NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee Counties this week partnered with First Watch – the Bradenton-based Daytime Dining concept – and its restaurant leaders across 530 locations throughout 29 states to foster open dialogue related to mental wellness in the workplace. Beth Walters, CRPS, peer development manager with NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee Counties presented, “Take the Moment: Fostering Open Dialogs, Cultivating Empathy and Understanding,” via a webinar that was recorded and viewed across First Watch’s internal network on May 29. The session focused on providing restaurant and Home Office leaders with information on how to give mental health support to those in need. Kate Kennedy-Lynch, director of external relations for NAMI National, also provided information during the webinar on how local NAMI affiliates are a resource in communities throughout the country. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. As a local affiliate, NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee Counties provides a variety of programs locally to raise awareness and provide support and education to individuals, families, and caregivers on their journey to mental wellness. “We were happy to be part of First Watch’s initiative to reach its restaurant leaders with information on how they can support their teams as it relates to mental wellness,” said Colleen Thayer, executive director of NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties. “Having the right workplace culture is a key ingredient toward fostering mental well-being among both employees and customers, and we are glad they asked us to be part of their initiative by providing this training.” With headquarters in Lakewood Ranch, First Watch is an award-winning daytime dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients and fostering a culture that puts its employees first. As a part of its “You First” culture, First Watch operates on one-shift-a-day, “No Night Shifts Ever” approach which allows its teams to enjoy their evenings and an improved quality of life. Because of these efforts, in 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout the month, First Watch focused its “Be a Better Human Learning Series” on mental health by offering a variety of presentations and resources to its employees. For more information about First Watch, visit FirstWatch.com. For more information about NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, visit NAMISarasotaManatee.org.