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Our Mission

The Z-Cares Foundation mission is to encourage meaningful conversations about youth mental health while reducing the stigma throughout communities.

 

Z-Cares Foundation will accomplish this mission through; providing evidence-based guided content and building awareness about youth mental health.

Together, we’re changing the way the world talks about youth mental health.

Together We're Building a world Where no one Struggles Alone

Our Impact

At Z-Cares, we believe that mental health conversations save lives—and we’re on a mission to make those conversations happen everywhere.

 

Since our founding, we’ve empowered thousands of students, families, and community members through films, events, and education that break the silence around mental health. From powerful documentaries and peer-led discussions to self-guided resources and community partnerships, we’re creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

 

Inspired by the life and legacy of Zachary Nimmo, we’re turning loss into purpose—and sparking real change in the way we talk about mental health.

Our Founders

Steve Nimmo

President, Z-Cares Foundation

I’m proud of what we’re building through Z-Cares, and I know Zachary would be too.

Mannie Nimmo

Executive Producer, Z-Cares Films

Starting and keeping the conversation about mental health going, This is what Z-Cares is all about

Samantha Nimmo

Director, Youth Ambassadors

The life that Zachary lived helping others empowers me everyday to spread the message about how important mental health is.

Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors

Aarnav

College

I am particularly drawn to the mission of Z-Cares Initiative, which seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage meaningful conversations

Nina

High School

Emily

High School

Ovi

High School

Gauri

High School

Shae

 

High School

Sirish

High School

I joined Z-Cares to help raise awareness, start honest conversations, and make sure everyone knows it’s okay to speak up and seek support.

Sruthi

College

I've experienced the negative burdens of today's society in regards to my health, so I joined the Z-Cares Community so I can talk about it!

Board of Directors

Al Nimmo

 

Board Member

Ken Nimmo

Finance

This cause is important to me because we all struggle at one time or another. We need to talk about it.

Laurie Whiteland

 

Board Treasurer

The work we have been able to accomplish and plan to accomplish is having powerful impacts across our communities.

Liz​ Lyons-Wagner

 

Education

 I’ve worked as an educator for 32 years and I am excited to work with Z-Cares to create a supportive and responsive educational program to support families and youth

Natalie Hung

 

Board Secretary

Z-Cares provides resources and educates the public about why Mental Health Awareness is so important.  We care unconditionally.

Saradha Rajagopalan

 

Board Member

I was excited to join Z-Cares. Their goals aligned with my beliefs and I jumped right on to make use of my skills and provide support.

Noor Dharni

 

Board Member

Z-Cares is doing a great job breaking the stigma of Mental Health issues and I'm so excited to be a part of what Z-Cares is doing.

Our Advisor
Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.

Mark Reinecke

Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He served for 18 years as Professor and Chief of the Division of Psychology at Northwestern. Prior to this he served for 14 years as the Director of the Center for Cognitive Therapy in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. He is a Distinguished Fellow and former president of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in both Clinical Psychology and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. Dr. Reinecke also is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He is the recipient of the Cynthia D. Belar Distinguished Service Award from the American Psychological Association. His research and clinical interests center on understanding and treating depression, suicide, and anxiety among children and adolescents. He has lectured internationally and has served as a visiting professor at institutions in Europe and Asia. Dr. Reinecke is widely published, and has authored or edited eleven books, including Cognitive therapy across the lifespan, Comparative treatments of depression, Cognitive therapy with children and adolescents, Personality disorders in children and adolescents, and Cognitive-behavioral therapy with adults.  His first book for a general audience, Little ways to keep calm and carry on was published by New Harbinger. A new book, Landmark papers in psychiatry, (Oxford University Press) was published earlier this year.  

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