Joel Ojida
Social workerAdvocate
United States
Joel Ojida is a retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and social worker whose work focuses on mental-health support for veterans and other community members. He serves as Community Resource Coordinator for NAMI Greater Cleveland and has held a leadership role on NAMI’s national Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council. [3][4][5]
Career and work
Ojida served in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of sergeant before retiring from military service. He later studied social work and earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2024. [4][3]
At NAMI Greater Cleveland, Ojida works as Community Resource Coordinator, developing partnerships that connect people with community services and support. He also founded and facilitates a men’s support group based on the NAMI Connection model. Nationally, he has served on NAMI’s Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council and was named its chair, advising NAMI leadership on issues affecting military and veteran families. [4][2][5]
What has been publicly discussed
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Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
National Alliance on Mental Illness“Meet Joel Ojida, a Marine veteran…” NAMI’s video transcript in which Ojida discusses bipolar disorder, complex PTSD, his 2015 suicide attempt, recovery, community, and peer support.
National Alliance on Mental Illness“A Veteran’s Mental Health Mission: Helping Men Heal and Find Community” Profiles Ojida’s lived experience and his work creating a mental-health support group for men.
National Alliance on Mental Illness“Hope Starts With Us: Support on the Homefront – Military & Families” Describes Ojida’s Marine Corps service, social-work career, support-group work, and involvement with NAMI’s veterans council.
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National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter“2024 Regional Award Winners” Documents Ojida’s social-work education, NAMI Greater Cleveland position, support-group work, and service to military and veteran communities.
NAMI Greater Cleveland“The Voice — Winter 2026” Documents Ojida’s appointment as chair of NAMI’s Service Members, Veterans, and Families Council and describes the council’s national advisory role.
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Recommended books and other resources about Joel Ojida and their experiences.