About Us

In the summer of 2004 a group of families with loved ones with critical brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, OCD and schizoaffective disorder bonded and made a vow and commitment to establish a non-profit entity called FACES. We formed our group in loving memory of Justin Myers who lost his life to bipolar disorder. We were a determined group of individuals who knew the great need for improved services for those challenged with brain disorders. Mental illnesses are biologically base brain disorders and have nothing to do with moral fortitude. Stigma concerning these illnesses had built a barrier of shame and ignorance and made society and family members reluctant to demand better services for these crucial medical conditions. And so with the help and expertise of our founding advisors (James D. Phillips JD, PHD, J.C. Sadler, Stella Cline, MD, C William Sublett, Jayne Johnson, and David Mangano) we embarked on a journey of providing needed services to the community.

The current and former Board Members have worked hard and passionately to accomplish the goals of FACES. We thank all our members, contributors and volunteers for our successes and trust that they shall continue in the future.

One main avenue of accomplishment comes from our Support Groups which we host twice a month. Here family members can gain comfort, insights, and referrals from others who have walked the same walk. Our ten annual Community Education programs have brought in outstanding speakers from the medical field, community service boards and related social services, law enforcement, consumers, and government officials. We have presented two successful conferences on suicide prevention and we participate in volunteer programs for Central State and Gateway Homes. Our website informs the public of available local resources and of our activities. We have a lending library that helps to educate the public on brain disorders as well as coping methods and strategies for better mental health outcomes. We are especially proud of our home, the FACES Family Center, which is provided by the grace and support of St. Marks United Methodist Church.

On November of 2005 we hosted our premier fundraiser at Swift Creek Mill Theater. Since then, we have held many fundraisers, including a Fun Fall BBQ at a favorite restaurant in Chesterfield County, King’s Korner. Our fundraisers not only supported our efforts, but have also highlighted our local businesses.

We can proudly say that through the years we have connected with thousands of residents of the Greater Richmond area in our goal to support and educate families and to advocate for better mental health services and for more funding for those services.

The FACES Board

Former Board Members are: Founding members Pam Weiseman, Derle Edwards and Deborah Tucker. We continue with J.C. Sadler, Linda Townsend, Jeanne Wendt, Terry Fowler, Pat Francisco, Bonnie Reid, Patti Betancourt and Judy Wolfe. Former Executive Directors: Barbara Kunowsky and John Ficklin. Former Treasurers Steve Watt, Gary Wendt, Fred Robinson and Deb White. We are forever grateful for your service.

Current Board members are Co-Chairs and Founding Members Pat Myers and Candy Watt. Current Board members are Ruby Fitzgerald, Sandy English, Cassandra Smith and Kathleen Dowdy. Current Executive is Director Jill Weiseman. Thank you for continuing our mission.