When the 2025 Walk for Mental Wellness stepped off in downtown Fredericksburg, one group among the crowd stood out – not just for their #WeAreREC shirts, but for the purpose that brought them together. Organized by Yohanna Dalmasi, Treasury Analyst, the REC team joined hundreds of walkers in support of Mental Health America – Fredericksburg Region (MHA Fred) to raise awareness and funds for mental wellness in Fredericksburg and surrounding communities.
For Dalmasi, this wasn’t just another volunteer effort – it was deeply personal.
“Before joining REC, I spent years volunteering with MHA Fred,” Dalmasi shared. “So when the opportunity came up, it felt like a natural next step to rally my coworkers around a cause I deeply believe in. Creating a team was a meaningful way to bridge my professional life with a mission that’s always been close to my heart.”
Dalmasi was joined by fellow REC employees Wendy Calcutt, Senior Accountant Plant; Jennifer Jordan, Accounts Payable Professional; Dione LaBossiere, Departmental Assistant; and James Williams, Project Manager. Together, they walked in solidarity for mental health, one step at a time, but part of a larger goal to log one million steps for mental wellness.
As an event sponsor, REC helped support MHA Fred’s essential, no-cost community programs. These include the HELPLINE resource hub, the Senior Visitors companionship program, suicide prevention education for youth and support groups for those navigating mental health challenges.
In Fall 2023, MHA Fred also received $5,000 from The Power of Change to expand access to therapy and group services for underserved populations.
Dalmasi’s involvement with MHA Fred began through a friend, initially assisting with accounting. But her commitment deepened when she learned about the suicide prevention program – a cause that resonated deeply.
“I was especially moved by their Suicide Prevention Education initiative,” she said. “That program partners with local schools to deliver evidence-based curricula to middle and high school students. I believed in it so much that I became a presenter. Seeing firsthand the impact it had on youth and how they connected with the material and opened up during those sessions solidified my commitment.”
For Dalmasi and her team, the walk wasn’t just a show of support, it was a reminder of REC’s values in action.
“It made me proud that REC was a sponsor,” she said. “It shows that REC doesn’t just talk about supporting the community but actively invests in its well-being. Being a sponsor reflects our commitment to showing up where it matters most.”
Beyond the cause, Dalmasi reflected on the connections made during the event.
“The walk itself was incredibly meaningful, but the real highlight was getting to know my coworkers on a deeper level while seeing our broader community come together – people from all walks of life, united for a cause that affects us all.”
She also offered a powerful reminder for her fellow employees:
“Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. It isn’t optional; it’s essential. You really can’t have one without the other. We all strive for balance, and the first step is recognizing that your mental well-being deserves the same attention, care, and respect. Prioritize rest, ask for support, and remind yourself that taking care of your mind is an act of strength, not weakness. Prioritize it. Protect it. Talk about it.”
