co-president of Cornell’s Empathy, Assistance & Referral Service (EARS); and Sandra Sorensen, executive director of NAMI Finger Lakes based in Ithaca.

Walkers will follow an accessible two-mile route through the center of the beautiful Cornell campus. It is for people of all fitness levels and abilities. Participants may also walk/roll on Barton Hall’s indoor track.

Sponsors of this year’s Cornell Campus Walk include: Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services of Tompkins County; NY FarmNet; Halco Home Solutions; Be Kind Ithaca; Free Hugs Ithaca; and Taste of Thai Express.

To connect with AFSP’s campus efforts, email: cornellafsp@gmail.com.

If you or someone you know feels the need to speak with a mental health professional, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.

For AFSP support and/or other resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/resources.

The Art of Renewal @ Orozco Gallery

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In times of uncertainty, art remains a powerful act of resilience. This April and early May, Orozco Gallery will open its doors for the second year as a vibrant pop-up space dedicated to creativity, connection, and cultural celebration. The venue is located at 115 S. Cayuga Street (next to Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine).

Orozco Gallery activates underutilized storefronts, transforming empty spaces into temporary hubs for arts, culture, and community. Throughout the month, the gallery will feature artist talks, live music, dance performances, workshops, film screenings, and family-friendly gatherings, inviting community members of all ages to participate in a welcoming, sober environment.

Many events are free or offered on a sliding scale to ensure accessibility. Select programs require RSVP. Full details and the complete schedule are available at orozcogallery.com.

Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal—a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, with support from GreenStar Food Co+op with opening catering from JoJo Cook, and with additional support from the Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

This year’s pop-up is presented in loving memory of Debra Castillo, who championed Ospina’s work as a community maker, activist, and artist. Ospina and Castillo had envisioned building this initiative into an annual gathering. In honor of Castillo’s legacy, Ospina is committed to continuing the pop-up each year as a space for cultural celebration and collective care.

—Orozco Gallery

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CALENDAR

Event Schedule

Friday, April 3 | 5:00–8:00 PM

Grand Gallery Opening Reception

Celebrate the launch of the pop-up season with non-alcoholic drinks by Open Spaces and food by Jojo Cook. Free; all ages welcome.

Saturday, April 4 | 4:00–6:00 PM

Easter Egg Painting

A creative evening for all ages. Sliding scale fee; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Tuesday, April 7 | 3:00–5:30 PM

Work, Tea & Lo-Fi

Bring your laptop or journal and co-work to lo-fi beats. All ages; free (tea fee).

Wednesday, April 8 | 5:00–7:00 PM

Clothing Swap & Chill

Bring three articles of clothing to swap and mingle. Free; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Thursday, April 9

Panaderia Peluche Artist Talk & Workshop 6:00 – 7:00 PM Melissa Castillo Artist Talk & Workshop 7:00 – 8:00 pm Ages 14+; free; supplies included; RSVP encouraged

Friday, April 10

Poison Apple Society Artist Talk & Workshop 6:00 – 7:00 PM Sarah Lopez Artist Talk & Workshop 7:00 – 8:00 pm Ages 14+; free; supplies included; RSVP encouraged

Saturday, April 11 | 7:00–9:00 PM

Date Night: Live Bossa Nova Jazz
Free; ages 14+; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Sunday, April 12 | 4:00–6:00 PM

Sip & Paint (Bob Ross–Inspired)

Sliding scale; ages 14+; supplies included; RSVP encouraged.

Tuesday, April 14 | 3:00–5:30 PM

Work, Tea & Lo-Fi

Bring your laptop or journal and co-work to lo-fi beats. All ages; free (tea fee).

Wednesday, April 15 | 7:00–9:00 PM

Latine Drag Night featuring Skarlet Killz & Queentessential & Noah Phence Free; all ages welcome; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Thursday, April 16 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Luna Fiber Studios Artist Talk & Workshop 6:00 – 7:00 PM Gabriella Evergreen Artist Talk & Workshop 7:00 – 8:00 pm Ages 14+; free; supplies included; RSVP encouraged.

Friday, April 17

Annie Sheng Artist Talk & Workshop 6:00 – 7:00 PM Rory Ruiz Romero Howell Artist Talk & Workshop 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Ages 14+; free; supplies included; RSVP encouraged.

Saturday, April 18 | 7:00–9:00 PM

Afro-Cuban Live Music with Venissa Santi 3rio Free; ages 14+; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Sunday, April 19 | 5:00–6:00 PM

Lily Pad Puppet Theatre

Free; all ages welcome; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Tuesday, April 21 | 5:00–6:00 PM

Work, Tea & Lo-Fi

Bring your laptop or journal and co-work to lo-fi beats. All ages; free (tea fee).

Wednesday, April 22 | 5:00–6:00 PM

Bilingual Story Time

In collaboration with Buffalo St Books, Free; all ages welcome.

Thursday, April 23 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Make Your Own Paper Doll

Ages 14+; free; supplies included; RSVP encouraged.

