Stacy Helfstein became involved with NAMI-NYC because of her passion for breaking down the stigma around mental illness, and her desire to support those living with mental illness and their family members. This passion came out of her work as a social worker and her personal mental health journey.

Stacy received her Bachelor of Social Work from Syracuse University and Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, with a concentration in Health and Mental Health. After graduating from Columbia, she worked at the Jewish Guild for the Blind’s Continuing Day Treatment Center. Stacy sits on the School of Education and Social Work Board of Visitors at Syracuse University and on the Center for Hearing and Communication Board of Directors. Stacy is actively involved in UJA Federation of New York and sits on their Manhattan Women’s Leadership Board.

NAMI-NYC’s social media campaign #IWillListen has become an important mantra to Stacy. “Saying ‘I will listen’ means first listening to yourself and loving yourself enough to get help. By helping ourselves, we can then help others.” During her mental health journey, Stacy found NAMI-NYC through her doctor. Given her background as a social worker in mental health and now her personal journey, the doctor suggested getting involved. Stacy loved the idea. She went home, did her research, met all the amazing people at NAMI-NYC and the rest is history! Stacy is proud to serve as the NAMI-NYC Gala Chair.