Caminar Connections: April 2025

Honoring Barbara Ellis Jones, Celebrating Michael Collopy

Caminar’s work would not be possible without the dedication of passionate community leaders and supporters. The late Barb Jones became involved with Caminar’s Family & Children Services division as a donor over 20 years ago. In 2012, she joined the Board of Directors. Barb was a beloved philanthropist, civic leader, tireless community volunteer, and a larger-than-life figure who was committed to bettering everyone’s life, especially women and children.

The Barbara Ellis Jones Award for Community Service honors Barb’s legacy. It recognizes an individual or organization taking innovative approaches to mental health care through thought leadership, program implementation, or funding. Past honorees include Dr. Steven Adelsheim, Valle Monte League, and our former board chair Betsy Pace.

This year, we recognized Michael Collopy with the Barbara Ellis Jones Award for Community Service in appreciation for his unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to mental health advocacy.

Michael is not only an internationally acclaimed photographer, but also a powerful storyteller and teacher whose work shines a light on humanity through his artistry. He has photographed some of the world’s most significant and influential leaders, from Mother Teresa to the Dalai Lama to Lady Gaga. Despite his busy life as a renowned photographer, his heart remains deeply committed to serving our local community.

Michael leads our Expressive Arts Program and works tirelessly alongside Caminar to bring awareness to mental health, reduce stigma, and amplify the voices of the people we serve. Michael has the gift of seeing and potentiating the creative spark in our clients. He makes art come alive as a source of creation and healing for so many of our clients.

In accepting the award, Michael shared,

“Fortunately, in my life, I have had many amazing mentors who have helped to inspire me in this work to dismantle the barriers that stigmatize and exclude. One thing I learned when I began is that you don’t go to the margins to work with those who have been stigmatized to make a difference - because then it is only about you. You go to the margins so that those on the margins can make you different, so that you can be changed.”

Michael’s generosity, compassion, and dedication reflect the very spirit of this award, and we are profoundly grateful for his partnership and impact.

Impact!

We are pleased to share our Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Impact Report. Thank you for joining Caminar’s mission to build strength and stability through comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment delivered through evidence-based, whole-person care. You are helping to build thriving lives and supportive, uplifting communities!

Recent Educational and Thought Leadership Resources