Gratitude for Fifteen Years at NAMI Montana

June 27, 2023

As we near the halfway point of 2023, I want to take a moment to reflect on a milestone I recently passed: 15 years as Executive Director of NAMI Montana. I feel a deep sense of gratitude as I look back on the journey we have taken together and the progress we have made.

When I began this role fifteen years ago, I was an attorney with very little formal experience in the mental health field. My only direct connection came from advocating for improved mental health screenings for Montana National Guard members following my stepbrother’s death. Even so, the NAMI Montana community welcomed me with open arms and trusted me to help elevate the voices of Montanans living with mental health conditions and their families.

Over the years, we have navigated countless challenges — fluctuating state funding, shifting political administrations, and evolving systems of care. Through it all, our resolve and unity have never wavered. Together, we have made meaningful progress in both state and federal legislation, strengthened advocacy for mental health services, and worked to break down barriers to access. It has been an honor to be part of this collective strength and determination.

It has also been a privilege to stand with you through moments of heartbreak, resilience, and success. Those shared experiences have deeply enriched my time at NAMI Montana and continue to fuel my commitment to our mission. Despite the fact that the typical burnout rate for NAMI Montana state executive directors is about 18 months, I continue to wake up each day energized by the opportunity to do more for the people we serve.

Looking ahead, I am excited about what lies before us. Our NAMI support and education programs are reaching more Montanans than ever before. Our newly launched website is already expanding access to county-level resource guides, with the potential to more than double the number of people we serve. At the policy level, recent legislative wins are beginning to take effect, and new veterans health care legislation is advancing in Congress — beyond anything I could have imagined when I first joined NAMI Montana.

The past fifteen years have been extraordinary, and I look forward with anticipation to the next fifteen. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made this work possible: the NAMI Montana Board, the Montana NAMIWalk Committee, our dedicated staff and volunteers, policymakers, research partners, and donors who believe in what we do.

Your passion, commitment, and resilience have shaped NAMI Montana into what it is today. Together, we will continue building a community of support, education, and advocacy for all Montanans living with mental health conditions and their families.

Sincerely,
Matt Kuntz

Executive Director
NAMI Montana