Sunshine From Darkness presents annual mental health summit

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 23 percent of U.S. adults – totaling approximately 61.5 million – experienced mental illness in 2024. Additionally, 16.5 percent of U.S. youth ages 6-17, equating to 7.7 million, have a mental health disorder. Unfortunately – whether due to cost, access to care, or stigma – only 52 percent of those adults and just under 51 percent of those youths received any treatment.

In an effort to support mental wellness and reduce the stigma of seeking help, nonprofit organization Sunshine From Darkness has announced its 2026 Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit. The event – which costs $25, including all sessions and lunch – takes place on Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium), located at 225 University Town Center Drive, near Nathan Benderson Park.

The Summit, purposefully scheduled during Mental Health Awareness Month, is designed to empower attendees with practical coping skills, tools to support mental wellness in our community, and inspiration to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. The ultimate goal is to make a real difference in the lives of those who attend, whether they are a mental health practitioner, working in a mental health-adjacent field, or an individual whose life has been impacted by mental illness – their own or a loved one.

This year’s Summit will center on the shared human experiences that shape our emotional wellbeing — grief, trauma, family challenges, and the everyday stressors that impact our mental health. Through speaker sessions on mindfulness, coping skills, interactive experiences, and the healing power of music therapy, the summit will create a safe, inclusive space for individuals and families to learn, connect, and strengthen their resilience. Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with community resources, hear from experts and peers in the mental health field, and connect with others who care about mental wellness.

“Step Into the Light is an opportunity for clinicians, clients, parents, advocates, and anyone interested in mental health wellness to come together and access valuable resources and support,” said Sunshine From Darkness Executive Director Marlene Hauck. “By sharing knowledge and experiences, attendees can build a stronger and more supportive mental health community.”

During the event, attendees will hear from two dynamic keynote speakers: Johnny Crowder is a suicide and abuse survivor, touring musician, certified Peer Recovery Specialist, public advocate for mental health awareness, and founder of Cope Notes. He will talk about his personal experience with multiple diagnoses, which uniquely equips him to provide realistic insights — and inspiration. Jerod Ward is a former professional basketball player, TEDx and motivational speaker, college basketball analyst for networks including ESPN and Fox Sports, and founder of JW Global Speaks, LLC. He will share lessons from his life, one filled with extraordinary promise, unexpected adversity, devastating injuries — and ensuing depression — but, ultimately, triumph.

Presenting Sponsors are Jeffrey Peterson, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Grace Community Church. Silver Sponsor is Sage Therapeutics.

For more information or to register, visit stepintothelight.sunshinefromdarkness.org.

About Sunshine From Darkness
Founded as a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, Sunshine From Darkness is dedicated to supporting mental health wellness through programming, education, collaboration, and advocacy, as well as fundraising for impactful research and effective community engagement. Sunshine from Darkness committed to creating a community where mental health challenges are met with understanding, support, and resilience. Its mission is to enhance and promote mental health wellness in our community. Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.