The Z-Cares Initiative was established in 2019 to honor the memory of Zachary Nimmo. Zachary was always quick to stand up for a friend in need and was there when he was needed most. This is the essence of the organization. Z-Cares will stand up to anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders in support of the communities we serve through evidence-based programs and content offerings. Our vision is for all communities members recognize it is 'OK to Not be OK.'
Our 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 offerings; building awareness; and encouraging ongoing conversations about youth mental health throughout the communities we serve.
Z-Cares is here to help. Let's talk about it!
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Zachary Nimmo is the inspiration of the Z-Cares Initiative. We are dedicated to changing lives in Z's honor
Our Founders
Steve NImmo, Co-Founder
Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder
Mannie Nimmo, Co-Founder
Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"In reflecting on my role in Z-Cares Foundation and why I want to be involved in something this special. In October of 2018 our world would shift forever and as a family we needed to decide a new direction. Zachary was such a special person and we knew we had to honor
Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"In reflecting on my role in Z-Cares Foundation and why I want to be involved in something this special. In October of 2018 our world would shift forever and as a family we needed to decide a new direction. Zachary was such a special person and we knew we had to honor him in a very special way. Z-Cares allows us to help others in his honor. He was the one who quickly stood up to a bully for a friend, so we are doing to same in his name. Mental Health is now the bully and together we stand up. I am proud of this organization and I think he would be too."
Mannie Nimmo, Co-Founder
Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder
Mannie Nimmo, Co-Founder
Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"When asked WHY I do what I do with Z-Cares, I always answer the same - one can curl up in a ball and do nothing or one can keep the sunshine alive by making sure we learn to deal with the dark shadows that pop up in everyone's life and learn to TALK about them. This
Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"When asked WHY I do what I do with Z-Cares, I always answer the same - one can curl up in a ball and do nothing or one can keep the sunshine alive by making sure we learn to deal with the dark shadows that pop up in everyone's life and learn to TALK about them. This is what Z-Cares is all about - starting and keeping the conversation about mental health going and getting people to realize mental health is as important as physical health and we need to treat it that way!"
Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder
Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder
Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"A lot of people ask me why i’m involved in a foundation around mental health. My answer is simple, because of my brother Zachary. The life that he lived helping others empowers me everyday to spread the message about how important mental health is. No one should live with the weight that anxiety and de
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"A lot of people ask me why i’m involved in a foundation around mental health. My answer is simple, because of my brother Zachary. The life that he lived helping others empowers me everyday to spread the message about how important mental health is. No one should live with the weight that anxiety and depression puts upon you. It's our mission at Z-Cares to show people it’s simply okay not to be okay. I am beyond proud and passionate to help break the stigma around mental health. Mental health is beyond important to our overall well being and not enough people believe this yet."
Our Executive Team
Ken Nimmo, Finance Director
Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer
Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"This cause is important to me because we all struggle at one time or another. We need to talk about it. There should be a perception of strength to ask for help or to speak up. That is change I want to help make."
Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer
Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer
Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer
Youth Mental Health First Aider
Natalie Hung, Events Director
Natalie Hung, Events Director
Natalie Hung, Events Director
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"I joined Z-Cares to help families in their journey as they struggle with mental health. Mental Health awareness is important to me and my family. I look to share the message to be positive, stay strong and things can get better."
Raquel Lozares, Secretary
Natalie Hung, Events Director
Natalie Hung, Events Director
Youth Mental Health First Aider
When I was asked to join the Z-Cares Board almost four years ago, I did not hesitate to say yes. I have always been involved with the youth of our community by coaching, working, being a driver or team mom for my 3 kids. Watching the Nimmos go through Zach’s passing has been heartwrenching. To see how this
Youth Mental Health First Aider
When I was asked to join the Z-Cares Board almost four years ago, I did not hesitate to say yes. I have always been involved with the youth of our community by coaching, working, being a driver or team mom for my 3 kids. Watching the Nimmos go through Zach’s passing has been heartwrenching. To see how this affects the family and other kids to this day makes me more passionate to help in any way possible. We need to get the word out that it is ok for kids to feel what they feel and they are not the only ones feeling anxious, sad, depressed, or whatever other feelings they have. We all have had those days when nothing can go wrong and days when nothing can go right. Being young and learning how to deal with those feelings and seeking help if need be is what Z-Cares is about. We are trying to present tools so all families can help their own kids or maybe recognize that one of their kid's friends may be in trouble and needs someone to intervene on their behalf. Anxiety isn’t a joke and losing children, teenagers and young adults with a full life ahead of them is devastating and we all should be knowledgeable on how to help. Once you start the important conversation with a young person about mental health you could possibly be changing the course of their life and your family's. To say it coudln’t happen to my family is a lie, it can happen to anyones. Because I have been involved with kids so much, I have unfortunately attended more funerals than I should have had to. Economics played no role in these kids taking their lives, only the lack of recognition that they were suffering a mental health crisis. Not every person can be saved but I would like to try and make a dent. This is why I joined the Z-Cares Board and why I fully stand behind the messages we put out there. The Nimmo’s have been through a lot and to use their experience to save others is nothing short of what I would expect from them. Z-Cares and the Nimmos’ truly care about you, your family, and the youth of every community, not just the local ones. Please help us help others in anyway you can and Stand Up for our youth.
