Bao Linh Art

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) – CAF provides opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. I love sports and been involved with CAF since 2016 as a grant recipient and now serving on the Northern CA Advisory Council. I have found an incredible community and opportunity to help others who can benefit from CAF.

Joni & Friends – Since 1979 Joni and Friends has committed to reaching and serving people with disabilities with practical help and the saving love of Jesus. Their vision is see a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. I have been privileged to partner in their work since 2003 serving at four Family Retreats; five international outreaches delivering wheelchairs and bibles to Vietnam, Thailand & Ghana; and help lead respites at my local churches. As a person living with disabilities, my relationship and faith in Jesus as my savior is the foundation of who I am and how I live my life.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI works to educate, support, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones. They provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. In 2009, I was officially diagnosed with bipolar type II disorder. This was a shock but explained my mental health struggles from my freshman year in college where I experienced my first mental health episode. I have spent decades figuring out why I continued to experience severe depression and mania. One of the ways that I cope is to help others who are also living with mental illness and serve as an advocate educating my community that mental illness is like any other illness. Those who are experiencing it needs to know that it is okay to not be okay and there is hope with support resources available.