Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit

In an effort to support mental wellness and reduce the stigma of seeking help, nonprofit organization Sunshine From Darkness has announced its 2026 “Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit.” The event takes place on Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium), located at 225 University Town Center Drive, near Nathan Benderson Park. The Summit, purposefully scheduled during Mental Health Awareness Month, is designed to empower attendees with practical coping skills, tools to support mental wellness in our community, and inspiration to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health practitioners, those working in a mental health-adjacent field, or individuals whose life has been impacted by mental illness – their own or a loved one - are especially encouraged to attend. This year’s Summit will center on the shared human experiences that shape our emotional wellbeing — grief, trauma, family challenges, and the everyday stressors that impact our mental health. Through speaker sessions on mindfulness, coping skills, interactive experiences, and the healing power of music therapy, the summit will create a safe, inclusive space for individuals and families to learn, connect, and strengthen their resilience. Keynote speakers will be Johnny Crowder, a suicide and abuse survivor, touring musician, certified Peer Recovery Specialist, public advocate for mental health awareness, and founder of Cope Notes; and Jerod Ward, a former professional basketball player, TEDx and motivational speaker, college basketball analyst for networks including ESPN and Fox Sports, and founder of JW Global Speaks, LLC. Presenting Sponsors are Jeffrey Peterson, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Grace Community Church. Silver Sponsor is Sage Therapeutics. Tickets are $25 and include all sessions and lunch. For more information or to register, visit stepintothelight.sunshinefromdarkness.org.