Our Youth Board
Ally
Himani (She/Her)
Ally
"Through my own mental health struggles I’ve learned the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. When you're in a dark place it can feel almost as if no one has and will ever feel the same way. Z-Cares breaks that stigma and reminds us all that we are in this together. At the end of the day the hardest things to be said should be said the loudest and that is why I joined Z-Cares team. "
Caty
Himani (She/Her)
Ally
Youth Mental Health First Aider
“Mental health is important to me because it wasn’t talked about very often when I was struggling with my own depression and anxiety. I felt broken and different from all of my friends. It was so challenging to ask for help but I’m so thankful I did. I want to do everything I can to normalize talking about mental health and emphasize it’s okay not to be okay.”
Himani (She/Her)
Himani (She/Her)
Himani (She/Her)
"My name is Himani (she/her) and I’m currently studying Psychology . Mental health is important to me because I believe it is just as important as physically health. As someone who has struggled with anxiety I’m aware of the impacts mental health struggles have on day to day life. I want to help others deal with those daily struggles and
"My name is Himani (she/her) and I’m currently studying Psychology . Mental health is important to me because I believe it is just as important as physically health. As someone who has struggled with anxiety I’m aware of the impacts mental health struggles have on day to day life. I want to help others deal with those daily struggles and to help remove stigmas surrounding mental health. Z-Cares helps me to reach those goals. Everyone deserves to have access to mental health care."
Josh
Natalie
Himani (She/Her)
"Mental health is important to me because I want to help as many people as possible get to a better place in their life."
Natalie
Natalie
Natalie
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"Mental health is important to me because a lot of people suffer from anxiety and depression, and they do not realize that it is a normal thing to experience. I want people to know that they are not alone and that they can get through this. I’m very excited to be a part of Z-Cares and to be able to spread awareness!"
Noor
Natalie
Natalie
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"Mental health is important to me because I believe no one should have to suffer through anxiety or depression thinking they are alone. Mental health in general is very personal to me and I've watched it affect the people around me as well as myself. I truly believe the power of someone reaching out to help
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"Mental health is important to me because I believe no one should have to suffer through anxiety or depression thinking they are alone. Mental health in general is very personal to me and I've watched it affect the people around me as well as myself. I truly believe the power of someone reaching out to help is still so underestimated and I want to make sure no one should have to feel like I once did. 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."
Sruthi (she/her)
Sruthi (she/her)
Sruthi (she/her)
"The reason why mental health is so important to me is because I've struggled throughout the years with my anxiety, Constantly wondering what others will think or what I can do to be perfect. The worst part of my life was caused by my mental health and I would never want anyone to feel the way I did. I want to help other people and make t
"The reason why mental health is so important to me is because I've struggled throughout the years with my anxiety, Constantly wondering what others will think or what I can do to be perfect. The worst part of my life was caused by my mental health and I would never want anyone to feel the way I did. I want to help other people and make them feel safe with their struggles, and Z-Cares accomplished those goals. Everyone deserves the right to feel happy and safe :)"
Our Board of Advisors
Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.
Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.
Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.
Professional Advisor
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
Professional Advisor
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.
Karin Gornick
Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.
Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.
