Celebrating Progress, Spreading Awareness: Join Pathways This May for Mental Health Awareness Month
By Peter Tesei
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder: conversations around mental illness and mental health matter. At Pathways, Inc., we are proud to be part of a growing movement that not only acknowledges mental health challenges but embraces them as an essential part of the broader human experience.
Today, we live in a time when discussing mental health is not only accepted but encouraged — a monumental shift from decades past. However, while the stigma surrounding mental illness has lessened, our work is far from over. It is critical that we continue to foster open dialogue, educate ourselves and others, and create communities where empathy, understanding, and support are the standard, not the exception.
Throughout May, we invite the Greenwich community to join us in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month through action and celebration:
Nominate a Champion: We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Greenwich Mental Health Champion Award. This special recognition established last year, honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions toward destigmatizing mental illness and advocating for mental health awareness in our community. We invite the community to nominate individuals who are carrying forward this mission—those who inspire, educate, and lead by example in making mental health conversations more accessible and compassionate. To learn more or submit a nomination, visit www.pways.org/champion.
Get Your Green On! Show Your Support: Green mental health awareness ribbons are available through Pathways for anyone who wishes to show their solidarity with individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges. Wearing a ribbon is a simple but meaningful act to help continue breaking down barriers and starting conversations. We also have Green Ribbons for Lawns for homes and businesses to show their support to the whole community.
Join Us at Our Events – www.pways.org/events
Music for Mental Health: On Saturday, May 17, join us in partnership with The Capitol Theatre and Lake Street Dive for an unforgettable night. This special benefit includes a VIP private sound check with the popular band, a pre-concert party, plus, a VIP viewing area during the concert. This benefit raises critical funds to support our programs while celebrating the power of music to inspire hope and connection.
Client Appreciation Day Open House: On Thursday, May 29, we welcome community members to visit our Day Program in Cos Cob. See firsthand the vibrant community that Pathways fosters and help us celebrate the incredible resilience and growth of our clients.
At Pathways, we believe that every individual—regardless of diagnosis—deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. We encourage you to get involved, ask questions, educate yourself, and be a part of the change. Together, we can create a future where mental health is treated with the same compassion and priority as physical health.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s continue to move the conversation forward. Let’s celebrate how far we have come—and commit ourselves to the work still ahead.
For more information on how you can participate, visit www.pways.org. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community for all.
Peter J. Tesei is the Executive Director of Pathways Inc. and previously served as Greenwich’s First Selectman for 12 years (2007-2019). His public service spans 38 years as a former RTM District 9 Chairman and Board of Estimate & Taxation Chairman. He has served on several non-profit Boards and community organizations and has been leading Pathways since November of 2021.
