May 2026 Newsletter

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. InterAct staff is reflecting on what makes a “good day,” focusing on the cultivation of more good days in a vocation that can be very fulfilling and yet is always extremely challenging.

Dr. Towanda Garner, InterAct’s Therapeutic Services Program Administrator, is leading a month of activities: mental health breaks, meditation sessions, self-assessments, and continuing education opportunities for staff. Participants watched films on mental health, trauma-informed care, the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and practices to promote mental wellbeing.

Mental Health America’s theme for the month is “More Good Days, Together.”  The theme focuses on community support, connection, and taking intentional action to improve mental wellness.

Through many different activities, Dr. Garner encouraged staff members to reflect on what a “good day” means to them and how to make good days occur more frequently by working together.

Question: How can we help each other to have a “good day” at InterAct as we work together to meet the needs of consumers we serve?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on “Turning Silence into Connection” to fight stigma, encourage story-sharing, and build empathy.  

Question: How do you build empathy in the workplace for colleagues and consumers you encounter?

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has taken the theme, “See the Person. Support the Journey.”

Question: Are we addressing the whole person –including housing, work, and social needs – rather than treating symptoms, particularly when addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges?”

Finally, Dr. Garner asks the most important question: “Are you sufficiently taking care of your mental health needs? You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not selfish but necessary.”

Self-care is critically important to avoid burnout and maintain the ability to give support to others.

The month will culminate with a mental health presentation from Dr. Garner and Dot McFadden, Director of Sexual Assault Services and a Peace Walk to soothe the mind.

For 76 years, Wesley Memorial UMC has ministered to its congregation from its Whitaker Mill Road location. Now, in the face of dwindling membership and the aging of those who remain, Wesley Memorial is closing its doors. Its final service will be June 28.

InterAct recently received a generous gift from Wesley Memorial as part of the distribution of its remaining cash assets.

In a letter, David C. Parker, church secretary, wrote, "Many of our members are aware of the great work you do to help stop the cycle of domestic abuse and sexual assault. As Wesley Memorial UMC gets ready to close our doors after 76 years of 'Serving God by Serving Others,' we wanted to offer this gift to you to help support the work you do. Thank you again for the help you provide."

The gift was made in memory of longtime members Joe Massey and Ginny Parker.

Reached by phone, Mr. Parker commented that writing checks to area agencies filled him with joy. "It is sad to say goodbye, but we will go on to other service at other churches, still serving others," he said.

For this writer, and we suspect many others, Wesley Memorial will always be remembered for the sign on Whitaker Mill Road with its changing words of wit and wisdom. We will miss it!

Women of Nutanix Durham assembled 350 hygiene kits for adults and babies and delivered them to InterAct in the hope that the kits would go "directly to women and families taking the brave steps to rebuild their lives and secure safer futures, providing them with essential care when they need it most."

The volunteer event engaged 52 Nutanix employees--men as well a women. Last year, Nutanix assembled 100 kits for InterAct, so this year they more than doubled their output!

"We are big advocates and supporters of your work at InterAct," the organizers noted. Each kit contained an encouraging message written by volunteers.

Nutanix is a hybrid cloud computing leader, offering organizations a unified software platform for running applications and AI and managing data anywhere, helping organizations simplify operations and freeing them to focus on goals.

"It is so inspiring to see our culture value of heart put into action," the organizers said. "A massive THANK YOU to all the employees who took time out of their day and rolled up their sleeves to give back! "

The Assistance League of the Triangle gives regularly in support of the Solace Center, purchasing urgently needed items to keep supplies in stock, as well as making cash donations.

Judy Thompson, center, of the Assistance League, is pictured with sexual assault case manager Greyson Thornburg, left, and Dot McFadden, director of sexual assault services.

Lilly Rakes and Jennifer Compean, left, from Parker Hannifin's Peer W outreach group managed an employee donation drive and delivered much-needed items for the InterAct pantry.

"Enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow," Parker is the global leader in motion and control technologies, playing a pivotal role in applications that have a positive impoact on the world.

Thanks to Parker for having a positive impact on InterAct's work with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors!

Nationwide volunteers reported for their annual project in InterAct's front garden this week. The group arrived with tools, plants, and enthusiasm and proceeded to make our little corner of the world more appealing.

The volunteers also did a major clean-up of the Healing Garden in our courtyard, where both staff and clients can enjoy a respite when needed.

Shimmy Mob is a global campaign to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence through the art of belly dance. The Raleigh Shimmy Mob team in Raleigh performs regularly in support of InterAct.

The Shimmy Mob has its own special donation page set up specifically for the Shimmy Mob Campaign.

Looking to attend a shimmy mob performance? Visit the Shimmy Mob website to see where they will be next!

Members of InterAct staff attended the annual Yardi non-profit fair (pictured above: Maddie Patrick, left, and Maia Heath). Yardi provides high-performance software to consumers in the real estate industry; they have also been a long-time supporter of InterAct. About 20 Wake County non-profits set up in the spring heat; Yardi staff made their way down the line and learned about each organization and its respective mission. To wrap up this event dedicated to community awareness, all attendees received a food truck meal ticket and enjoyed a complimentary lunch.

So glad you are here.

InterAct is serving more clients than ever. Domestic violence and sexual assault are with us year-round. Your steady support is more important than ever.

Help us sustain our momentum and make an impact every day.

Click here to make a one-time donation, set up a recurring donation, or make a non-cash gift via your DAF, a stock transfer, or an IRA gift.

• Peer W and Parker Hannifin/Parker Foundation
• Assistance League of the Triangle Area
• Duke Raleigh Hospital
• State Employees Combined Campaign
• Town of Garner

• Bon Iver 2 A Billion Campaign, Eau Claire Community Foundation April Base Fund
• First Church of God Ministries
• Go Raleigh
• Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
• Christ the King Lutheran Church

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