Production Advisor
Emmy Award winning social impact film producer
Our Board Members
Scilla
Scilla
Scilla
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"I met the Nimmo family under unfortunate circumstances when they lost their son Zachary. I connected with them in a way I don't always connect with people. They didn't just move my heart, they inspired me. Z-Cares Foundation felt like part of my family and I wanted to be part of it and I felt I had
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"I met the Nimmo family under unfortunate circumstances when they lost their son Zachary. I connected with them in a way I don't always connect with people. They didn't just move my heart, they inspired me. Z-Cares Foundation felt like part of my family and I wanted to be part of it and I felt I had something I could contribute. I personally believe in the mission. We should be able to jump in and help without hesitation if someone is struggling and find the courage for ourselves to speak up if we are struggling. That is whyI joined Z-Cares and am honored to a part of it."
Steve
Scilla
Scilla
Youth Mental Health First Aider
"I believe in people. I particularly believe in the potential of young people. I believe if we can help them to connect with others and ultimately to themselves, we will help them realize their own potential"
Our Press
- KTVU Fox 2 - Stories of Hope - Shorts (January 2023)
- KTVU Fox 2 - Simone Biles highlights struggles many face, mental health advocates say (August 2021)
- KTVU Fox 2 - Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 (May 2021)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Z-Cares encourages more dialogue around mental health (April 2021)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Z-Cares raising youth mental health awareness with Stand UP campaign (October 2020)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Z-Cares Invite People to Share "What Makes me Happy" (May 2020)
- HVY.COM - Z-Cares Launches "What Makes Me Happy Challenge" (May 2020)
- California Schools Publications - Addressing Teen Mental Health (April 2020)
- Livermore Independent - Conference to Open Dialogue on Anxiety (March 2020)
- KTVU - Step Forward Event Promotion (March 2020)
- People Magazine - Family Dedicated to Anxiety, Depression Awareness (December 2019)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Nimmo Family (November 2019)
- KTVU - Angst Screening Promotion (November 2019)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Honoring 2019 Tri-Valley Heroes (October 2019)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Tri Valley Hero Awards (October 2019)
- Sunday Morning Magazine with Rodney Lear (June 2, 2019)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Standing Up to Anxiety (March 8, 2019)
- Positive Parenting - Mr Dad Interview (January 2019)
- KTVU - Z-Cares First Screening (December 10, 2018)
- East Bay Times - Z-Cares Advocates Mental Health Awareness (December 11, 2018)
- Pleasanton Weekly - Upcoming Screening of Angst (December 6, 2018)
Our Inspiration: Zachary Nimmo
Meet Zachary
Z-Cares Foundation is in honor of Zachary Nimmo. The Nimmo Family, Zachary’s Mom, Dad and Sister Samantha along with their extended family and amazing friends created Z-Cares Foundation in response to the outpouring of love and affection for Zachary during, and after his life. Z-Cares is a non-profit foundation with the goal of keeping Zachary’s memory alive and generating the funding necessary to support programs that will help remove the stigma of anxiety and mental illness.
Imagine, you get a common cold, it's no big deal. Your cold gets worse, you now have pneumonia, what do you do? Of course you go to the doctor. Why do we treat anxiety different? You experience mild anxiety due to an upcoming test, it's no big deal. Your anxiety gets worse, you are now isolated in your room and withdrawn from your friends, what do you do. Too often we do nothing and say nothing. Everyone has anxiety, don’t let it reach dangerous levels. Anxiety isn’t cool, but talking about it is!
Zachary had a zest for life, he was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a teammate and most importantly, a friend. He was liked by everyone and always put others needs ahead of his own. Who was Zachary? Zachary would stand up to bullies who were picking on a friend. That is who Zachary was. If he knocked down an opponent on the sports field, he would help him up. That is who Zachary was. He would torment his sister until they both laughed about it. That is who Zachary was. Zachary was known by his friends as a ‘Hybrid’; He was an athlete, excelling in lacrosse and soccer and he was a self proclaimed ‘geek’, loving fishing, gaming and comics. That is who Zachary was. We can all learn from how Zachary lived.
What was not known was the severity of Zachary’s anxiety. Without an understanding of anxiety, Zachary was referred to as shy; It was anxiety. Experiencing teen hormones; It was anxiety. He began to withdraw from his friends; it was anxiety He stopped participating in team sports; It was anxiety. He spent most of his time alone; It was anxiety. He was seeking medical and psychological help, but it was too late.
In Zachary’s honor, Z-Cares Foundation will start the conversation about anxiety and keep it going. If you feel you are experiencing anxiety, say something; if you see a friend experiencing anxiety, say something, don’t let a minor anxiety issue become something dangerous, say something.
We are all in this together and no one fights alone LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!