NAMI | NAMI SWLA Executive Director Recognized

Photo: Sisters Charlotte Koons (Left) and Marty Cox (Right), along with her son, Michael, surprise Clarice during award ceremony.

The Women's Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. held their annual Women's Conference on Thursday, October 15th, 2009. During which time, Clarice Raichel, Executive Director of NAMI SWLA and NAMI National Board Member, was presented with the Jack V. Doland "Citizen of the Year Award."

The award was established in 1991 in honor of the late Senator who was a strong supporter of women's issues. Recipients of the award must be a resident of Southwest Louisiana and be selected by the Commission through a nomination process based on: individual achievements, contributions to civic and volunteer groups, honors received, and ways in which this individual has made a difference in the lives she or he has touched. Past Recipients of this prestigious award include: Senator Willie Mount, Koni Bridges, Ann Polak, Jennifer Jones, The Honorable Patricia H. Minaldi, Judge, and Dr. Nancy Shepard, to name a few.

All of us at NAMI SWLA would like to congratulate your well deserved recognition in the community, and all your continued work with the NAMI Southwest Louisiana mental health community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Women's Commission of Southwest Louisiana for presenting me with the Jack V. Dolan "Citizen of the Year Award." I am overwhelmed and humbled that this award was given to me.

Although this a surprising and wonderful form of personal recognition, I must give the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Louisiana and the long list of NAMI volunteers, staff, consumers, and mental health providers for making this honor possible. NAMI is the calling that drives me every day to help those living with the affects of mental Illness. So, without them, this honor would not have even been possible. Thank you, Women's Commission, for recognizing the work of NAMI Southwest Louisiana.

Sincerely,
Clarice Raichel
Executive Director, NAMI Southwest Louisiana
NAMI National Board Member
2009 SW Louisiana Women's Commission "Citizen of the Year"

NAMI SWLA's Executive Director Recognized