For 30 years, Breaking the Silence has brought the Omaha community and beyond together to learn, connect and remind one another that mental health can impact anyone.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, Community Alliance will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its signature community education and awareness event at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
Breaking the Silence has grown into one of the region’s premier mental health awareness gatherings. It also serves as a fundraiser that supports the many services Community Alliance provides to more than 6,000 individuals each year.
More importantly, the event creates space for families, professionals, advocates and community leaders to come together, reduce stigma, recognize the need for mental health services and expand access to care for those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
What began three decades ago as an idea has grown into a lasting tradition rooted in education, compassion and hope. Deb Trivitt, who helped imagine Breaking the Silence, is deeply proud to see it reach its 30th year.
“I was hopeful it would continue to grow,” she said. “This is a sustainable event because it gets so much support from Community Alliance staff, volunteers and the board. That doesn’t happen everywhere.”
An idea for “Breaking the Silence” in Omaha
Long before conversations about mental health became more common, Deb recognized how much people struggled to find information and resources for accessing mental health and substance use treatment. She joined the Community Alliance board after hearing something that stayed with her.
“A friend who served on the board told me Community Alliance knew its mission and stuck to it,” Deb said. “That impressed me.”
As the board brainstormed ways to increase Community Alliance’s visibility, Deb believed an annual event could do more than raise money.
“I knew a special event wasn’t the most efficient way to raise funds,” she said, “but it was one of the most visible ways to increase awareness of Community Alliance’s services.”
Deb had experienced the effects of mental illness within her own family, including loved ones who lived with depression and family members lost to suicide. While she understood mental illness personally, she realized she wouldn’t have known where to turn if someone in Omaha needed help.
“It’s about letting people know there is help in the community,” she said. “Breaking the Silence was, and still is, an awareness event.”
Mental health challenges don’t discriminate
The event’s name came from actress Mariette Hartley’s memoir “Breaking the Silence,” which tells the story of growing up with a mother living with severe mental illness. After reading the book, Deb proposed Mariette as the event’s inaugural speaker.
That idea helped establish the foundation of Breaking the Silence: inviting well-known individuals to share their personal experiences with mental health.
“It was about taking away the stigma, to help people understand mental health is just as important as physical health,” Deb said.
Community Alliance CEO Aileen Brady says that approach continues to shape every year’s event.
“If you bring in public figures, attendees realize, ‘Oh, it happens to them, too,'” Aileen said. “Outside of the event, the speakers spend time with the people we serve. So many of those speakers say, ‘I’m just like you.’ It normalizes mental illness. It doesn’t matter your age, race or socioeconomic status. It can impact anyone.”
Join us in celebrating 30 years of impactful conversations
While awareness around mental health has grown dramatically over the past three decades, the need for education and honest conversation continues.
Each year’s featured speaker brings a unique perspective to keep this important conversation going, from journalists and actors to advocates and athletes.
This year, Community Alliance will welcome former NFL wide receiver and mental health advocate Brandon Marshall as the featured speaker.
Since being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which includes strong emotions that disrupt stability and relationships, Brandon has become a prominent mental health advocate. Drawing from his lived experience, Brandon has transformed personal challenges into a purpose-driven lifestyle focused on longevity, wellness and unlocking human potential. His message of resilience and hope is sure to inspire all in attendance.
As Community Alliance prepares to welcome Brandon Marshall this October, the purpose behind the event is as meaningful as it was 30 years ago: breaking stigma, encouraging hope and ensuring more people know that help is available. We invite you to join us on Thursday, October 8, as we celebrate 30 years of Breaking the Silence.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and reserve your tickets today.