Friday, April 24

Carolina Osorio Gril Artist Talk & Workshop 6:00 – 7:00 PM Yamilka Portorreal Artist Talk & Workshop 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Ages 14+; free; supplies included; RSVP encouraged.

Saturday, April 25 | 7:00–9:00 PM

Film Night: The Shape of Water

Free; ages 18+; bring pillows or a comfortable camping chair.

Sunday, April 26 | 4:00–6:00 PM

Zine Workshop

Ages 18+; sliding scale; supplies included; RSVP encouraged.

Tuesday, April 28 | 5:00–6:00 PM

Work, Tea & Lo-Fi

Bring your laptop or journal and co-work to lo-fi beats. All ages; free (tea fee).

Wednesday, April 29 | 5:00–7:00 PM

Make Your Own Victorian Puzzle Letter

Ages 14+; sliding scale; supplies included; non-alcoholic drinks available. RSVP encouraged.

Thursday, April 30 | 6:00–7:00 PM

Latin Dance Class

Ages 14+; sliding scale; bring water and comfortable shoes.

Friday, May 1 | 5:00–8:00 PM

Closing Reception

Free; catering by Zócalo; drinks by Open Spaces.

Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 PM–12:00 AM

The Dutchess of Spirit Posse Dance Party

Sliding scale; ages 18+; non-alcoholic drinks available.

Supporting Newcomers to Ithaca

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The Sophie Fund’s 2025 “Cupcake Button” fundraising campaign collected $1,119.00 for the Ithaca Welcomes Refugees (IWR) organization. The campaign was spearheaded by several Cornell University student organizations: RISEUP Cornell; Cornell Circle K; Pre-Professional Association Towards Careers in Health (PATCH); Alpha Phi Omega Gamma Chapter, and Hotel Graduate Student Organization. Student leaders presented the donation check to IWR Executive Director Casey Verderosa at a luncheon at the Statler Hotel on February 20.

IWR Executive Director Casey Verderosa receives the “Cupcake Button” fundraising check

“RISEUP volunteered to support IWR because any help towards organizations that support refugees is crucial in this current political climate,” said Harmony Guan, RISEUP’s mental health committee lead.

“It is a great cause and a way to get the community together to collectively support and spread awareness,” she added. RISEUP stands for Realizing Integration, Support, and Education for Underserved Populations.

Click here to make a donation to Ithaca Welcomes Refugees

“We really appreciate everything that you all are doing,” Verderosa told the gathering. “Thank you for highlighting this issue and giving it attention. It’s really needed at this time.”

In the past 10 years, Verderosa said, IWR has aided more than 250 refugees from more than 15 countries. The organization helps them find housing and provides them with furniture collected in donation drives, linens and other housewares, and a two-week supply of basic groceries.

IWR operates “response projects” to assist refugees in their self-stated resettlement goals, most commonly finding jobs, enrolling children in school, taking English classes and driving lessons, and locating medical care.

IWR runs the Global Roots Play School to provide a nurturing environment for preschool age children while caregivers work, go to English classes, and perform other resettlement tasks.

IWR was established in December 2015 as an all-volunteer organization responding to the global displacement crisis in support of Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga, a federally designated refugee resettlement agency. IWR then increased its operations in 2021 after Catholic Charities closed its resettlement effort due to reduced refugee flows during the first Trump administration and the Covid-19 pandemic.

IWR holds new volunteer orientation sessions two to three times per year for needs ranging from supporting home move-ins, organizing donations drives, driving and/or accompanying newcomers to appointments, childcare, and interpreting. Volunteers are also sought for helping with events, communications, and fundraising.

Volunteer with IWR: Fill out an online form here and be contacted about future orientation sessions.

Donate items to IWR: Contact IWR donations team at welcome.home@ithacawelcomesrefugees.org.

Cornell students supporting Ithaca Welcomes Refugees

Scott MacLeod, co-founder of The Sophie Fund, thanked Verderosa for IWR’s work and expressed appreciation for the student organizations’ efforts to support IWR’s mission.

“The federal government’s crackdown on immigration has created fear and anxiety even for people who are legally in the United States,” said MacLeod. “Ithaca Welcomes Refugees provides practical support to new arrivals, but just as important it sends them a message of solidarity and compassion. Acts of kindness large and small benefit the mental health of the greater community.”

The Sophie Fund organizes the Cupcake Button campaign and the related Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest each fall to promote mental health awareness and raise monies for local nonprofits supporting community mental health. Donors receive a Cupcake Button featuring the image of a cupcake created by Sophie Hack MacLeod, a Cornell art student who died by suicide in 2016 for whom The Sophie Fund is named.

Since 2017, the Cupcake Button campaigns have raised a total of $8,786.66 for nine local nonprofits supporting mental health: Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County; Mental Health Association in Tompkins County; Advocacy Center of Tompkins County; the Village at Ithaca; The Learning Web; NAMI-Finger Lakes; Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca; Ithaca Free Clinic; and Ithaca Welcomes Refugees.