Mental health advocates are bringing honest discussions, local resources, and support to Norfolk with the free “Surviving Through Mental Health” event on July 9.

NORFOLK, Va. — Mental health advocates, community leaders and local organizations are coming together in Norfolk this week to make sure people know they don’t have to face mental health challenges alone.

The third annual Surviving Through Mental Health event will take place Thursday, July 9, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Attucks Theatre. The free event is presented by Project ORF and the Norfolk Community Services Board during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.



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This year’s theme, “Family Matters: Part 2 — Healing in CommUnity” explores how mental health, trauma and grief can affect families across generations and how loved ones can better support one another through life’s challenges.

Project ORF Founder and Executive Director Shawnice Hernandez said the grassroots nonprofit works to connect people with mental health resources while helping reduce the stigma that may keep people from seeking care.

“We focus on providing preventative education to minority communities, specifically to help break through barriers and give access to mental health support,” she said. 

Hernandez co-founded Surviving Through Mental Health with former Norfolk City Councilwoman Danica Royster after the two said they recognized a need for a community event with honest conversations about mental wellness and connections to local resources.

The event has continued to grow. Despite heavy rain during its inaugural year, Hernandez said about 260 people attended. Attendance increased to roughly 350 people last year, and organizers hope even more people will participate this year.

She believes the event stands apart because of the people who are willing to share their experiences.

“I think what makes it unique is just the vulnerability of the individuals that we are intentional about putting on the platform,” Hernandez said. “Vulnerability is a strength, and it’s a superpower.”

The evening will feature panel discussions with mental health professionals, advocates and people with lived experience. A fireside chat on mental health policy called “Strengthening Mental Health Care in Virginia: Policy, Progress and the Path Forward” features State Senator Angelia Williams Graves and Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. 

Multiple community mental health and wellness organizations will also be on site to provide information, answer questions, and connect attendees with local services.

Jasmine Burgos, LPC – Suicide Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, Hampton University and Project ORF Board PresidentDr. Vanessa Goodar – Assistant Professor of Psychology, Hampton UniversityJan Wynn House – Founder and CEO, Seniors Aging Gracefully (SAG)Diahnie Johnson, MSW – ACT Therapist, Life’s Journey/Norfolk State University School of Social Work Alumna/Project ORF Board SecretaryClay Marquez – Founder, Gunz Down and Co-Founder, Community 1stDr. Dennis Moore – Senior Director, Student Wellness, Norfolk Public SchoolsKendric Nowling – Youth Engagement and Program Analyst – City of Norfolk Military and Community Affairs, Former NSU Football PlayerCharita L. Selden, LPC – A New Cycle Counseling ServicesAlicia Tetteh, DSW, LCSW, RYT-200 – Building Endurance PLLCTamnequa Whitaker, MA, QMHP – Prevention Program Administrator – Norfolk Community Services Board Prevention Services

Partners, resources, and vendors include:

Attendees can also enjoy music, food, and refreshments, and while supplies last, giveaways and raffles. Organizers say the event is open to everyone but especially encourage teens, young adults, and families to attend.

Tamnequa Whitaker, program administrator for prevention and youth services with the Norfolk Community Services Board, said organizers hope the event inspires families to have discussions that many may have avoided.

“We just hope that conversations are now being had in families where there’s no longer a stigma,” she said.

The Norfolk Community Services Board serves about 6,000 people each year through its mental health, substance use, developmental disability, and prevention programs. Whitaker said events like this help connect people with services right away instead of leaving them unsure where to turn.

“If individuals walk up to a table and just share with whomever is sitting at the table what they may be going through, there’ll be help on site to help get them connected immediately,” Whitaker said, “whether it’s a phone number, whether it’s… a link to sign up for something to start the first step.”

Royster said her mission to help create those connections grew out of her own experience, which motivated her to advocate for others and helped lead to the creation of Surviving Through Mental Health.

“While I was on city council, I was someone who was surviving through mental health,” she said. “March 2024, I had been dealing with a lot of depression, my anxiety, and I also have {attention deficit disorder}.”

She said opening up about her own mental health journey has encouraged other people to seek the help they need.

Royster also had advice for anyone who may still be hesitant to ask for support.

“Please remove the cloak of shame that you have as relates to what you’re going through,” she said. “This is the opportunity to have that conversation or at least be in community with persons who are also seeking. You will not be alone in this room.”

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the unique barriers many minority communities face when seeking mental health care, including stigma, cultural perceptions, and disparities in access to treatment. Organizers hope the event helps normalize those conversations while connecting people with resources available in Hampton Roads.

Surviving Through Mental Health is free and open to the public. Registration is preferred but not required.

The event will be held Thursday, July 9, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Attucks Theatre, located at 1010 Church St. in Norfolk. Parking will be available at the following locations (subject to availability):

First Calvary Baptist Church Lot (Adjacent to Attucks Theatre – Entrance on Henry St.) New Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Lot (Entrance on Henry St.) Garden of Prayer Worship Center Lot NRHA Lot (Entrance on Nicholson St.)

If you or someone you know is struggling, text or call 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org for help. Norfolk residents, loved ones, or caregivers seeking mental health services, substance use support, or other programs can contact Norfolk CSB at (757) 756‑5600 or visit www.norfolk.gov/csb.