CommUnity a series of stories about how people in Dane County come together to help each other

These stories were produced by professional master's students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The entrance to NAMI Dane County's new office location. Photo taken by Katherine Zimmerman.

NAMI Dane County Bolsters Peer Support as Mental Health Funding Dwindles in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the closure of vital mental health resources like Uplift Wisconsin has left a gap in support for those in need. The helpline once connected thousands to critical assistance, but it was shut down in early 2025 after losing a major grant. But amid this crisis, National Alliance on Mental Illness Dane County is expanding its peer support services and advocating for systemic change to ensure no one is left behind. Read more.

The Sarah Shulze Foundation, one of the event’s largest donors, stepped up to start the walk. Photo by Esther Launstein.

“You’re not alone”: Annual Madison walk advocates for suicide prevention

The April sun shines down on the dark pavement of the Sellery basketball courts on the UW–Madison campus. People from all over the community are there — more than 200 participants of all ages, backgrounds, genders and identities — to participate in an Out of the Darkness Walk meant to raise awareness and funding for suicide prevention research. Read more.

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