Resident's legacy is remembered at the NAMI YANA Sarasota

By Carlin Gillen
| 5:30 p.m. July 28, 2025

Sarasota
Neighbors

Memories bloom at the YANA Sarasota while honoring the beloved memory of friend and family member, Janice Marie Chestnut.

On July 26, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and You Are Not Alone (YANA) center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Janice Marie Chestnut Memorial Garden. The garden is a gift from the center from the Chestnut family to thank the center for all the mental health support Ms. Chestnut received.

“The fact that the family felt like she received so much when she attended here and they can honor her with a little Zen Garden in our backyard is really neat. Which can continue her legacy and be a good reminder to folks.” said NAMI CEO Colleen Thayer.

The garden took about a year to plan and build and has inspired Chestnut's son, James C. Jacobs, to launch a foundation in her name.

“We’re going to focus on homelessness, HIV awareness, substance abuse, domestic violence and most importantly mental health.” explains Jacobs.

Jacobs said it's his desire to break the stigma of mental health, provide care and education for the public.

The YANA Sarasota center is located at 240b S. Tuttle Ave in Sarasota.

The official ribbon cutting: Victor Jacobs, Jamil Jacobs, Candi Jacobs, Shirley Jacobs, James Jacobs, Addison Jacobs, Colleen Thayer and Shayla Jacobs.

A closer look at the Janice Marie Chestnut memorial plaque.

James C Jacobs III shares his thanks and the memory of his mother during the ribbon cutting ceremony for her memorial garden.

The unveiling of the memorial plaque to honor Janice Marie Chestnut's memory.

NAMI CEO Colleen Thayer shares her gratitude and well wishes for this special ceremony to honor her memory.

Candie Jacobs, Victor Jacobs, Jamil Johnson, Shirley Jacobs, James C Jacobs III, Addison Jacobs and Shayla Jacobs.

A closer look at the Janice C Chestnut Memorial Garden.

James C Jacobs giving his many thanks and sharing the memory of his mother, Janice Marie Chestnut.

The floor plan of the Janice Marie Chestnut Memorial Garden, in its early stages of planning.

The Janice Marie Chestnut Memorial Garden.

author

Carlin Gillen

Carlin Gillen is an intern reporter for the Observer. Originally from Lakewood Ranch, she studies journalism and English at the University of Mississippi. She loves photography, writing and finding a story to tell within everyone.