UH social work student recognized for mental illness rehabilitation efforts

MANOA—Josue E. “Sway” Nunez, a first-year graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa’s Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, is a national service award semifinalist for his innovative fundraising approaches in support of rehabilitation programs for individuals with mental illness.

Washington Campus Compact and Inspireum recently announced the top 50 semifinalists for the Students In Service Awards, which recognizes outstanding college students whose volunteer service positively impacts society and inspires others to serve.

Nunez is a fundraiser for the support and awareness of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for people with mental illness. He created and led a campaign, “Miles for Mental Health,” to raise money for the Hale O Honolulu Clubhouse. The nonprofit organization is one of 400 clubhouses in over 30 different countries that helps provide highly structured and supportive employment, continuing education, positive relationships and social interactions, mental and physical wellness education, and everyday life skills.